The WNBA: Connecting, educating, advocating, and leading since 1917

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About the WNBA

WNBA Invitation, 1917; Credit: WNBA Archives

The Women’s National Book Association is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization devoted to connecting, advocating, educating, and leading in the book world since its creation in 1917.

We represent all aspects of the book industry, including authors, editors, publishers, librarians, booksellers, agents, designers, illustrators, and production and management professionals, and well as those outside of the industry, such as readers and students. The organization offers its members ways to engage with books, authors, and other like-minded bibliophiles in the pursuit of free ideas and great literature.


Our History

The Women’s National Book Association was established in 1917, before women in America had the right to vote. WNBA is a vibrant national organization. There are chapters with individual Active Members in ten cities, individual Network Members across the country, numerous corporate Sustaining Members, and chapter Honorary Members in the world of books and beyond. WNBA is a broad-based non-profit organization with three distinguished national awards, and a history of lively events in chapter cities and elsewhere.

WNBA Creed, 1927; Credit: WNBA Archives

WNBA Creed, 1927; Credit: WNBA Archives

To find out more about membership to the Women’s National Book Association, NYC Chapter, please clickhere.

Visit the National site at//www.wnba-books.org/


WNBA Awards and Initiatives

The WNBA offers prestigious initiatives and awards within the book industry. They include:

    • The WNBA Award.Given biennially to a woman who has done meritorious work in the world of books and beyond the duties or responsibilities of her profession or occupation. Recent recipients include: Amy King, poet, PR chair of VIDA, and author ofI Want to Make You Safe; Masha Hamilton, novelist and founder of the Afghan Women’s Writing Project; and Nancy Perl, nationally known librarian, author ofBook Lust IandII.
    • The WNBA Pannell Award. Given annually at the BookExpo America Children’s Book and Author Breakfast. This award recognizes and applauds the work of booksellers who stimulate, promote, and encourage children’s and young people’s interest in books.
    • The Eastman Grant.Given annually, this grant provides funds to library associations in support of their professional training programs.

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