The New York City Book Awards were founded in 1995-96 to honor books of literary quality or historical importance that evoke the spirit or enhance appreciation of New York City.

The 2016-2017 honorees were

Tyler Anbinder, City of Dreams: The 400-Year Epic History of Immigrant New York (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

David Oshinsky, Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine & Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital (Doubleday)

Roxane Orgill and Francis Vallejo, Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph (Candlewick Press)

The Hornblower Award for a First Book
Corey Pegues Once a Cop: The Street, The Law, Two Worlds, One Man (Atria Books)

The Library was proud to honor the 2016-2017 winners with a ceremony and reception on May 3, 2017.

Library trustee Ellen M. Iseman, left, spoke about the importance of New York City books, authors, and libraries, saying that "In these fragile times, I'm especially pleased to be associated with the Book Awards for their affirmation of unfettered, creative thinking and for all that is valuable about libraries when our cultural life has been so denigrated in the political realm."

Tyler Anbinder, center, introduced New York as a city of immigrants, and Book Awards juror Peter Salwen, right, presented the award to David Oshinsky.

At left, jury chair Warren Wechsler presents the award for Jazz Day to Roxane Orgill. Mr. Wechsler also read remarks sent by Jazz Day illustrator Francis Vallejo. At right, David Oshinsky with his winning book Bellevue.

Corey and Brendale Pegues with Mr. Pegues' award plaque for Once a Cop. Winners signed copies of their books for guests.

The New York City Book Awards were generously underwritten by Ellen M. Iseman. The Hornblower Award was generously underwritten by Jenny Lawrence.