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LeVar Burton
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Former Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton has been announced as the host of the National Book Awards, which are set to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 15 in New York City, per Deadline.
This announcement arrives about a month following Drew Barrymore being dropped as host. The National Book Foundation rescinded her hosting gig “in light of the announcement that The Drew Barrymore Show [was] resum[ing] production” prior to the end of the WGA strike.
Described as “an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture,” the National Book Foundation had released a statement noting that their “commitment is to ensure that the focus of the Awards remains on celebrating writers and books, and [they] are grateful to Ms. Barrymore and her team for their understanding in this situation.”
According to the outlet, David Steinberger, Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Book Foundation, released the following statement:
“LeVar Burton has introduced multiple generations of young people to the joys of reading, and is a fearless advocate for book access, especially amidst the alarming rise in book banning across the country. We are delighted to welcome LeVar back onto the National Book Awards stage, alongside special guest Oprah Winfrey, to champion the power of literature as the host this year’s Ceremony & Benefit Dinner.”
Burton also released a statement, highlighting that he’s “a big believer in the power of the written word.”
“It’s an honor to return as host of the biggest night for books, especially in a moment when the freedom to read is at risk and literature both needs and deserves our recognition and support,” he continued.
According to The New York Times, Burton hosted the 2019 National Book Awards ceremony. Outside of his Reading Rainbow credentials, he launched his LeVar Burton Reads podcast in 2017 and has served as the American Library Association’s honorary chair for Banned Books Week.
In other good news for Burton, he made headlines in August after word got out that he was reportedly finalizing the terms on hosting The CW’s new Trivial Pursuit, which softened the blow after losing the chance to take over as host of Jeopardy!
