In 1917, fifteen women booksellers formed the Women's National Book Association (WNBA) after being excluded from the male-dominated Bookseller's League. WNBA was created as an organization open to women and men in all areas of publishing. Over the years, WNBA and its chapters have provided educational programs and seminars, published books on the industry, and participated in conferences and book fairs to support those involved in publishing. As the founding chapter, New York initiated national expansion and continues to sponsor programs for students and professional women.

1. Visit www.wnba-books.org
Ask About Memberships
membership@wnba-nyc.org
General Information & Inquiries
president@wnba-nyc.org
OUR STORY BEGINS…
In the fall of 1917, fifteen women booksellers who had been excluded from membership
in the all-male Bookseller’s League and from attending the league’s annual convention,
met in Sherwood’s Book Store at 19 John Street in downtown New York.
They met again in November that year with 35 women present and formed a permanent
organization, the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA). They elected its first
president, Pauline Sherwood.
WNBA’s unique characteristic was a membership open to women in all facets of the
world of books—publishers, booksellers, librarians, authors, designers and illustrators, &
agents—the only criterion being that part of their income must come from books.
During the early and difficult years of the organization, Publishers Weekly was a major
supporter, allotting a page each month in the magazine. Now, 94 years later, with
10 chapters in cities across the country, and with corresponding members in nearly 50
states, WNBA continues its goal to champion the role of women in the publishing
profession. Its membership is open to women and men who subscribe to WNBA’s
mission and goals.
Throughout our history, the WNBA national organization and our chapters have:
• run seminars on bookselling techniques;
• published books on the publishing profession;
• participated in book programs on radio and television;
• led in-service courses for teachers on children’s books;
• sponsored book and author luncheons and dinners;
• participated in local book fairs and industry conferences;
• and, been active as a DPI/NGO member at the United Nations.
WNBA was formed for women engaged in wide-ranging publishing pursuits to serve both
the book world and each other. We are book people with aligned challenges, aspirations,
and goals. Today women have greater opportunities to implement change and further
careers in the world of books and WNBA affords women the opportunity to develop
leadership, further communication, and organize activities around our common goals.
New York was the founding chapter of WNBA and for thirty years was its only active
chapter, initiating corresponding memberships throughout the country. In 1958, a
National Board was created to coordinate chapter activities and undertake projects.
The New York members, in the publishing center of the world, comprise a unique
chapter that has continuously sponsored wide-ranging and vital programs. We are
dedicated to supporting students and young professional women in publishing, and
providing our members with information and tools they need to succeed in our fast-
changing field.