2025 David Ruggles Prize Entry Details
The 2025 iteration of the international book collecting David Ruggles Prize established to support and encourage young collectors of color is now open for entries.
The $1,000 grand prize, $500 second prize, and $250 third prize are awarded annually to applicants whose collections are considered most outstanding by a panel of judges. This round's deadline is June 8 and entry is open to anyone aged 35 or younger, living anywhere in the world.
An expansive view of the term 'book' is taken by the David Ruggles Prize's judging panel. Entrants need not have a collection of traditional hard and softcovers, as comic books, graphic novels, zines, contemporary book art, and handwritten manuscripts are all welcomed. Application is online and entrants can submit applications in advance for review by one of the judges. Past applicants who did not receive a prize are encouraged to apply again, showing evidence of growth in their collection.
The prize honors the legacy of David Ruggles, an early American abolitionist, publisher, and Underground Railroad conductor. The New York grocery store he opened in 1828 soon became the country’s first Black-owned bookstore.
"Beyond rewarding existing collectors, we hope this prize will encourage young book lovers to become book collectors," say the organisers.
