The first batch of books for consideration for the 2015 VCU Cabell First Novelist Award is here! We're seeking readers to help us review the books so that we can select the finalists to be sent to the judges for final selection of the winner. All current students, faculty, staff and Friends of VCU Libraries are welcome to participate. Here's how to get started:

• Come to Cabell Library and browse the First Novelist shelf (around the corner from Starbucks, by the main staircase to the second floor).
• Choose a book and check it out at the Information Services desk, just as you would a normal library book.
• Read at least the first 50 pages (for the sake of fairness--but we won't make you read the whole thing if you don't like it) and complete a review form (if your book doesn't have a copy tucked inside already, extra copies are available on the First Novelist shelf or can be downloaded here).
• Return your review form in paper copy to the Cabell Library Information Services desk or scan/e-mail to firstnovelist@gmail.com.

You can review as many books you like. All reviews are due at the beginning of April, 2015. More books will be added to the shelf in the new year.

We appreciate all of your help and look forward to announcing the winner in the summer of 2015!

Image: VCU Cabell First Novelist Contest Submissions, by Amber-Lynne Taber