In 1917, a group of fifteen women booksellers, excluded from membership in the all-male Bookseller’s League, met in Sherwood’s Book Store, at 19 John Street in Manhattan, to form the Women’s National Book Association. 

WNBA has hosted seminars on book-selling techniques, surveyed the status of women in publishing, sponsored author luncheons, participated in book fairs, led in-service courses for teachers on children’s books, entertained visiting foreign book women, participated in the United Nations as a non-governmental organization member, and published multiple books.  

Believing that books have power, WNBA has made it possible for people engaged in various literary activities to broaden their participation in the book world and network as individuals with common aspirations, goals, and challenges. 

Since its organization in 1954, the Boston Chapter of the Women’s National Book Association has brought together people from all corners of the book world to create a dynamic, diverse membership. We are a proud steward to more than a century of advocacy to promote all voices in the publishing industry.