The National Book Critics Circle has canceled both its finalists reading on Wednesday, March 11, and its awards ceremony on Thursday, March 12, the organization announced Monday afternoon. Both events were set to take place at New York City’s New School. In making the announcement, NBCC cited the “volatile nature of the current health crisis” as the new coronavirus continues to steadily spread in New York City.
Despite postponing the events, the NBCC board will deliberate on March 12 and announce the results via press release and social media. All finalists and winners will receive individual emails announcing the results. The annual gala benefit and reception will be rescheduled for the fall, NBCC said.
“We are all crushed,” said NBCC president Laurie Hertzel in a statement. “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.”
