The Oviatt Library

The Friends of the Oviatt Library at California State University, Northridge is putting out a call for submissions for its inaugural San Fernando Valley Award for Nonfiction.

The new honor was created to recognize the important contributions to nonfiction writing about the San Fernando Valley, and to promote research and writing related to the region.

“The San Fernando Valley, with a population of almost 2 million people, has a colorful history and bright future,” said Mark Stover, dean of CSUN’s Delmar T. Oviatt Library. “The Valley has played an important role in the evolution of the City of Los Angeles and the surrounding region for many years.

“Growth in the population, in industry and in the arts and culture make the Valley a rich source of material for nonfiction literature, including fields like history, journalism, the social and behavioral sciences, physical and life sciences, the arts, and biography,” he continued. “There are no other awards for books written specifically about the San Fernando Valley, so it makes perfect sense for the Oviatt Library at California State University, Northridge — the largest university in the region — to honor writers and researchers with this prize.”

Authors, publishers or any member of the public may submit entries for the award. All entries must be received no later than Dec. 1, 2015. Submissions must be original, nonfiction publications in book format. (E-books are eligible, but check the website below for details.) Acceptable subject categories include history, the social and behavioral sciences, physical and life sciences, biography and autobiography, and nonfiction works dealing with the humanities. The subject of the works must be related directly to the San Fernando Valley.

An award of at least $750 will be given to a writer who has produced a significant work of nonfiction dealing directly with the San Fernando Valley region. In addition, an honorable mention award of $250 also may be presented if warranted. If no honorable mention is given, the main award will be in the amount of $1.000.

For additional information about the San Fernando Valley Award for Nonfiction, for complete guidelines or to request a submission application, call (818) 677-2638 or visit the Friends of the Library website.

The Oviatt Library is located at the center of the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge. The library serves as the main research facility in the San Fernando Valley. For more information about the library or its hours, visit its website or call (818) 677-2285.

Delmar T. Oviatt Library, Friends of the Oviatt Library, San Fernando Valley