The 2025 Plutarch Awards Shortlist was announced recently. The Plutarch Awards are:
A distinguished panel of judges from the Biographers International Organization (BIO) is proud to announce the five books shortlisted for the 2025 Plutarch Award, the only international literary award for biography judged exclusively by biographers.
(from the BIO website)
While some library workers and readers may not be familiar with these awards, they can definitely be used as part of passive readers advisory in book displays. Biographies are very popular with readers and these awards represent what those in the field believe to be the best in their genre. Setting up a display with information about the awards, the organization which awards them, as well as the current shortlist is a great way to provide information to your patrons.
Set up the display away from your biography section and include information about where to find it if your building is large. Don't assume that every patron knows what your collection includes. Displays can be put on book carts if necessary so that they can be moved to different parts of the building.
To fill in the display, you can use previous years winners as well as other titles from those authors. There is an information page about the award with biographies and bibliographies of winners as well as a news page with press releases from previous years. The display can even be filled with biographies that your staff picks. Ask for titles which could use some more attention. Double check the display to make certain that it includes a diverse group of subjects as always.
