Full Breakdown
Carnegie Medal Winners Megha Majumdar and Yiyun Li Celebrate Libraries
1/28/2026, 1:26:31 AM
Honoring Literary Excellence
The American Library Association has announced the winners of the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction. Novelist Megha Majumdar and memoirist Yiyun Li have been recognized for their significant contributions to literature. Majumdar received the award for her novel “A Guardian and a Thief,” which narrates a woman's challenging journey from India to the United States. Li was honored for her memoir “Things in Nature Merely Grow,” where she addresses the profound loss of her two sons to suicide. Each author will receive a $5,000 prize and will be celebrated at the ALA conference in June in Chicago.
Authors' Reflections on Libraries
Both authors have expressed deep appreciation for libraries, which have played pivotal roles in their literary journeys. Majumdar frequently visits libraries not only for reading but also for writing, noting, “I go often enough that I have favorite places to sit.” Her experiences in libraries span from her childhood in Kolkata, where she borrowed stacks of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys novels, to her current visits to the Brooklyn Public Library, where she finds a sense of community and solitude.
Li, who teaches at Princeton University, recalls her first encounter with a library as a transformative experience. She states, “In an alternative life, I could have been a librarian,” highlighting her admiration for the physical presence of books. Li's journey from Beijing to the United States began with her education at the University of Iowa, where she was captivated by the public library's offerings.
Impact of Their Work
The literary achievements of Majumdar and Li extend beyond their awards. Majumdar's debut novel, “A Burning,” received critical acclaim and established her as a prominent voice in contemporary literature. Similarly, Li's accolades include the PEN/Faulkner Award and The Guardian First Book Award, showcasing her literary prowess. Lillian Dabney, chair of the awards' selection committee, praised Majumdar's novel for its emotional depth and relevance, while commending Li for her courageous storytelling.
Criticism & Opposition
While the awards celebrate the authors' achievements, some critics argue that the literary community often overlooks diverse voices in favor of established names. This ongoing debate highlights the need for continued efforts to promote inclusivity within the literary landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Megha Majumdar’s intoxicating novel is filled with emotion and relevance to all people and all places across time,” — Lillian Dabney, Chair of the Awards' Selection Committee
- “It’s a very good feeling to be in a place which affirms that we are welcome there, we are part of the life of the city,” — Megha Majumdar
The recognition of Megha Majumdar and Yiyun Li underscores the vital role libraries play in fostering literary talent and community engagement, affirming their importance in contemporary society.
