Women's National Book Association

A group organized in 1917 as a women's book trade organization, later expanded to promote reading programs and recognize women in literature.

BIOGHIST REQUIRED The Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) was formed in 1917 as a group to promote reading and the role of women in the book industry. They currently have nine chapters across the country as well as a number of corresponding and supporting members. The WNBA has had a number of important members including Pearl S. Buck and Alice B. Toklas, and most of the members are active authors or editors.

The chapters of WNBA are based in Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C. New York City was the first chapter, and remains the center of the national organization. Many of the chapters were founded by former members who moved to new places and organized local women involved in the book industry into the group. The organization continues to grow, the Seattle Chapter was founded in 2008 and Charlotte in 2009.

The WNBA gives several awards every year. The WNBA Award formerly the Constance Lindsay Skinner Award) is given to a woman who works in the book industry full time, and has done exceptional work in promoting books beyond the responsibilities of her job. The WNBA Eastman Grant gives money to library associations to support the training and professional development of librarians in states where there is a WNBA chapter. The WNBA Pannell Award is given to booksellers who work to promote interest in books among children and young adults.

The WNBA is also a Non-Governmental Organization member of the United Nations, and is active in working with the United Nations to promote literacy across the world. They are particularly involved in work with UNICEF and were active in the International Book Year and the International Year of the Child.