Authors, members and guests gathered at the KC Central Library for the 35th Annual Thorpe Menn Literary Excellence Award on Oct. 5. The award was established in 1979 by AAUW-KC to honor Thorpe Menn, longtime book editor of The Kansas City Star, who supported all aspects of Kansas City’s cultural life, especially local authors and artists.

The 2013 Award was presented to Samuel Arbesman for his book The Half-Life of Facts.  The finalists were: Hughes Keenan, The Harvest Is Past and Debra McArthur, A Voice for Kanzas. Congratulations to all 17 nominated local authors!

“35 Authors: Where Are They Now?”, a special tribute to the past winners, was presented by guest speaker Vivien Jennings, president of Rainy Day Books. The tribute was a compilation of author interviews, research and a video produced by event and reading committee members.

We are already making plans for the 36th event in October 2014.  If you would like to nominate an author for the 2014 award, please visit “Thorpe Menn” under the “Events” tab for qualifications and submission details. Or you may contact Linda Daugherty at (913) 449-1130 or lindadaugherty2000@yahoo.com.