QUICK TAKES - Sept. 16, 2009

Gore Vidal will receive an honorary National Book Award medal this fall for “Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.” Vidal, who turns 84 next month, is known for such bestsellers as “Burr” and “Lincoln,” and for the play “The Best Man.”

Award organizers also announced Tuesday that Dave Eggers, 39, will be presented the Literarian Award for community service. Eggers, whose books include “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,” helped found 826 Valencia, which works with young people to develop writing skills.

The ceremony for the National Book Awards will be held Nov. 18.