Every year since 1988, the New York Public Library has awarded the Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism. Named in honor of journalist Helen Bernstein Fealy, the award recognizes the work of a journalist who brings insight and attention to issues, events, and policies of contemporary public significance. This year is especially exciting, as we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the award.

Earlier this month, the nomination period ended with 98 nominated books.  Now, a library review committee has begun the process of narrowing this group of nominees to five finalists to be announced in February. A selection committee of working journalists will then choose the winning work. The Bernstein recipient will be announced at an award ceremony on Monday, May 22.  

We are proud to honor the efforts of those who strive to shed light on the unknown, untold, and unchampioned. This year's nominees touch on subjects as diverse and relevant as American elections, modern disease, police shootings, and the foreign and domestic policies of Iran, Syria, China, Ukraine, North Korea, and Palestine. What better way to begin celebrating the Bernstein Award than by exploring its past recipients? Find a complete list of prior winners, along with links to their books in our catalog and, where available, other related multimedia.

Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming months on the progress of the award committees and events related to the Bernstein Award.