Cody Award
Cody Award
Honoring the
Outstanding
The Cody Award is presented by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation to honor outstanding work that shapes, broadens, and illuminates the literary landscape and contributes to the mission of public libraries. The award is named for Fred and Pat Cody, founders of Cody’s Books, and is presented at the Foundation’s Authors Dinner.
The 2025 Cody Award
In celebration of Heyday publisher’s 50th anniversary, the 2025 Cody Award will be presented to the editors of News from Native California magazine and the Berkeley Roundhouse for their exceptional dedication to amplifying the voices and experiences of California’s Indigenous peoples from tribal nations within and throughout our state.
Past Recipients
2024
CalMatters
2023
The Magnes
2022
Bay Area Book Festival
World-class literary event that brings attention to new and notable authors and gathers readers together for timely, meaningful discussions
2020
Pegasus Books
Beloved community-oriented bookstore celebrating over 50 years in business
2019
John and Helen Meyer
Sound system pioneers, steadfast champions of Berkeley’s library, arts, and culture
2018
Steve Silberstein
Library innovator and philanthropist, developer of automated systems used in library systems around the world
2017
Linda Schacht Gage
Library advocate, Authors Dinner founder and longtime chair, and renowned broadcast journalist
2014
Donna Corbeil & the BPL Staff
Director of Library Services and staff, who oversaw the renovation on rebuilding of the neighborhood branch libraries
2012
Berkeley Reads
Berkeley’s acclaimed adult and family literacy program, based in the Berkeley Public Library
2011
Marion Abbott & Ann Leyhe
Founders of Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore, Berkeley
2010
Malcolm Margolin
Author, publisher, and founder of Heyday, an independent publisher focused on California cultures, landscapes, and ideas
2009
Anna Rabkin
Author and the first president of the Berkeley Public Library Foundation
2008
Alice Waters
Food activist, author, chef, and founder of Chez Panisse Restaurant and the Edible Schoolyard Project
2007
Small Press Distribution
Nonprofit book distributor, supporting independent publishers and writers
2006
Friends of the Berkeley Public Library
Member-supported nonprofit operating two used bookstores to help fund Berkeley’s public library programs and collections
2005
Nolo Press
Publisher of how-to books on law and business
2004
Pat Cody
Co-founder of Cody’s Books, Berkeley
The Library is a real treasure for Berkeley residents and their children.
–Erik Tarloff, Author and BPLF Donor
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