CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Women's National Book Association is proud to announce the opening of its latest chapter in Charlotte. The WNBA brings together professional women – and men – who share a passion for books and reading. It's always looking for new members.

"The only qualification is that you have a love of books and the written word," said Carin Siegfried, chapter president and, of course, a voracious reader.

In its inaugural fall, Charlotte's WNBA has planned several events, including a discussion panel on how children's books go from idea to the bookstore and library shelves and a holiday fundraising event to support local literacy outreach. Please stay tuned for those events. Also, check out WNBA-Charlotte on Facebook.

The group will host a networking event at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at M5 Restaurant, 4310 Sharon Road, Charlotte. This is a chance for members and prospective members to talk about their favorite topic – books! – while sipping $5 martinis.

The children's book panel will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd., Charlotte.

Many WNBA members work in the book profession as publishers, authors, agents, editors, librarians, booksellers or book production and marketing specialists. Others simply love books.

In addition to Ms. Siegfried, Category Manager at Charlotte-based book wholesaler Baker & Taylor, WNBA-Charlotte officers are:
- Betsy Thorpe, vice president and owner of Betsy Thorpe Literary Services, a book publishing consulting company
- Quinlan Lee, secretary and Associate Agent at Adams Literary
- Sally Brewster, treasurer and owner of Park Road Books.