Book Collecting Competition

To encourage undergraduates to collect books, build their libraries, and read for pleasure and education, Adrian Van Sinderen, Class of 1910, established two prizes in 1957. The Senior Prize is now $1,000, and the Sophomore Prize is  $700. Honorable Mention prizes are awarded at the discretion of the judges. 

The purpose of the competition is to encourage students to build collections characterized by unity of field or subject. First consideration is given to discrimination and judgment in the selection of titles. Collections acquired solely for courses are not acceptable. 

Collections may cover specific subject fields, such as history, biography, literature, philosophy, or the sciences; pertain to a particular interest within one of these fields; be formed for their bibliographical features (i.e., edition, illustrations, bindings, etc.); or represent an intelligently chosen nucleus of a general library. 

Rare editions and fine bindings receive no extra consideration. Paperbacks are acceptable if there is evidence of worthwhile thought and purpose. Subjects of winning collections have included beekeeping, food writing, Virginia Woolf, African American literature, Buddhist scripture, the Esperanto language, architecture, Korea, poetry, Sherlock Holmes, and dance.

Judges

Adam Van Sinderen Abbate
Joseph Agostini ’93
Nick Aretakis
(co-chair) Basie Gitlin ’10
Ryan Martins ’20 J.D.
Rebecca Martz
(co-chair) Miko McGinty ’93, ’98 M.F.A.
Jessica Pigza
E.C. Schroeder
Faven Wondwosen (SY ’27)

Deadline

February 20, 2026
5:00 p.m.

Submit application

FAQ

You should submit your strongest single collection, with the exception that you may submit a second collection if it is in the category of a general library. For reference, nearly all applicants submit only one collection.

The judges are interested in collections that show growth and curiosity beyond required classroom reading material.

Please review the comprehensive list of winning collections over the years on the website. You will see a wide array of collections, demonstrating that there are no rigid parameters for category or collecting interest that increase the chances of being awarded a prize. 

If possible, we encourage finalists selected for an interview to bring at least a sample of books so the committee can examine a representative selection. If your collection is not present in New Haven and it is impractical to bring in materials, you may share up to eight slides of your books or a short video (showing the books in their home context) with the committee during the interview.

You have the opportunity in your written statement to explain your collecting history, how you define what your collection encompasses, and how you have made choices regarding the types of material you include in your collection. The judges place emphasis on clarity of thought.

No. Awards have been given for collections that vary across these characteristics. The value of your books is not a judging criterion.

The judges are interested in physical objects and materials.

Yes. Examples of other printed material that can be included in a collection include maps, zines, postcards, brochures, comic books, manuscripts, etc.

Generally, winning collections have had 15 to 25 or more items, but there is no minimum threshold.

The coherence of your collection takes precedence over the number of books.

Yes, you must own and have assembled the collection. Gifts received from family and friends may be included; however, they should represent only a small portion of the overall collection and not constitute the majority of it.