The City of Toronto and Toronto Public Library are pleased to announce the longlist for the 2026 Toronto Book Awards, recognizing authors whose works capture the spirit, history, people and places of Toronto.
The 2026 longlist includes:
A shortlist of five finalists will be released in September. The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony at the Toronto Reference Library on Tuesday, November 10. Last year, the City doubled the prize amount. The winning author will be awarded $20,000, while the remaining shortlisted finalists will each receive $2,000.
About the Toronto Book Awards
The Toronto Book Awards honours authors whose books are inspired by the city. Established in 1974, the awards celebrate literary excellence and recognize works that deepen understanding of Toronto’s people, places, histories and diverse communities.
This year’s jury brings together an accomplished group of award-winning writers, publishing professionals, educators and literary advocates from across Toronto’s literary community, including author and poet Jake Byrne, novelist and non-fiction writer Kristen den Hartog, literary agent Julia Kim, educator, anti-racism advocate and writer Matthew R. Morris and poet, translator and curator Bänoo Zan.
More information about the award is available on the City’s Toronto Book Awards webpage.
Readers can explore and borrow longlisted titles through Toronto Public Library’s curated Toronto Book Awards longlist 2026 collection.
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.