WESTPORT — Zadie Smith, an award-winning novelist and essayist, has been selected to receive the first “Westport Prize for Literature” from the Westport Library.

Smith, a British writer known for her work since the 2000 publication of her first novel, “White Teeth,” will be presented with the award during a program set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at the library, 20 Jesup Road.

The award, according to the library’s announcement, will be presented annually “to honor an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society.”

In future years, the award will be administered by a steering committee of Westport volunteers, with an independent jury selecting the winner. 

Next year, plans call for the award to be presented during the Westport Library’s annual “StoryFest” program.

Smith, whose historical novel, “The Fraud,” is expected to be published this fall, has also written “The Autograph Man,” “On Beauty,” “NW,” “Swing Time,” as well as the novella “The Embassy of Cambodia” and collections of short stories and essays.

She is a three-time nominee for the Booker Prize, and last year received the PEN America Literary Service Award.

Smith “is an icon in letters and an inspiration to writers — and a delight for readers — everywhere,” Candice Savin, chairwoman of the Westport Prize for Literature steering committee, said in the library’s publicity statement.

“We could not imagine a more deserving award winner for our inaugural prize. To have her in Westport is an honor for us and a treat for the entire community.”

For more information, visit the Westport Library’s website or call 203-291-4800.