This Saturday, 20 book critics from across the country gathered in LJ’s offices to begin deliberations on the annual National Book Critics Circle Awards that take place March 2007. As a board member for six years now, it never ceases to surprise and comfort me that the brains behind the reviews we read in the papers every day are smart, sensitive, and deeply serious about what they do. Most of this meeting is dedicated to book talk—four hours worth (and it is as fun as it sounds!). The vibrant atmosphere reflected the energy of the organization, also seen in it’s active blog, Critical Mass, and panels across the country. 

As we moved from committee to committee (the award has six categories, a life-time achievement award, and an award for reviewing) the judges’ deep book knowledge, passion for ideas, and commitment to helping readers find the best of what’s out there reminded me of, you guessed it, librarians in action. As I continue to read and deliberate for the 2006 awards with my fellow NBCC board members, I’ll see the organization in a new light—as a partner of libraries. But I also encourage you librarians who review to be heard in this national organization by becoming NBCC members, too, and joining your fellow critics at the table.