Dallas Chapter
The Women's National Book Association Dallas Chapter was formed in 1993 by Maureen Pastine, director of Central University Libraries, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Judy Searles, director of the Friends of the SMU Libraries, and Gail Glick, independent bookseller and librarian at the Dallas Public Library. Twenty-eight people attended the first meeting on August 4, 1993.
Judy Searles served as the first president of the Dallas chapter. Linda Crosson, assistant editor of "Fashion Dallas" for the Dallas Morning News, took over as the second president in January, 1995. In Fall1996, the Dallas Chapter had its first fundraiser - a used book sale with the money raised from this service project sent to a center for the homeless. The Chapter also supplied used books and magazines to the Center.
Chapter member Jennifer Anglin was awarded the WNBA national 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.
Pamela Lange, senior instructor in the SMU Department of English was elected the chapter's third president in 1997 and was elected as WNBA National Secretary for 2002-2004.
Dee Tagliavia and June Ford became co-presidents in 2001. June and Ginnie Bivona teamed up in 2002 to expand Chapter focus to publishing, authoring, and grant writing. The Chapter's president since 2003, Lorrie Carter, continues to guide the Chapter to expand the focus of funding Literacy in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.