About the Women's National Book Association

The Women's National Book Association (WNBA) launched National Reading Group Month (NRGM) to further its mission to promote reading, a love of books, and women's careers in publishing and allied fields. The oldest continuously running women's literary organization in the country, WNBA was founded in 1917. For the past 90 years, it has united women — and now men — from every corner of the book world: writers, editors, librarians, bookstore owners, avid readers, and others.

WNBA provides a vehicle through which members act on their professional and personal commitment to champion the book and to stimulate the increased tolerance, social awareness, and civic involvement associated with reading. WNBA support the community of the book through charitable activities, professional development programs, and networking events.

NRGM is the latest of numerous activities through which WNBA fulfills its mission. We are also a Department of Information Non-Governmental Organization affiliated with the United Nations and a working partner with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. A portion of the proceeds from select NRGM events is donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF — meaning that NRGM has an international as well as a national impact.

Other WNBA initiatives include honoring outstanding contributions in the community of the book through the prestigious WNBA Award, WNBA Pannell Award, and WNBA Eastman Grant. In addition, the WNBA is a Reading Promotion Partner at the Library of Congress Center for the Book.

Currently WNBA chapters welcome book professionals and other book lovers in Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

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