The Rittenhouse Award
The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) is now accepting nominations for the Rittenhouse Award, an annual honor historically given by PubWest in memory of Jack D. Rittenhouse, the West’s legendary bookman. 
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Although no longer specific to the geographic West, nominations should honor those who have made a significant and lifelong contribution to a pioneering and independent spirit of books and book publishing.
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Nominations are open to publishers, authors, booksellers, sales representatives, librarians, and book designers. One does not have to be a member of IBPA to be nominated, and the award may be given to a living person or awarded posthumously. Nominations may be made by any member of IBPA, as an individual or in a role as a corporate member.
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Nominations will be open from December 1 through January 31, 2026. The award committee will review the candidates in February and select a proposed winner to be shared with and approved by IBPA’s Board of Directors.
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The award will be presented to the recipient at IBPA Publishing University, which takes place May 14– 16, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
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To nominate a candidate, please fill out this form by January 31, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@ibpa-online.org.
About Jack Rittenhouse
Jack Rittenhouse was a multi-dimensional individual for whom books were a way of life. He circumvented many barriers of his time to help establish and elevate printing arts, writing, editing, and publishing in the emerging field of Western history. This award was established in 1990 to continue his legacy and recognize those who have made their own important contribution to the community of the book in the West.
2025 Honoree -
Angel City Press
Scott McAuley and Paddy Calistro, co-founders of Angel City Press, receive the award from John Szabo (right), City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library.
The 2025 Jack D. Rittenhouse Award was presented to Paddy Calistro and Scott McAuley, co-founders of Angel City Press. The award, established in 1990, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Western book community, and is named in honor of Jack D. Rittenhouse, a revered figure in the history of Western publishing.
Paddy and Scott were honored during a special ceremony at the PubWest 2025 conference on February 12 in New Orleans, where John Szabo, City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library, presented the prestigious award.
Founded in 1992, Angel City Press (ACP) has played a pivotal role in showcasing Los Angeles as a dynamic hub of culture, publishing over 100 titles that celebrate the city’s rich and diverse impact on the world. Under the visionary leadership of Paddy and Scott, ACP has not only brought attention to Los Angeles' cultural significance but also provided a platform for smaller presses and emerging voices. Notable projects include My California, which raised over $100,000 for the California Arts Council, and several collaborations with the L.A. City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Port of Los Angeles.
As founders and supporters of the L.A. Times Festival of Books, the nation’s largest consumer book fair, Paddy and Scott have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to strengthening the literary community in the West. Their legacy culminated in their decision to gift Angel City Press to the Los Angeles Public Library as they prepared for retirement.