The Library of Congress announced that it will honor Peruvian write Mario Vargas Llosa with its prestigious Living Legend Award, which honors those who have made "significant contributions to America’s diverse cultural, scientific and social heritage."

Born in Arequipa, Peru, in 1936, Vargas Llosa became one of Latin America's most prominent writers in the 1960s. He has penned dozens of novels, worked as a journalist, a public intellectual and a political commentator. 

“Mario Vargas Llosa has brought to life the history and character of the Latin American people in memorable literature that has been translated into many languages around the world,” Acting Librarian of Congress David S. Mao said in a statement. “The Library of Congress is proud to honor him and his work.”

Other writers of note to have received the Library's Living Legend honor include Toni Morrison, Judy Blume, Miguel León-Portilla, Gordon Parks, Philip Roth, Maurice Sendak, and Ursula LeGuin. The recognition is also given to visual artists, filmmakers, athletes, entrepreneurs, investors, activists, and others.

A scholarly symposium will precede the award announcement at the Library's Coolidge Auditorium in Washington D.C. Acclaimed novelists, scholars, and even Edith Grossman, who has translated many of Vargas Llosa's works into English, will take part in the conversation. The event is open to the public.