The South Carolina book award program began in 1976 with the participation of sixteen schools. At the present time, there are approximately three hundred schools and more than 30,000 students participating in this program.

The original book award program was a children's division for students in grades 3-6. Additional levels were gradually added, and with the inclusion of the Picture Book category in 2003, all students in grades k-12 can now participate.

Since the inception of the South Carolina Book Award program, SCASL members have provided leadership and volunteered many hours of service to make the program a success. Some highlights of the Book Award program are:

• 1976 - Children's division begun - Edna Bedenbaugh, Chair
• 1980 - Young Adult division added - Sue Harden, Chair
• 1980 - First Executive Board Representative elected - Alleene Holland
• 1980 - Banners Program added - Debbie Stone and Alleene Holland, Co-chairs
• 1993 - Junior division added - Jan Sarratt, Chair
• 2003 - Picture Book division added - Joyce Moore, Chair

To view past book winners, select category below.