New York, 3/9/2020 — Due to the volatile nature of the current health crisis, the National Book Critics Circle has cancelled its Finalists Reading on Wednesday, March 11 and its Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 12th, normally held at the New School in New York City. The board will deliberate on March 12th and will announce the results via press release and social media, as well as with individual emails to finalists and winners. The annual gala benefit and reception will be rescheduled for September 12, 2020 at The New School, and the winners of all awards will be celebrated at that time.
“We are all crushed,” said NBCC President Laurie Hertzel. “We did not make this decision lightly. We discussed it as a board for days and with the New School at length, but this was really the only possible decision. We are looking forward to celebrating our winners at the rescheduled gala this fall.”
Please direct any questions to lhertzel@bookcritics.org or mwinik@ubalt.edu.
***
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE
The National Book Critics Circle was founded in 1974 at New York’s legendary Algonquin Hotel by a group of the most influential critics of the day. Comprising 750 working critics and book-review editors throughout the country, including student members and supporting Friends of the NBCC, the organization annually bestows its awards in six categories, honoring the best books published in the past year in the United States. It is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the publishing industry. The finalists for the NBCC awards are nominated, evaluated, and selected by the 24-member board of directors, which consists of editors and critics from the country’s leading print and online publications.
For more information about the history and activities of the National Book Critics Circle and to learn how to become a member or supporter, visit http://www.bookcritics.org
Follow the NBCC on Facebook and on Twitter (@bookcritics).