Dear WNBA Members and Followers,
On behalf of the WNBA board, I am writing to let you know that despite these trying times, WNBA remains committed to our mission to connect, educate, advocate, and lead in the book community.
We are over 100 years old now, and the organization has faced many challenges. Having been around since 1917, the organization has lived through countless global conflicts, sociocultural upheavals, changes to the publishing industry, and more. COVID-19 is, undoubtedly, a unique situation for all, and as we continue to navigate this ever-changing situation, WNBA will continue to adapt and pivot as needed.
To start, we’re adopting the following initiatives:
- On Wednesday, we launched a members-only book club on Facebook. This virtual monthly book club will read selections from our Great Group Reads (GGR) lists.
- Each month, the book club will begin on the first and end on the last day of the month, with members discussing the book through a private Facebook Group.
- On the last Tuesday of each month, we will have a live discussion about the book.
- Join us – we already have 55 members!
- We’re also going to be launching a new Facebook group and Instagram page for bookwomen across the country to connect. Look for the links to both in an upcoming email.
- Chapters are also starting to host remote events and initiatives. Check with your local chapter for updated events.
The one thing that remains the same is our commitment to the community we serve. My last president’s letter mentioned a few of the ways in which WNBA has helped me build my community. But, even though we have to take this community virtual for the time being, it does not change our belief in the importance of books, and the women who write, read, edit, and steward those stories.
Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us and who continues to support women in the book world.
We are thinking of you and wishing you and your loved ones good health.
Sincerely,
Rachelle Yousuf
President, Women’s National Book Association
