Join the WNBA or Renew Your Membership
The only criteria for membership are that you love books and that you support our mission and goals, including supporting women and marginalized voices and educating and advocating for books and literacy. To become a member, you must join one of our chapters.
WNBA Membership
When you are a member, you are automatically part of the National organization. This means you will receive all of the benefits provided by the National organization in addition to any chapter-only benefits. Note: the National organization, which you may seen referred to as WNBA-National, is not the same thing as the Network chapter.
WNBA members get access to member benefits including discounts, events, programs, awards, and volunteer opportunities provided by the National organization. The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to the WNBA’s Bookwoman newsletters.
Our Members
When you join WNBA, you become part of a unique community that combines general booklovers with those who work in the book world. This wonderful blend of people from all across the country, from different backgrounds, and from a variety of interests creates an exciting atmosphere of learning, advocacy, entertainment, and passion.
We have members who work with books such as publishing professionals (publishers, editors, writers, literary agents, distributors, marketers, publicists, journalists, etc.), bookstore owners and booksellers, librarians, and educators. We have members who are stay-at-home parents, retirees, students, or who work in completely different fields. We have members who enjoy reading a plethora of genres and some who stick to one. This amalgamation gives our organization depth and allow our members to meet and learn from one another in countless ways.
Chapters
The WNBA has 10 active chapters. All but one are near major cities. The remaining chapter — the National Network Chapter — is a virtual chapter open to anyone who does not live near a chapter city. You can live anywhere and be a Network member.
The WNBA’s membership year runs June 1 — May 31.
If you join in April or May, you get those two months free, and then your membership will be valid until May 31 of the following year.
Chapters hold events regularly as does National. Most of our chapters invite all WNBA members to attend events, not just their chapter’s members. Check with your chapter, keep an eye on our events calendar, and subscribe to our Bookwoman Events and Opportunities emails to see what’s coming up.
How to Join the WNBA
Chapter Membership
Click on the name of the chapter you are interested joining. Each chapter has its own membership information, forms, and fees.
Network Membership
Network membership is a virtual chapter open to individuals who do not live in, or within easy commuting distance to, one of our chapter cities. Network members enjoy all the benefits of membership. More information.
How to Renew Your Membership
You may renew your membership at any time of the year, but membership will expire May 31. So, the earlier you renew, the more benefit you get out of your membership. Though most chapters give members a grace period to renew before removing members from their membership lists, we recommend you renew close to June 1 or you will lose your membership privileges.
While some chapters have their own methods for renewal, most chapters enable you to renew your membership using the “Join” forms found on their websites.
To renew your Network Membership, simply click on the Network chapter in the list below and fill out the form. You may update any of your contact information at that time.
Find a Chapter to Join
Find a chapter, and join the WNBA today to become a part of this century-old literary community!
If you’d like to be a member of one of our local chapters (Boston, Los Angeles, Metro Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, South Florida, or Washington, DC), then click the button for that chapter below.
Boston
Founded in 1954
The Boston chapter is committed to promoting books, literacy, and women’s careers in publishing and allied fields.
President: Debra Norkin
Los Angeles
Founded in 1975
“The Ultimate Resource for the Book Community”
President: Angela Johnson
Metro Atlanta
Founded in 2017
The Metro Atlanta Chapter welcomes new members in the greater Atlanta area. For more information, the chapter has a Facebook page.
President: Sarah Denham
Nashville
Founded in 1955
“Connecting the Book Community”
President: Kathleen Dietz
New Orleans
Founded in 2011, this chapter is known for its literary events and activism.
This chapter established the Pinckley Prize for Crime Fiction.
President: Anne Babson
New York City
Founded in 1917
“Supporting the Community of the Book since 1917”
President: Rachel Slaiman
San Francisco
Founded in 1968
“Women in the World of Words”
President: Elise Marie Collins
South Florida
Founded in 2015
Active in the Southeast Florida region
President: Andrea Baron
Washington DC
Founded in 1978
“Bringing Book People Together”
President: Tabitha Whissemore
Network
Network Chapter membership is open to individuals who do not live in or within easy commuting distance to one of our local chapters. You can live anywhere to be a member. Dues are $40 per year.
Start a Chapter
If you don’t live anywhere near a chapter city, but you’d to be part of a local chapter, you can start one!
If you are interested in starting a local chapter of WNBA, we suggest becoming a Network Member for a year as a first step.
If you have a group of friends who live near you and would like to start the chapter with you, that’s a great way to begin.
If there are other Network Members who live near you, talk to them about starting a chapter.
To connect with other members in your area, please contact the National Membership Chair, Andrea Panzeca, at nationalmembership [at] wnba-books.org. Then review and discuss our New Chapter Instructions.
We hope you’ll join the WNBA today and start enjoying all of the benefits that membership brings.
If you have questions, visit our CONTACT page or email our National Membership Chair at nationalmembership [at] wnba-books.org.
