WOMEN’S NATIONAL BOOK ASSOCIATION STREAMLINES NOMINATION PROCESS FOR THE WNBA PANNELL AWARD
Since 1983, the Women’s National Book Association has awarded one of the most prestigious honors in children’s bookselling. Given annually at BookExpo America’s Children’s Book and Author Breakfast, the WNBA Pannell Award recognizes bookstores that enhance their communities by bringing exceptional creativity to foster a love of reading in their young patrons.
Every year a panel of publishing professionals selects two winners of the award—one a general bookstore and one a children’s specialty bookstore. The store nominations come from customers, sales reps, store personnel, or anyone who has been impressed with the work of a particular independent bookstore
It is time to start the nomination process which has been simplified to ensure the nomination of every deserving store. Electronic nominations can be sent to PannellAward@gmail.com and should include the following:
- Name, email address, and phone number of person making the nomination
- That person’s connection to the nominated store
- A brief statement outlining the reasons that store is being nominated
- Contact info for the owner/manager of the nominated store.
The nominations are due by January 15, 2013, at which time a press release will be issued listing the nominees. The nominated store then puts together an electronic submission with a description of activities, goals, or any contribution to the local community that involves young people and books. Photos, media coverage, letters from customers, or anything else that transmits the degree of contribution can be included in the submission. The deadline for submissions is March 20, 2013.
The Pannell Award jurors will make their decision by late April, and a phone call will notify the winners, as well as all stores sending submissions. Each of the two winners will receive a $1,000 check and a framed signed original piece of art by a children’s illustrator. The presentation of the award will be in New York at the BEA/ABA Children’s Book and Author Breakfast, which draws more than 1,000 attendees. Along with WNBA, Penguin Young Readers Group co-sponsors the award.
