The Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) is a national organization of book lovers—people who work with and value books. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, WNBA exists to connect, educate, advocate, and lead in the literary community. The WNBA was established in 1917, after women in America had gained the right to vote. The WNBA’s founding idea—that books have power and that those involved in their creation gain strength from joining forces—reaches across the decades to now serve members across the country, in local chapters and network members in locations beyond the chapter cities.

Founded in 1978 by visionary librarian Carol Nemeyer, the Mid-Atlantic chapter began as the Washington, DC/Baltimore Chapter of the Women’s National Book Association. From its earliest days, we’ve united book lovers and professionals, hosted thought-provoking programs, and built lasting connections across the literary world.

Now expanded to serve Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, and Philadelphia, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter continues to celebrate books, ideas, and the people who bring them to life.