The Des Moines Public Library Foundation is proud to announce the honorees for the 25th annual Iowa Author Awards, a celebration of literary excellence and the premier fundraising event for the largest public library system in Iowa.
The 25th annual Iowa Author Awards Dinner, presented by Venerable, will take place on Thursday, October 9, at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, former home to the city’s central branch library. This year’s ceremony will recognize four outstanding writers—Kaveh Akbar, Kali White VanBaale, Vince Gotera, and the late John Domini—whose contributions to literature reflect Iowa’s vibrant and diverse literary landscape. Criteria for selection include literary merit, originality, and impact.
The 2025 honorees:
Kaveh Akbar, a nationally acclaimed poet and novelist, is known for his deeply lyrical work that explores themes of spirituality, addiction, and identity. His most recent novel, Martyr!, was named one of the best books of 2024 by The New York Times, while his poetry collections have earned praise for their emotional intensity and linguistic brilliance. Time placed Akbar on its Time100 Next list for 2024.
Kali White VanBaale is the author of several novels, including The Good Divide and the acclaimed The Space Between, which received the American Book Award. Her writing often delves into family, tragedy, and redemption, drawing on her Iowa roots. White VanBaale teaches writing in the MFA program at Lindenwood University, serves as editor-at-large for Past Ten, and advocates for mental healthcare reform.
Vince Gotera, professor emeritus of English at the University of Northern Iowa, is a poet, editor, and literary scholar whose work bridges cultural identities and artistic forms. He served as editor of the North American Review and has published numerous poetry collections exploring Filipinx heritage, family, science fiction, and fantasy. In 2024, Gotera was named Iowa’s poet laureate.
John Domini, honored posthumously, was a prolific writer, critic, and teacher known for his genre-defying fiction and fearless literary experimentation. His Naples-based trilogy, including The Archeology of a Good Ragù, earned him a devoted readership and critical acclaim. He leaves behind a legacy of boundary-pushing storytelling and mentorship in the literary community.
In addition to these four distinguished authors, Susan Amend Woody, the recently retired director of the Des Moines Public Library, will receive the Friend of Literacy Award. Woody’s visionary leadership expanded library services, championed early literacy efforts, and helped build a more inclusive and connected city through reading and access to information.
Tom and Christie Vilsack, the former Governor and First Lady of Iowa, are the honorary co-chairs for this 25th anniversary event. Tom Vilsack is former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and now serves as chief executive officer of the World Food Prize. Christie Vilsack has been a longtime advocate for reading and libraries; in 2006, she received the Friend of Literacy Award.
Since its inception in 2000, the Iowa Author Awards have recognized many of the state’s most influential literary voices, including Pulitzer Prize winners Marilynne Robinson and Jane Smiley and best-selling authors like Nikole Hannah-Jones and Bill Bryson. The event has become a cherished tradition celebrating not only Iowa writers but also the vital role of literacy in our communities.
The Des Moines Public Library Foundation provides nearly $300,000 in support each year for library programs offered citywide, serving people of all ages and backgrounds. The Iowa Author Awards Dinner is an integral fundraising source to fulfill this important mission.
To reserve tickets for the Iowa Author Awards Dinner, use the online registration form; sponsorships are available, in addition to single tickets at $225 each. For more information or if you need assistance, please contact the Foundation office by phone (515-412-0180) or email (info@dmplfoundation.org).