Literary Prizes: Akram Aylisli’s People and Trees: A Trilogy (English translation by Katherine E Young) won the 2026 EBRD Literature Prize, putting translated fiction in the spotlight. Book Events: The Washington County Historical Society is hosting Dr. Bruce Venter on The Battle of Hubbardton at Sandy Hill Arts Center on July 7. Publishing & Training: PublisHer launched PublisHer Studio, a free eight-week global online learning program for women in publishing, with applications open July 1–Aug 1. Community Book Culture: Barnes & Noble opened a new Oak Park store in the historic Marshall Field’s building, with local author Mia Manansala signing copies of Death and Dinuguan. New Releases & Faith: Bedford author Jane Rubietta published Merge: The Road After Trauma Meets Faith, while Dr. Derrick Marshall released The Heart of a Son Vol. 2: The Theology of Sonship. Film-to-Books Buzz: Minions & Monsters is being pitched as a Hollywood love letter, and the movie’s reviews are driving fresh attention to cinema-themed storytelling.