NEW YORK (AP) 鈥� LeVar Burton will host next month's National Book Awards ceremony, replacing the original choice, Drew Barrymore, because of her decision to resume taping of her show during the writers' strike.
The National Book Foundation, which presents the awards, announced Burton's selection Friday. Burton, a longtime advocate for reading known for his roles in the TV miniseries 鈥淩oots鈥� and in 鈥淪tar Trek: The Next Generation," also hosted the ceremony in 2019.
鈥淚t鈥檚 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," said Burton, who earlier this month served as honorary chair of when stores and libraries highlight works that have been challenged or censored.
The National Book Awards will take place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Nov. 15, when winners will be announced in Oprah Winfrey will be a guest speaker and will receive a lifetime achievement medal.
The Associated Press
