Nominations Sought for 2015 WNBA Pannell Award

The Women’s National Book Association is accepting nominations for its 2015 WNBA Pannell Award, which will be presented to one general bookstore and one children’s specialty store at this year’s BookExpo America Children’s Book and Author Breakfast. The award honors bookstores that enhance their communities by employing exceptional creativity to foster a love of reading and books among their patrons.

Nominations may be submitted by customers, sales reps, store personnel, or anyone who has been impressed with the work of a particular independent bookstore.

Nominations should be sent via e-mail to [email protected] and should include the following:

1. The name, e-mail address, and phone number of the person making the nomination, as well as his or her connection to the nominated bookstore
2. A brief statement outlining the reasons for nominating the bookstore
3. Contact information for the owner/manager of the nominated bookstore

Nominations must be received by January 30, 2015.

The Pannell Award co-chairs will reach out to all nominated bookstores to request a formal electronic submission that includes a description of the store’s programs, events, activities, goals, and contributions to the local community. Photos, media coverage, letters from customers, and other supplementary material may be included in the submission.

Each award winner will receive a $1,000 check and a framed, signed artwork by a children’s book illustrator.

Penguin Young Readers Group co-sponsors the award, which was established in honor of Lucille Micheels Pannell, founding member of one of the WNBA chapters.