Women's National Book Association Dallas Chapter History By Lorrie Carter, 2003 Dallas Chapter President The Dallas Chapter of the Women's National Book Association was formed in 1993 by Maureen Pastine, Director of Central University Libraries at Southern Methodist University (SMU); Judy Searles, Director of Friends of the SMU Libraries; and Gail Glick, independent bookseller and librarian at the Dallas Public Library. Maureen had been a member-at-large of WNBA and was interested in forming a local chapter. Twenty-eight people attended the first meeting on August 4, 1993. Judy Searles served as the first president of the Dallas Chapter. In its first year, the Chapter paid tribute to Evelyn Oppenheimer in November, 1994. Ms. Oppenheimer was honored for her illustrious career as a book reviewer, author, and agent. Her book review show ran continually for five decades on the radio in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The Dallas Chapter nominated Evelyn for the 1994 WNBA Award. Linda Crosson, Assistant Editor of "Fashion Dallas" for "The Dallas Morning News," took over as the second president in January, 1995. In Fall, 1996, the Dallas Chapter had its first fundraiser, a used book sale held at the SMU Faculty Club. Money raised from this service project went to the Stew Pot Ministry, a center for the homeless at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Dallas. The Chapter supplied used books and magazines in continued support to the Stew Pot Ministry. Pamela Lange, Senior Instructor in the SMU Department of English and host of "Conversation," was elected our third president in 1997. Chapter member Jennifer Anglin won the Pannell Award in 1997 for her creative programs for children at the Enchanted Forest Bookstore. In spring of 1997, the Chapter started a book discussion group called "Women Reading Women." This popular monthly gathering continues today. In addition to the Dallas Chapter, Pam has also served on the WNBA National Board as National Secretary. Dee Tagliavia and June Ford became co-presidents in 2001. The Dallas Chapter hosted the WNBA national board meeting in June 2001. June and Ginnie Bivona teamed up in 2002 to expand Chapter focus to publishing, authoring, and grant writing. Our 2003 president, Lorrie Carter, continues to work with June to guide the Chapter to expand our focus to grant programs for funding literacy in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Related links: Dallas Chapter Homepage National Homepage Other Chapters