Community Read

Navigate

Join The Lit Lounge Bookclub
Join us for the 2025 Book Distribution Party

About the Community Read

The Community Read, presented by Aspen Words and the Pitkin County Library, strives to celebrate literature, unite readers around a work of fiction, and ignite meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored in each year’s Aspen Words Literary Prize-winning novel and those nominated.

Each year, after the Aspen Words Literary Prize is announced, Aspen Words and the Library team up to put these great stories into readers’ hands. Together, we distribute free copies of the winning book to community members, helping spark conversation, connection, and a shared love of literature.

Book Distribution Party
Wednesday, June 3

5:00-6:30 p.m.
Pitkin County Library

Sign-up for a free book

Register for a free copy of ENDLING by Maria Reva

Celebrate the joy of reading and community as we come together to kick off the 2026 Community Read! Pick up a free copy Endling and connect with fellow readers. Enjoy live music, light refreshments, an exciting raffle, and an evening filled with literary fun. Don’t miss out—come and be a part of the community-wide reading adventure!

Pitkin County Library (120 N. Mill St. Aspen, CO 81611)

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT PITKIN COUNTY LIBRARY: JOIN THE LIT LOUNGE BOOK CLUB

A group inspired by the Aspen Words Literary Prize
Meeting every 3rd Tuesday at 5-6 p.m. MT

Each month, readers can dive into exceptional fiction that illuminates critical social issues, challenges perspectives, and fosters meaningful conversations. Fiction selections will span diverse voices and genres, explore themes like justice, identity, resilience, and the human experience so that the group can delve into stories that not only captivate with their artistry but also ignite discussions about the world. The intention of this group is to gather and discuss great books.
Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or someone looking to expand your literary horizons, The Lit Lounge is a space for readers who value the power of fiction to inspire change, connect communities, and spark new ideas.
Each month, bookclub members are encouraged to select the book they’re most interested in from the wide world of Aspen Words Literary Prize nominees (2018-present) and then come together to discuss, share insights, and encourage fellow readers.
Join for engaging dialogue, thoughtful insights, and, of course, the occasional surprise guest or creative twist!”
JOIN TODAY!
Explore the abundant reading options

Details for the 2025 Community Read will be announced later this spring.

The Community Read, presented by Aspen Words and Pitkin County Library, strives to celebrate literature, unite readers around a work of fiction and ignite meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored in the winner of the Aspen Words Literary Prize.

SAVE THE DATE
Aspen Words Literary Prize Book Distribution Party 

Wednesday, June 3
Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
free & open to all

Registration coming soon!

Join us in celebrating the winning title of the 2026 Aspen Words Literary Prize! Swing by our community book distribution party at the Pitkin County Library to pick up a free copy of “Endling” by Maria Reva and enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks.

Registration information coming soon!

REGISTER HERE

SAVE THE DATE

Special Lit Lounge Book Club: Aspen Words Literary Prize Longlist Celebration

Tuesday, August 18
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. @ Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
free & open to all

Join us for a special edition of The Lit Lounge as we celebrate the longlisted titles for the 2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize! This month, we’re spotlighting the incredible fiction that made it onto the longlist—books that illuminate vital social issues and showcase the transformative power of storytelling.

Rather than focusing on one book, we invite you to come ready to discuss any of the longlisted titles that spoke to you. Whether you’ve read one or several, this is an open, dynamic space to share insights, discover new reads, and connect with fellow literature lovers in the community.

Expect a festive atmosphere, light refreshments, and a few creative twists to mark the occasion. Let’s gather to celebrate these powerful stories—and each other.

More details to come!

More 2025 events to be announced

(REVIEW PAST EVENTS BELOW)

Community Read Book Celebration and Movie Weekend: Featuring food, drinks and Hamlet

Friday, September 13
5 p.m.-8:35 p.m. @ Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
free & open to all, no registration required 

Hamlet (1948) - IMDb

Join us in the Dunaway Community Meeting Room to celebrate Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, winner of the 2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize. Enjoy food and drinks including wine, beer and soft drinks before screening Hamlet (1948), the production at the center of Enter Ghost. Eat, drink, and enjoy the company of other literary lovers in the community.

 

Saturday, September 14
2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. @ Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
free & open to all, no registration required

Hamlet (1996) - IMDb

Attend a second screening of the production at the center of Enter Ghost featuring Hamlet (1996). The screening is free and open to all, seating is first come, first served. Popcorn will be available.

An evening with NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, moderated by APR’s Breeze Richardson

Wednesday, October 9
6-7 p.m. @ TACAW
free & open to all, registration TBA

Join us for a conversation with 2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize ceremony moderator, novelist and host of NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Mary Louise Kelly.

Moderator: Aspen Public Radio’s Executive Director Breeze Richardson.

This event is free and open to all, registration is requested (attendees of the Book Celebration on Friday, September 13 will have early access).

DOORS: Open at 5:30 p.m.

EVENT: Conversation 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

SEATING: General admission and available on a first come, first served basis.

Come early and purchase a drink at the TACAW bar.

Registration coming soon!