Nominations Sought for 2019 WNBA Pannell Award

The Women’s National Book Association is now accepting nominations for the 2019 WNBA Pannell Award, which recognizes bookstores that enhance their communities by bringing exceptional creativity to foster a love of reading and books in children and young adults. The award will be presented to one general bookstore and one children’s specialty store at the BookExpo 2019 Children’s Book and Author Breakfast on Friday, May 31, at New York City’s Javits Convention Center.

A panel of publishing professionals will select this year’s winners from nominations submitted by customers, sales reps, store personnel, or anyone who has been impressed with the work of a particular independent bookstore.

Nominations must be received by Thursday, February 21, 2019. There are two ways to nominate a bookstore for the WNBA Pannell Award: 

1. Complete the online nomination form.
2. E-mail [email protected] and include the following:

• Name, e-mail address, and phone number of person making the nomination
• That person’s connection to the nominated bookstore
• A brief statement outlining the reasons for nominating the bookstore
• Contact information for the owner/manager of the nominated bookstore

The Pannell Award Committee will follow up with nominated bookstores to request a formal electronic submission, which includes a description of programs, events, activities, goals, and any contributions to the bookseller’s local community that focus on connecting kids to the love of reading. Photos, media coverage, letters from customers, and other supplementary material may be included in the submission.

Each of the two winners will receive a $1,000 check and a framed signed original art piece from a children’s book illustrator.

The WNBA Pannell Award is co-sponsored by the Penguin Young Readers Group.