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The Rittenhouse Award is given annually at the PubWest conference in memory of Jack D. Rittenhouse, the West’s legendary bookman. It was established in 1990 as a way to thank and honor the lifetime achievements of those who have made an important contribution to the community of the book in the West.
PubWest Presents 2025 Jack D. Rittenhouse Award to Scott McAuley and Paddy Calistro of Angel City Press
PubWest is proud to announce that the 2025 Jack D. Rittenhouse Award has been 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. In reflecting on this gesture, John Szabo remarked, “Bringing Angel City Press to the library is a natural extension of our mission to amplify the voice of authors, celebrate their work, and preserve their stories. This is a publisher that is renowned for its role in helping writers create books that explore all that is quintessentially Los Angeles. As the new stewards of Angel City Press, we are thrilled to continue and expand that tradition.” The Rittenhouse Award ceremony, marked by heartfelt applause and a standing ovation, celebrated their remarkable achievements and lasting influence on the book industry. |
Scott McAuley and Paddy Calistro of Angel City Press with John Szabo of the Los Angeles Public Library |
