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Bookstores IndieBound for Independence Day
June 26, 2008 - As Americans gear up for next week's Fourth of July celebrations, ABA member booksellers are using IndieBound marketing materials to create or supplement their own unique "Independents" promotions.
Checks to Be Mailed to Constant Contact Subscribers
June 26, 2008 - ABA members participating in the Constant Contact affinity program will begin receiving rebate checks sometime next week. The checks are being sent to current bookstore members that paid for Constant Contact e-mail marketing services between April 30, 2007, and April 30, 2008.
More Questions About Amazon.com and Sales Tax
June 25, 2008 - The latest column by Wall Street Journal writer Lee Gomes takes a close look at what he characterizes as "an audacious legal strategy Amazon.com has used to avoid collecting sales tax" in some states where it has warehouses or distribution centers.
BTW News Briefs
June 25, 2008 - Preliminary Injunction to Block Oregon's "Harmful to Minors" Law Denied; Women's National Book Association Names New Leadership; ABFFE Book of the Month for June Claim of Privilege
Around Indie Bookstores
June 25, 2008 - Hooray for a New Kids' Bookstore; New Bookstore to Open in Salem, Oregon; Maine's SoBo Book & Bean Has a New Owner; Amazon Bookstore Cooperative Saved From Closing
BookPeople: Creating Banners to Spread the Indie Word
June 25, 2008 - Claire Klassen couldn't wait to return home from BookExpo America and start using IndieBound at Austin, Texas' BookPeople. As the store's merchandising director, she recognized that IndieBound's message of Buy Local would work well in displays and would also jibe with the city slogan, "Keep Austin Weird." And the best way to broadcast the message, she thought, would be to announce it in big, bold banner form.
The Indie Cooking Bestseller List
June 25, 2008 - Based on sales in hundreds of independent bookstores nationwide for the eight-week period ending June 24, 2008.
Tapping Into the Growing Market for Graphic Novels
June 25, 2008 - If any bookseller participating in ABA's Day of Education at BookExpo America had doubts about the market for graphic novels, they were put to rest at the panel "Buying, Merchandising, and Selling Graphic Novels, 101," featuring Jessica Stockton Bagnulo of McNally Robinson Booksellers; comic artist Scott McCloud; John Shableski of Diamond Book Distributors; and ABA's Lisa Winn.
Who Gets What -- and When -- With IndieBound
June 25, 2008 - When IndieBound was launched by ABA at the end of May, all elements of the program, from the use of the online materials to receiving publisher-sponsored POP in Red and White Box mailings, became available to all independently owned member stores, not just previous Book Sense stores. Here's a look at what bookstores need to do to ensure continued participation in the program at a level that's right for them.
Illinois Bookstore Speaks to the African-American Experience
June 25, 2008 - When Kevin Roberts and daughter Maia Roberts launched an online African-American bookstore a few years ago, they were well aware that "there was a lot more out there" than the small selection of African-American titles they saw at a local chain. Now, the pair has brought many of those titles to the residents of Matteson, Illinois, a suburb about 30 miles south of Chicago, through Azizi Books, an African-American specialty store, which opened in the Lincoln Mall in November 2007.
"Here's What You Just Did"
June 24, 2008 - "Here's What You Just Did," available on BookWeb.org in flier and poster formats in both generic and editable versions, has emerged as one of the most popular marketing materials developed for IndieBound. "Here's What You Just Did" clearly enumerates for customers what they have accomplished by shopping at an independent business. And, because the copy encompasses all indie businesses, it has become a key tool for booksellers who are reaching out to other locally owned businesses and independent business alliances in their communities.
Cody's Final Chapter
June 24, 2008 - On Friday, June 20, after 52 years in business, Cody's Books, in Berkeley, California, closed. Cody's current president, Hiroshi Kagawa, called it "a heartbreaking moment." The bookstore was founded by Fred and Pat Cody in Berkeley in 1956 and was acquired by Andy Ross in 1977.
Reaching Out to Local Retailers Through IndieBound
June 19, 2008 - With IndieBound Literary Liberation Box materials in hand, ABA member booksellers ranging from Bainbridge Island, Washington, to Woodstock, New York, are reaching out to other local independent businesses in their communities. Response from other indie retailers has been, in a word, "excited."
Community Investment Model Brings New Life to Vermont Town
June 19, 2008 - Though a good indie bookstore is a fantastic anchor for a vibrant Main Street, the bottom line is that a successful bookstore's happy customers will be happier still if their downtown offers other unique experiences. It was with this in mind that several years ago Linda Ramsdell, owner of The Galaxy Bookshop, began to mobilize residents in an effort to create a restaurant in Hardwick, Vermont. On Saturday, May 24, those efforts came to fruition when Claire's Restaurant & Bar opened for business. Moreover, the restaurant business model brings the idea of community to a new level, with residents banding together to provide the financial support that made Claire's possible.
Flooding Impacts Iowa Bookstores
June 19, 2008 - This week's record-breaking flooding in the Midwest has left a good part of the University of Iowa under water, including the Iowa Memorial Union Book Store. Other Iowa City independents, Iowa Book and Prairie Lights Books, were spared from the flooding, as were booksellers in Des Moines and Cedar Falls.
The Spirit of Revolution Reigns at Babylon Falling
June 18, 2008 - Babylon Falling, a 600-square-foot bookstore and gallery, in San Francisco, will be celebrating its first anniversary on June 26. Owner Sean Stewart, who grew up in Jamaica, explained that Babylon Falling refers to a "call to end oppression of all kinds. The phrase is in the ideology [in Jamaica], in reggae music, in conversation, just something people say whether it's in music or in the streets."
BTW News Briefs
June 18, 2008 - Tim Russert 2006 BEA Keynote Podcast Available; 2008 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards for Excellence in Children's Literature; New York Times on Small Publishers and Amazon's 'Buy' Button.
Weekly Indie Bestseller Lists Download Made Easier
June 18, 2008 - Downloading the National Indie Bestseller Lists -- Hardcover, Paperback, and Children's -- in PDF, Word, or HTML format from BookWeb.org each week just got easier. In response to member requests, ABA has created a permanent URL for each list.
New York Asks Overstock.com to Consolidate Suit With Amazon
June 18, 2008 - Last week, New York State asked Overstock.com to consolidate its lawsuit challenging the state's Internet Sales Tax provision with an earlier suit filed by Amazon.com. The case, which will be heard in New York Supreme Court, is slated to begin on Monday, July 7.
Insights on Managing Blockbuster Events
June 18, 2008 - "Managing Blockbuster Events: The Logistics of Events of 500 or More" proved to be a blockbuster event in its own right at ABA's Day of Education at BookExpo America. Veteran event planners Cristina Nosti of Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida, and Alison Kothe Nihlean of BookPeople in Austin, Texas, provided an entertaining and in-depth look at best practices for preparing for events likely to draw more than 500 people.
ABA at Inaugural Meeting of Book Industry Environmental Council
June 18, 2008 - Last week, ABA continued its environmental efforts on behalf of member booksellers by participating in the Book Industry Environmental Council's first meeting.
Don't Get Burned: Frauds, Scams & Stolen Credit Card Orders
June 18, 2008 - Crooks don't take the summer off, so bookstore owners and managers hiring seasonal help will do well to remind newcomers as well as experienced booksellers to be vigilant about scams and fraudulent orders. To help booksellers in their efforts to thwart would-be thieves, here's a brief rundown of some frauds and schemes reported in the past by ABA members.
Becoming Green? Having Success With Graphic Novels?
June 17, 2008 - ABA would like to hear from its bookstore members that are having success buying, merchandising, and selling graphic novels, as well as those that are developing and implementing green initiatives. Bookseller success stories will help the association develop education programs and materials to benefit all ABA member stores.
ABA E-Commerce Solution Offering Up Two New Promotions
June 17, 2008 - The ABA E-Commerce Solution is offering participating bookstores promotional downloads for Scholastic's The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Random House's Brisingr by Christopher Paolini.
LIBRIS Revamps Website, Surveys Member Needs
June 17, 2008 - LIBRIS, the insurance program owned and operated by ABA, recently revamped its website, making it more user-friendly for both existing and potential policyholders. The redesigned site, featuring enhanced graphics, provides comprehensive information about the insurance coverages available through LIBRIS.
IndieBound Literary Liberation Underway
June 12, 2008 - IndieBound, ABA's new community-oriented movement celebrating the value of independent businesses, is underway. On Monday, a Literary Liberation Box, including tools that booksellers can use to promote IndieBound in their stores and in their communities, was shipped to all independently owned ABA member stores. Bookstores on the East Coast began receiving the box on Tuesday, and response has been enthusiastic. All stores should experience Literary Liberation within the next several days.
A Report on ABA's 2008 Spring Board Meeting
June 12, 2008 - The ABA Board of Directors and senior staff met at the 2008 Hotel ABA, the Renaissance Hollywood, on Tuesday, May 27, and Wednesday, May 28, prior to the start of BookExpo America. During the two days, the Board considered a number of matters ranging from the ABA investment portfolio to the implementation of the new IndieBound initiative. The Board also adopted a policy regarding the association's efforts to ensure the equitable collection of sales tax on online purchases.
Booksellers Find Ways to Greener Retailing at ABA Panel
June 12, 2008 - It was standing room only at ABA's Day of Education "Green Retailing" session on Thursday, May 29 at BookExpo America. Booksellers packed the room to hear panelists Suzy Staubach of University of Connecticut Co-op in Storrs, Connecticut, Natalie Freidberg of All Shades of Green in Los Angeles, and Ferris Kawar, vice president of sustainability at Greenopia, discuss strategies for lowering a retailer's impact on the environment using methods from the simple to the sublime.
2008 FREADOM Gift Cards to Benefit ABFFE Now Available
June 12, 2008 - The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression is seeking bookstores to sell the 2008 version of its popular FREADOM gift card, featuring Roger Roth's illustration of the Statue of Liberty reading a book. The FREADOM card, offered in conjunction with ABA's Gift Card Program, is one of the most popular and easy ways for booksellers to support free expression.
New Orleans' Afro-American Book Stop to Reopen
June 12, 2008 - The Afro-American Book Stop, which was destroyed three years ago by Hurricane Katrina, will reopen on July 1. Owner Michele Lewis will open the new 1,500-square-foot store near its former location in New Orleans East and will celebrate its grand reopening throughout the July 4th weekend.
Bookstore Sales Up in April
June 12, 2008 - Preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census reflect an increase in bookstore sales in April 2008 of 8.0 percent, compared to April 2007. April 2008 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,000 million, compared to sales of $926 million for the same period last year.
Share Your IndieBound Creativity
June 11, 2008 - ABA and your fellow booksellers would like you to share all of the creativity and excitement IndieBound inspires.
IndieBound Takes a Bow at BALLE Conference
June 11, 2008 - IndieBound, the new ABA initiative involving booksellers, readers, indie retailers, local business alliances, and others in a community-oriented movement that proclaims the importance and value of independent businesses, was the subject of a presentation at last week's 6th Annual BALLE Conference in Boston.
BTW News Briefs
June 11, 2008 - Chris Finan Honored With Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award; Report Says Kids Believe Technology Will Supplement Book Reading; De Niro's Game Wins International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award; NRF: May Retail Sales Give Tremendous Boost to Industry
The Indie Parenting Bestseller List
June 11, 2008 - Based on sales in independent bookstores nationwide for the eight-week period ending June 10, 2008.
Harvard Book Store Up for Sale Generates "Serious Interest"
June 11, 2008 - Since word spread through the media late last month that Harvard Book Store was on the market, there has been a lot of interest in the Cambridge, Massachusetts, landmark. However, store owner Frank Kramer said he has no firm timetable in which he wants to sell, and he'll wait as long as it takes to find a buyer "who has a vision for the [store's] future."
Zogby Poll Plumbs U.S. Reading Demographic
June 11, 2008 - A recent poll conducted for Random House by Zogby International provides an intriguing snapshot of the country's reading demographic. The results offer insights on everything from where people buy books and in what format (e-books vs. paper) to what elements first attract browsers to a title and whether readers affiliated with a particular political party are more or less likely to be influenced by a book review.
Independent Retailing & the Shop Local Movement Under the Spotlight
June 11, 2008 - Panelists at the ABA Day of Education's "Independent Retailing in 2008: A Report on the Shop Local Movement" told booksellers they were not alone in promoting the values of localism. Steve Bercu of BookPeople, Becky Anderson of Anderson's Bookshops, and ABA COO Oren Teicher offered insights on a variety of resources to help booksellers join with other independent retailers to form alliances that promote the value of shopping locally within their communities.
A Letter From ABA President Gayle Shanks About IndieBound
June 05, 2008 - ABA's new president, Gayle Shanks of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona, writes to members about IndieBound, the association's new initiative, which launched at BookExpo America. "Because we on the ABA Board are so excited about the potential of IndieBound, I wanted to write as soon as possible after the show and share a bit more about the program with those of you who couldn't be at BEA," explains Shanks.
July Next List Debuts -- Great Reads From Booksellers You Trust
June 05, 2008 - The new IndieBound initiative is a community-oriented movement -- involving booksellers, readers, indie retailers, local business alliances, and others -- that proclaims the importance of independent businesses, promotes those values that make indies unique, and provides booksellers with help to spread the passion and sell more books. One of the key tools is the Indie Next List -- the successor to the Book Sense Picks List.
Boffo BEA for Indies -- Here's Proof in Pix!
June 05, 2008 - Kicking off with the unlikely -- but appealing -- combo of wine and cookies at the Egyptian Theatre and running straight through to the final hours on the trade floor four days later, BookExpo America 2008 was a mega weekend for independent booksellers. Here's a look at some of the highlights in pictures.
Help ABA Help You: Complete the Day of Education Evaluations Survey
June 05, 2008 - ABA is asking every bookseller who participated in its programming at last week's BEA to take a few minutes to fill out a survey on its Day of Education sessions, special events, and bookseller lounge.
The July 2008 Indie Next List & Notables Preview
June 05, 2008 - Here's a preview of the inaugural Indie Next List selections and notables titles. All ABA members with storefront locations will be receiving copies of the July Next List in the IndieBound Literary Liberation Box on its way to stores now.
MainStreet Bookends Co-Owner Jim Mitchell Dies
June 05, 2008 - Jim Mitchell, co-owner of MainStreet Bookends in Warner, New Hampshire, and longtime Boston-area radio personality, died yesterday inside the bookstore he co-owned with his sister, Katharine Nevins.
DIESEL, a Bookstore to Open in Brentwood
June 04, 2008 - John Evans and Alison Reid of DIESEL, a Bookstore, in Oakland and Malibu, will be opening a third location in Brentwood, California. The store, approximately 1,500 square feet, will be in Brentwood Country Mart, a high-end shopping center built in 1948. It is slated to open in September.
California and B&N Reach Settlement on Back Sales Tax
June 04, 2008 - In a significant victory for California's independent booksellers, the state's Board of Equalization (BOE) and Barnes & Noble have settled two cases regarding the collection of sales and use taxes on sales made by Barnesandnoble.com. On Thursday, May 29, the California BOE affirmed and approved a settlement that has B&N paying a settlement of about $9 million.
BookSense.com Becomes ABA E-commerce Solution
June 04, 2008 - The launch of IndieBound last Thursday at BEA means changes for the BookSense.com program. First and foremost, BookSense.com is not part of IndieBound, and it has been renamed the ABA E-commerce Solution.
Book Sense Gift Card Program Becomes ABA Gift Card Program
June 04, 2008 - With the launch of IndieBound, the Book Sense Gift Card program has become the ABA Gift Card program. There's a new URL for the card reorder site, and booksellers accessing the old site will be automatically redirected. ABA is asking Gift Card Program participants to vote on seven new card designs and three new presenter designs, and the most popular will be made available for purchase in late summer/early fall.
BTW News Briefs
June 04, 2008 - Jane Friedman Resigns as President and CEO of HarperCollins; Lightning Source to Fill POD Orders for McClellan Memoir; Winners of Lambda Literary Awards, ForeWord Book of the Year Awards, and Audies Announced; FedEx Kinko's Becomes FedEx Office; Retailers Still Fighting Organized Retail Crime, According to NRF Survey
ABA Town Hall & Annual Membership Meetings Recap
June 03, 2008 - Here's a recap of ABA's annual Town Hall and ABA Membership Meetings, on Friday afternoon, May 30, at BEA. The informal Town Hall was dominated by discussions of IndieBound, as well as ABA's e-fairness efforts. The more formal Membership Meeting included reports by ABA's president, vice president, chief executive officer, and nominating committee.
BEA: Free Books and (Some) Free Food. A Bookseller's Dream Come True.
June 03, 2008 - Melissa Lion, a former bookseller and the author of Swollen and Upstream, offers a unique, humorous take on this year's BookExpo America. With a press pass in hand, she takes to the show floor in search of hot titles and to "get the bead on the buzz." Along the way, she searches for friends ... and food.
Honored Authors Say "Thanks" to Indie Booksellers
June 03, 2008 - This year's annual ABA Author Luncheon at BookExpo America in Los Angeles included special guest Ray Bradbury and a moving tribute by Khaled Hosseini to his fellow Afghan writers. About 500 booksellers, publishers, and other industry pros honored the 40 attending authors whose books independent booksellers handsold during the past year, and they in turn thanked booksellers for their continuing support.
An Imagined Autobiography From the Author of The House of God
June 03, 2008 - Before E.R. and Grey's Anatomy transformed doctors and interns into objects of public fascination, there was Samuel Shem's The House of God -- a dark, funny, emotionally and sexually frank novel about a group of interns at the titular hospital -- which has sold more than two million copies. This month marks the publication of Shem's latest novel, The Spirit of the Place, published by Kent State University Press, with support from the Literary Ventures Fund. It is also the 30-year anniversary of The House of God's debut.
BISG TRENDS 2008: Challenges Ahead
June 03, 2008 - The book industry should expect to face a challenging economy for the remainder of 2008 and for most of 2009, according to the Book Industry Study Group's Book Industry TRENDS 2008. BISG announced some key findings of the study (which will be released on June 16) during a session on Friday, May 30, at BookExpo America.
Live From BookExpo America -- Day 3
May 30, 2008 - The American Booksellers Association's Town Hall Meeting, held on Friday, May 30, at BookExpo America in Los Angeles, was dominated by discussions of IndieBound, as well as ABA's e-fairness efforts. The informal meeting, designed to allow booksellers to ask questions and share views on any industry-related topic, was led by outgoing ABA President Russ Lawrence of Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton, Montana.
Live From BookExpo America -- Day 2
May 29, 2008 - In the spirit of the Boston Tea Party, booksellers declared a new era of Independents at Thursday night's Celebration of Bookselling, sponsored by Ingram Book Company/Ingram Publisher Services. The American Booksellers Association -- building on a rising tide of localism -- launched its new program, IndieBound, to enthusiastic applause in an SRO ballroom. The program is designed to unite booksellers, readers, indie retailers, local business alliances, and others in support of local activism and local economies and to lead an Independent Revolution.
Live From BookExpo America -- Day 1
May 28, 2008 - Under beautiful blue skies on Wednesday, more than 800 ABA member booksellers began arriving in Los Angeles for BookExpo America 2008. Throughout the Renaissance Hollywood, this year's Hotel ABA, there was a steady parade of hellos and hugs, as many booksellers headed out for afternoon tours. Among the early arrivals were prospective booksellers participating in "Opening a Bookstore: Creating Foundations for Success," a school sponsored by ABA and facilitated by Paz & Associates, which began on Tuesday afternoon. The Renaissance Hollywood is the site of Thursday's Day of Education and the Celebration of Bookselling, sponsored by Ingram Book Company/Ingram Publisher Services.
40 Indie Favorites at ABA Author Lunch
May 27, 2008 - Friday's ABA Author Lunch at BEA brought together 40 authors and illustrators and the independent booksellers who enjoyed handselling their work over the past year.
Vroman's Offers Bookstore Tours at BEA
May 27, 2008 - Vroman's Bookstore, Publishers Weekly 2008 Bookseller of the Year, is offering store tours during BookExpo America.
Countdown to BEA: Part 2
May 26, 2008 - Here's information about the ABA Lounge, bag check, and shipping desk exclusively for ABA member booksellers and details about ABA programming on Friday and Saturday at the L.A. Convention Center.
Countdown to BEA: Part 1
May 23, 2008 - Here's the first of a two-part summary of education sessions, special events, and resources for ABA members at this year's BookExpo America. Programming begins on Wednesday, May 28, at Hotel ABA, the Renaissance Hollywood, with "Welcome to Hollywood" Tours and an Author Reception at the famed Egyptian Theatre.
California Here We Come
May 22, 2008 - A week from today, BookExpo America will be underway, and hundreds of ABA members will be participating in the Day of Education at the Renaissance Hollywood, this year's Hotel ABA. Programming on Thursday exclusively for ABA member booksellers includes 15 education sessions covering everything from green retailing and leveraging localism to creating killer events and RFID. A morning Plenary Session will feature actor, author, and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr., and, at lunch, radio and TV show host and author Amy Goodman will be the speaker.
Ed Begley, Jr. on an Eco-Friendly Life
May 22, 2008 - There is no question: environmentalism is in. It's cool to be green these days, especially in Hollywood. But, as is so often the case in la-la land, not everything you see is real. While any number of celebrities are very good at talking the green talk, many are not so adept at walking the walk -- unless it's to their idling private jets. Ed Begley, Jr., on the other hand, is different. He not only talks the talk, he definitely walks the walk. That's because, for Begley, being green is neither a fashion statement nor a fad, it's a way of life, something he's been doing for the past three decades. Begley, the keynote speaker at ABA's Day of Education, recently spoke to BTW via e-mail about the environmental movement and some of the things he hopes to share with booksellers at BEA.
Amy Goodman on the Importance of Independents
May 22, 2008 - Amy Goodman says she thinks "the diversity of ideas, religions, and opinions in this country is our glory, is the strength of the U.S. ... that's why independent bookstores, which are the sanctuaries of that diversity of opinion, are just so important." Goodman, the co-host of the global news hour Democracy Now!, co-author of Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times (Hyperion), and speaker at ABA's Day of Education lunch, recently spoke to BTW about her new book, the independent media landscape, and the importance of independent bookstores.
Authors & Booksellers to Mingle at "Welcome to Hollywood" Reception
May 22, 2008 - More than 12 of indie booksellers' favorite authors will be on hand at next Wednesday's "Welcome to Hollywood" Reception, co-sponsored by ABA and the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association. The event, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre, just down the street from Hotel ABA, is free and open to all ABA and SCIBA member booksellers.
Hollywood & Literary Sites Walking Tour: Reserve Now
May 22, 2008 - There's still time for ABA member booksellers who will be in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon, May 28, to sign up for a unique, behind-the-scenes walking tour of Hollywood with a decidedly literary slant.
BTW News Briefs
May 22, 2008 - 2008 Bellwether Prize Winner Announced; Ingram Book Group Launches Podcast Sites; Sorcerer's Stone Special Anniversary Edition to Be Released September 23; B&N to Buy Borders?; AAP Launches "Get Caught Listening" Audiobook Campaign; Markus Dohle to Head Bertelsmann AG's Random House Unit; Mark Pitts Joins Lightning Source Inc.
ABA Invites All BEA Registrants to Come Celebrate
May 22, 2008 - ABA is inviting all book industry professionals registered for BookExpo America to the Celebration of Bookselling, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at the Renaissance Hollywood. Among the highlights will be the presentation of the Book Sense Book of the Year Awards and the announcement of an exciting, new ABA initiative.
Last Chance for Hotel ABA Reservations
May 21, 2008 - Due to a few cancellations, a limited number of rooms are currently available at Hotel ABA 2008, the Renaissance Hollywood; however, any ABA member bookseller who would like to reserve a room must do so by contacting ABA by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 23.
MyHound to Feature BookSense.com Store Event Listings
May 21, 2008 - This week, BookSense.com announced that it will be providing MyHound.com, a new service that gives users customized entertainment alerts on demand, with an events feed from all BookSense.com participating stores. The events will be listed on MyHound.com and will have links back to bookstores' websites. MyHound.com allows visitors to search and sign up to get updates about new releases and events for any author, actor, or musician.
Out of the Book State by State: Coming to Bookstores This Fall
May 21, 2008 - This September, just as the presidential race reaches fever pitch, Powell's Books will release State by State: Out of the Book, Volume 3, a documentary inspired by State by State: A Panoramic Portrait of America, a collection of original essays on all 50 states, edited by Matt Weiland and Sean Wilsey (Ecco). The film will include interviews with Weiland, Wilsey, and several of the book's contributors, as well as archival footage.
WSJ Columnist Says Real World Needs E-fairness
May 21, 2008 - As booksellers in New York, Texas, and other states work to advance e-fairness and the equitable collection of sales tax, the issue is gaining national prominence. Here is a recent column from the Wall Street Journal's Lee Gomes, who questions why "Internet moguls should continue to benefit from a tax loophole that hurts parks and schools, and makes it harder for your neighborhood bookstore to keep open for business."
Deadline for Exclusive The 39 Clues Promo May 30
May 21, 2008 - ABA is partnering with Scholastic to create an exclusive, promotional marketing card for this fall's launch of The 39 Clues, a multimedia series for middle graders, featuring books, cards, and an online game. The card exclusively for ABA member stores will be designed to echo the actual series game cards, making it an attractive collectible.
Booksellers Urged to Join the Campaign for E-Fairness
May 20, 2008 - Over the past two months, there have been significant strides in the campaign for e-fairness that have thrust the issue into the media spotlight. To keep the issue on the minds of legislators, ABA is urging booksellers to write, fax, or e-mail their governors about this important issue.
Supreme Court Upholds Provision Opposed by Free Speech Groups
May 20, 2008 - On Monday, May 19, in a 7 - 2 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a provision of a child pornography law that free speech groups contended punished speech about books that are protected by the First Amendment. Under the PROTECT Act of 2003, a producer, distributor, or retailer can be sentenced to up to 20 years in jail for advertising a work "in a manner that reflects the belief, or that is intended to cause another to believe" that it contains sexually explicit pictures of minors. The Supreme Court decision overturned a lower court ruling.
PublicAffairs Panel to Examine Why Books Still Get Banned
May 20, 2008 - PublicAffairs will present the panel discussion "Obscene in the Extreme: Why Books Still Get Banned" on Saturday, May 31, at BookExpo America. Moderated by Nicholas Goldberg, editor of Op-Ed and Sunday Opinion for the Los Angeles Times, the panel will include ABFFE President Chris Finan (From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act: A History of the Fight for Free Speech in America); Luis Rodriguez (Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.); and Rick Wartzman (Obscene in the Extreme: The Burning and Banning of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath").
Above the Treeline: BEA Sessions & a Show Special
May 20, 2008 - Above the Treeline, the business intelligence tool that gives bookstores greater control of their inventory and the means to establish better, more collaborative relationships with publishers, will be the focus of three sessions on Saturday, May 31, at BookExpo America. Retailers and publishers who are current or prospective users are invited to attend a session designed specifically for them. In addition, Above the Treeline is offering retailers a BEA Show Special and a Customer Referral Program.
ABACUS Help Available at BEA
May 20, 2008 - For most booksellers, completing the easy-to-use 2008 ABACUS Survey now underway via a simple, confidential electronic form on BookWeb.org will take about an hour. However, those with questions about the survey or about how to use individual store reports can set up an appointment to meet with David Walker, ABA's industry consultant, at next week's BookExpo America.
BEA Author Events Tickets Still Available
May 20, 2008 - Booksellers and other book industry professionals registered for next week's BookExpo America can still order tickets online for an array of author events -- everything from the Children's Book & Author Breakfast to the Book Industry Foundation Benefit, starring Lewis Black. Here's a recap of BEA special events from Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1.
Six ABA Member Bookstores Open in April
May 19, 2008 - The uniqueness of ABA member stores is reflected in April's openings.
Amy Goodman to Speak at Day of Education Lunch
May 15, 2008 - Amy Goodman, co-host of the global news hour Democracy Now! and co-author with her brother, David Goodman, of Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times (Hyperion), will be the lunch speaker at ABA's Day of Education on Thursday, May 29.
Nexus in Texas? State to Investigate Amazon.com's Irving Facility
May 15, 2008 - The State of Texas Comptroller's Office is currently investigating whether the presence of an Amazon.com-run distribution facility in the Dallas suburb of Irving means the online retailing giant has a physical presence in the state. If the Comptroller's Office determines that Amazon.com does have nexus, the retailer would be responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax for purchases made by Texas residents and potentially would be liable for back taxes.
All Day of Education Materials Now on BookWeb
May 15, 2008 - ABA has produced all session handouts for its Day of Education at BookExpo America in digital form and made them available via BookWeb.org. All ABA member booksellers can now view and download handouts for each of this year's sessions via the Day of Education program schedule. A binder of handouts will not be produced this year in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of ABA's participation in BEA.
Judy Blume to Sign Books to Bring Attention to ABFFE at BEA
May 15, 2008 - Bestselling author Judy Blume, whose works often appear on lists of the most frequently challenged titles, will sign books in the ABA Lounge at BookExpo America on behalf of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression.
ABA Announces 2008 Election Results
May 15, 2008 - The results of balloting by the bookstore members of the American Booksellers Association to elect three Board directors and a new president and vice president are now official.
Online Sales Catalogs to Be Subject of Discussion at BEA
May 14, 2008 - As HarperCollins previews an interactive, online sales catalog at BEA, ABA's Booksellers Advisory Council will brainstorm about the features they believe are essential to make e-catalogs useful business tools. ABA will then share booksellers' thoughts and concerns with interested publishers.
Around Indie Bookstores
May 14, 2008 - Murder By The Book Wins PageTurner Award; Literary Life Honored for Historic Preservation; Upstate New York Indies Get Bestseller List in Local Paper
Icon of New York's Independent Bookselling Community to Retire
May 14, 2008 - In approximately four weeks, Fern Jaffe, the owner of Paperbacks Plus in the Bronx, New York, will conclude an almost 40-year career in bookselling. On Wednesday, May 14, customers began learning of her decision -- some from a store e-mail update that announced, "Regretfully after 38 years of service to The Bronx, Paperbacks Plus will be closing its doors," and others from a sign in the front window that read, "Everything is on sale -- even the store." Jaffe recently talked to BTW about some of the highlights and turbulent times during her long career.
BTW News Briefs
May 14, 2008 - NEIBA Seeks Nominations for Rusty Drugan Scholarship; National Children's Choice Book Awards Announced; Don Weisberg Appointed President of Penguin Young Readers Group; The Best of the Booker Voting Opens to the Public
Can You See What I See? ... in Your Store Window
May 14, 2008 - To celebrate the publication of On a Scary Scary Night (Cartwheel Books), the sixth book in Walter Wick's Can You See What I See? series, Scholastic Inc. and the American Booksellers Association are teaming up to sponsor the Can You See What I See? store window contest.
Emerging Leaders Invited to Party
May 14, 2008 - BookExpo America is inviting young booksellers to an Emerging Leaders Party on Wednesday evening, May 28, at The Woods in Hollywood, California. The event, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., will feature an open bar during the first hour, and some of booksellers' favorite authors will be there to mingle. Space is limited, so booksellers must RSVP no later than Wednesday, May 21.
ABA's Town Hall and Annual Membership Meetings to Convene at BEA
May 14, 2008 - All ABA member booksellers are encouraged to attend the association's Town Hall and Annual Membership meetings to be held on Friday afternoon, May 30, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. A sign-up sheet for members who would like to speak at the Town Hall meeting will be prominently displayed in the ABA Lounge, beginning Friday morning.
Space Still Available at Large-Store Roundtable
May 14, 2008 - What established stores can do to increase sales will be the subject of a Large-Store Roundtable, added to ABA's Day of Education earlier this month. Carla Cohen of Politics & Prose Books & Coffee in Washington, D.C., will host and moderate the discussion on Thursday morning, May 29, at Hotel ABA. The roundtable is free and open to all ABA member stores. Booksellers interested in participating should contact ABA.
"Welcome to Hollywood" Reception: Refreshments, Authors, Friends
May 13, 2008 - Booksellers at Wednesday night's "Welcome to Hollywood" Author Reception at this year's BookExpo America will mingle with some of their favorite California authors while enjoying light refreshments, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams and Da Capo Lifelong Books. The reception, co-sponsored by ABA and SCIBA, begins at 5:00 p.m. at the famed Egyptian Theatre, just down the street from Hotel ABA.
Limited Number of Rooms Available at Hotel ABA
May 13, 2008 - Due to a few cancellations, a limited number of rooms are now available at Hotel ABA 2008, the Renaissance Hollywood. Reservations will be accepted by ABA on a first-come, first-served basis, so the association is urging interested booksellers to act quickly. Anyone with a reservation that is no longer needed is also asked to contact ABA.
L.A. Photo Journey: From Hotel ABA to the Convention Center
May 13, 2008 - Morning rush hour in Los Angeles can be challenging at best, so ABA is encouraging guests at Hotel ABA to take the L.A. Metro rail system on Friday morning during BookExpo America. Thanks to Frommer's Travel Guides and John Wiley & Sons, ABA members can pick up a free Metro Day Pass, with directions to the convention center on the sleeve, at the Hotel ABA Welcome Desk. To make the train trip even easier, Southern California booksellers Tyson Cornell and Guinevere Platt have put together step-by-step instructions with photos.
Trade Groups Call on Governors to Follow New York State's E-fairness Example
May 08, 2008 - Seven independent trade groups joined together this week to continue their efforts on behalf of e-fairness. In a letter to each of the governors in the 44 states other than New York that collect sales tax, the groups cited the Internet Sales Tax provision in the New York State budget -- which will require out-of-state merchants that have clear nexus in the state to collect and remit sales tax -- and asked state governors to follow New York's lead by clarifying their own existing sales tax laws.
More Day of Education Session Materials Now on BookWeb
May 08, 2008 - This week, materials relating to six more sessions at ABA's Day of Education at BookExpo America were made available to all bookstore members in PDF format on BookWeb.org. In an effort to be more ecologically responsible, ABA is providing all session "handouts" relating to this year's programming online rather than printing and collating them in a binder, which would then need to be shipped across the country.
LibraryThing to Feature BookSense.com Store Event Listings
May 08, 2008 - This week, BookSense.com announced that it will be providing LibraryThing, the popular cataloguing and social networking website for bibliophiles, with an events feed from all BookSense.com member stores. The events will be listed on LibraryThing Local, the place where LibraryThing's 406,000 or so members go to add their favorite bookstores, connect with friends, and keep track of interesting book-related events.
Booksellers Join Legal Challenge to Indiana Registration Law
May 08, 2008 - On Wednesday, May 7, booksellers joined book publishers, video and recording retailers, and an Indianapolis art museum in challenging a new Indiana law that requires any store that sells even a single "sexually explicit" book, magazine, video, or recording to register with the state and pay a $250 license fee. "Sexually explicit" is defined so broadly that the law could apply to bookstores that sell mainstream novels and other artistic works with sexual content as well as educational books about sexuality and sexual health.
Green Bagging It
May 08, 2008 - Indie booksellers are waging the green revolution on several fronts -- developing and expanding Green Living/Environmental sections, offering green sidelines, reducing waste, and increasing energy efficiency. Related green issues of particular interest, as evidenced by discussions at recent ABA Booksellers Forums, are how to reduce the use of merchandise bags and what to provide as an eco-friendly alternative. Several bookstores recently spoke to BTW about their creative, sustainable bag solutions.
Around Indie Bookstores
May 08, 2008 - The river's end bookstore to Celebrate 10th Anniversary; UConn Co-op Kids' Department Sports Whimsical, New Mural; Wooster Book Company Honored; Bookshop's Festival of Mystery a Rousing Success; New Jersey Bookstore on As the World Turns
Special Offer Discounts BEA Day Passes for Staff at ABA Member Stores
May 08, 2008 - This week, BookExpo America announced a special day pass rate for ABA member bookstores that would like to bring additional staff to the trade show in Los Angeles at the end of this month.
Last Call for Reservations for ABA Author Luncheon
May 08, 2008 - Monday, May 12, is the deadline for reservations for the ABA Author Luncheon at BookExpo America. Always a highlight of the show, the event, on Friday, May 30, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, is free and open exclusively to the owners and staff at stores with Book Sense.
ABACUS Help Available at BEA
May 07, 2008 - All ABA member stores can participate in the 2008 ABACUS Survey, now underway via a simple, confidential online form. For most booksellers, completing the easy-to-use ABACUS Survey form will take about an hour. For anyone with questions about the survey and how to use their individual store reports, David Walker, ABA's industry consultant, will be available at BookExpo America.
Last Booksellers Forum Focuses on Shop Local Efforts
May 07, 2008 - On Thursday, May 1, approximately 60 booksellers attended the ABA Forum held in conjunction with the New England Independent Booksellers Association in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. ABA COO Oren Teicher and Senior Director of Editorial Content Dan Cullen attended the forum, where the day began with a presentation of the educational session "Booksellers at the Tipping Point: Leveraging Localism and Independence to Promote Your Store."
"Welcome to Hollywood" Tours & Reception
May 07, 2008 - ABA invites member booksellers to kick off their stay in Los Angeles for BookExpo America 2008 with fun activities on Wednesday afternoon, May 28. Special arrangements have been made with a local walking tour company, which has added a significant literary edge to its standard Hollywood Walking Tour, just for member booksellers (space is limited for this unique tour, so members are urged to sign up today). The association has also arranged a shuttle bus to take members for a special tour of the Getty Museum and Bookstore. There's also an alternative list of suggested activities. The afternoon will be capped with a "Welcome to Hollywood" Author Reception at the famed Egyptian Theatre.
Independent Coalitions Plan Regional Meetings to Grow Localism Movement
May 07, 2008 - In an effort to further expand the burgeoning localism movement, independent alliances will be gathering at regional meetings in various areas around the country to brainstorm and share ideas. Over the next two months, there will be regional gatherings in New Hampshire, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
Booksellers School Registration Deadline Extended
May 07, 2008 - Prospective booksellers who are interested in participating in "Opening a Bookstore: Creating Foundations for Success," a school sponsored by ABA and facilitated by Paz & Associates at BookExpo America, now have until Wednesday, May 14, to register. The school program will run from Tuesday afternoon, May 27, through Thursday, May 29, at Hotel ABA, the Renaissance Hollywood, in Los Angeles. The school curriculum is right for anyone contemplating a career as a bookstore owner, or anyone working towards opening a bookstore or considering investing in one.
BEA at Night
May 07, 2008 - Evening and nighttime events for ABA member booksellers at this month's BookExpo America run the gamut, from the ABA/SCIBA "Welcome to Hollywood" Author Reception and ABA's "Celebration of Bookselling" to a "Celebration of Los Angeles Literary Life" hosted by Skylight Books and City Lights Publishers and a "39 Clues Party" thrown by Scholastic. For those who want to have fun while supporting a worthy cause, there's the Book Industry Benefit, featuring comedian Lewis Black, and "Novel and Memoir Beginnings," produced by the nonprofit WordTheatre and starring world-class actors.
Hotel ABA: Limited Number of Rooms Now Available
May 07, 2008 - Due to cancellations, a limited number of rooms have become available at Hotel ABA 2008, the Renaissance Hollywood. ABA member booksellers who would like to reserve a room should contact the association as soon as possible. ABA is also asking anyone with a reservation that is no longer needed to contact the association rather than cancel with the hotel, so the room remains in the Hotel ABA block and can be assigned to another member.
BTW News Briefs
May 07, 2008 - NYC Indie Booksellers Invited to Discuss New Alliance; Authors Guild Honors Howorth and Rubin
Booksellers Urged to Report Summons
May 06, 2008 - ABA members summoned in a civil action brought by Rev. Herman Douglas, Sr., who have not already contacted industry consultant David Walker are urged to do so.
Flying Pig, Kepler's Win 2008 Pannell Awards
May 06, 2008 - On Tuesday, May 6, the Women's National Book Association named Kepler's Books and Magazines in Menlo Park, California, and The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne, Vermont, the winners of the 2008 Lucile Micheels Pannell Awards. Presented annually since 1983, the awards recognize a general bookstore and a specialty store that excel in bringing books and young people together. Honorable Mention was awarded to Vero Beach Book Center in Vero Beach, Florida.
For ABA Members: The Welcome Desk, Lounge, Bag Check & Shipping Center
May 06, 2008 - A Hotel ABA welcome desk and a lounge, bag check, and shipping center at the Los Angeles Convention -- all exclusively for ABA members -- will make life easier at this month's BookExpo America. Among the new features this year, member booksellers will be able to pick up their BEA show badges along with an exhibitors' guide and other information at the Hotel ABA Welcome Desk, and an ABA Discount Shipping Program FedEx Shipping Center will share space with a bag check sponsored by Harper Mass Market, across from the ABA Lounge at the L.A. Convention Center.
Users Groups to Share the Latest Developments, Tips & Tricks
May 06, 2008 - ABA's gift card and e-commerce programs will be the focus of staff-led users group meetings on Friday, May 30, at BookExpo America. Participants, and those who are new to each of the programs, are invited to join in meetings at the L.A. Convention Center, where they'll hear about the latest program developments, as well as have a chance to share tips and tricks with fellow booksellers. On Saturday, Above The Treeline staff will be conducting three sessions: a demo of new enhancements for current publisher subscribers and those who have never seen the product before and separate meetings for current retail users and prospective users.
PartnerShip Announces Additional Discounts for Online Processing
May 05, 2008 - PartnerShip, the firm that manages the ABA Discount Shipping Program, has announced a new five percent bonus discount for ABA members who process select FedEx Express shipments online. Simply by arranging a FedEx shipment online at FedEx.com or through any FedEx approved electronic shipping device, ABA members now receive an additional five percent discount on select shipments from FedEx.
Amazon.com to Start Collecting New York Sales Tax
May 02, 2008 - On May 2, Amazon.com, LLC, and Amazon Services, LLC, announced that as of June 1 they would begin collecting sales tax on sales to New York State residents. This decision comes even as Amazon.com pursues its legal action against New York State over its Internet Sales Tax provision.
ABA, Ingram Announce Strategic Partnership
May 01, 2008 - The American Booksellers Association announced today the formation of a new strategic partnership with Ingram Book Company and Ingram Publisher Services to underwrite bookseller education for the next three years. The new partnership will begin with ABA's Day of Education being held in Hollywood, California, on Thursday, May 29, in conjunction with BookExpo America.
Amazon Sues New York State Over Internet Sales Tax Provision
May 01, 2008 - Amazon.com, LLC, and Amazon Services, LLC, have filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York that challenges the Internet Sales Tax provision in the state's budget. In a complaint filed on April 25, Amazon claims that the provision is "unconstitutional" because the statute "requires out-of-state Internet retailers, with no physical presence in New York, to collect sales and use taxes."
Booksellers Summoned in Lawsuit Urged to Take Action
May 01, 2008 - This week, several ABA bookstore members received a summons in a civil action brought by Rev. Herman Douglas, Sr., against Rev. Joel Osteen, his publisher, distributors, and retailers. It is essential that booksellers do not ignore any summonses, subpoenas, or other documents that they receive from Rev. Douglas or anyone purporting to represent him.
Cody's & Kepler's Profiled in PBS Documentary to Premiere at BEA
May 01, 2008 - As part of ABA's Saturday programming at BookExpo America, the association will host a premiere of Paperback Dreams, a documentary that follows the history and struggles of Cody's Books and Kepler's Books. The documentary is expected to air on PBS in fall 2008, and director/producer Alex Beckstead is encouraging booksellers to create events surrounding the film's broadcast. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A discussion.
Around Indie Bookstores
May 01, 2008 - La Casa Azul Launches Online Bookstore; I Love A Mystery Wins 25 Under 25 Award; Old Harbor Hosts John Straley & Upcoming Whale-Watching Cruise; Octavia Books Creates Podcast With Rick Bragg
BTW News Briefs
May 01, 2008 - Emerging Leaders to Meet in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Lise Friedman Named Macmillan Sales Rep; The Winners of the 20th Annual Triangle Awards, Jane Addams Children's Book Awards, and Nebula Awards
Registration for Prospective Booksellers School Closes May 7
May 01, 2008 - Prospective booksellers who are interested in participating in "Opening a Bookstore: Creating Foundations for Success," a school sponsored by the American Booksellers Association and facilitated by Paz & Associates at BookExpo America, must register by Wednesday, May 7. The school program will run from Tuesday afternoon, May 27, through Thursday, May 29, at Hotel ABA, the Renaissance Hollywood, in Los Angeles.
Large-Store Roundtable Added to Day of Education
May 01, 2008 - "What can established stores do to increase sales?" will be the subject of a Large-Store Roundtable recently added to ABA's Day of Education at BookExpo America. The roundtable discussion, which is free to ABA members, is being hosted and moderated by Carla Cohen of Politics & Prose Books & Coffee in Washington, D.C.
Small Number of Rooms Now Available at Hotel ABA
April 30, 2008 - Due to a few recent cancellations, a limited number of rooms are now available at Hotel ABA 2008, The Renaissance Hollywood. Any ABA member bookseller who would like to reserve a room at the special rate of $164 per night should contact ABA as soon as possible. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so ABA is urging interested booksellers to act quickly. To be able to accommodate as many members as possible, ABA is asking anyone with a reservation that is no longer needed to contact the association now.
Materials for Day of Education Sessions Available for Download
April 30, 2008 - Materials related to five of this year's ABA Day of Education sessions at BookExpo America 2008 are currently available to all ABA member booksellers via downloadable PDFs. By next Thursday, May 8, ABA expects to have all of the education session materials, which previously would have been printed and provided in a binder at the show, available to every member bookseller via BookWeb.org.
Four More Indie Favorites to Autograph in ABA Lounge
April 30, 2008 - Twenty-four of independent booksellers' favorite authors are now scheduled to autograph their latest titles in the ABA Lounge exclusively for the bookseller members of the American Booksellers Association at BookExpo America. The latest additions to the schedule are M.J. Rose, Alex Kava, Alan Brennert, and Mark Lecard.
NACS to Launch "4% Challenge" at ABA Day of Education
April 29, 2008 - The National Association of College Stores is offering the "College Store Literary Luncheon" and "The 4% Challenge: Strategies to Increase General Book Sales" in conjunction with ABA's Day of Education on Thursday, May 29, at Hotel ABA.
For Children's Booksellers: Day of Education Sessions, Author Events & More
April 29, 2008 - Children's booksellers can look forward to special programming every day from Wednesday afternoon, May 28, through Saturday, May 31, at BookExpo America 2008. Among the myriad events are an author's tea, a game show for lovers of books for teens and 'tweens, speed dating with children's authors, a traditional children's book and author breakfast, a mostly silent auction, and more. Education sessions for children's booksellers, co-sponsored by the American Booksellers Association and the Association of Booksellers for Children, will be part of the Day of Education at Hotel ABA on Thursday, May 29.
A Preview of African-American Programming at BEA
April 28, 2008 - This year's BookExpo America program for African-American book industry professionals, sponsored by the African-American Booksellers Committee, will be held on Thursday, May 29, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Registration for the program, which is open to all BEA registered attendees, is not required.
May 2 Deadline for Booksellers' Input on ABFFE
April 28, 2008 - This Friday, May 2, is the deadline for independent booksellers to offer a friendly but honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression. Booksellers' opinions are being collected via a quick and anonymous online survey.
Correction
April 28, 2008 - Last week's profile of Changing Hands' Gayle Shanks, who is up for approval by ABA membership to serve a one-year term as president, incorrectly stated the size of the store and misidentified the current members of the business' ownership group. Changing Hands, which was founded by Shanks and her husband, Bob Sommer in 1974, is currently 13,000 square feet. In January 2008, Cindy Dach, the store's general manager, became part of Changing Hands' ownership group.
Ed Begley, Jr. to Kick Off ABA Day of Education
April 24, 2008 - Ed Begley, Jr., who has become as well known for his environmental activism as for his acting career, will be the morning's keynote speaker at the American Booksellers Association's Day of Education on Thursday, May 29. Begley is the co-star of the hit HGTV series Living With Ed, a look at the day-to-day realities of "living green," and author of Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life (Clarkson Potter).
ABA to Go Green at BEA
April 24, 2008 - This week, as worldwide celebrations of Earth Day brought added focus to the need for individuals and businesses to lessen their impact on the environment, ABA announced changes that will reduce the carbon footprint of its participation in BEA. In a change that will significantly cut down on the use of paper, and the attendant energy to produce and ship materials, ABA is making all of its education session materials, which previously would have been printed and provided in a binder at the show, available to every member bookseller via BookWeb.org by Thursday, May 8.
New York Budget With Internet Sales Tax Provision Signed Into Law
April 24, 2008 - On April 15, Gov. David Paterson signed into law the Internet Sales Tax provision that requires out-of-state retailers such as Amazon.com to comply with New York State sales tax laws and to collect and remit sales tax on sales to state residents. Though the provision is now in effect, out-of-state retailers not currently collecting sales tax that register with New York State by June 1, 2008, will not be penalized for uncollected sales tax up to that point. New York State has notified the 500 largest online retailers in the state that they need to register and to start collecting sales tax as of June 1.
ABFFE Seeks Booksellers' Opinions via Online Survey
April 24, 2008 - The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression is seeking a friendly but honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses from the people it was created to serve -- independent booksellers -- via a quick and anonymous online survey. All booksellers are encouraged to complete the survey, which has a deadline of Friday, May 2.
BTW News Briefs
April 24, 2008 - Recession Hitting Chains Hard; Prairie Lights Announces New Ownership Structure; New York Bagels in Alaska Bookstore; Hue-Man in the Movies
Oregon Booksellers to Challenge Censorship Law
April 24, 2008 - On Friday, April 25, six Oregon booksellers will join the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression and a coalition of groups in filing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new Oregon law that restricts the display and sale of books and magazines, which are protected by the First Amendment. Oregon House Bill 2843 makes it a misdemeanor to allow a minor under 13 to view or purchase a "sexually explicit" work.
First Annual Record Store Day a Hit
April 23, 2008 - On Saturday, April 19, independently owned record stores around the world took part in the first annual Record Store Day, a celebration of the culture of indie record stores and the unique place that they occupy in their local communities and nationally. By all accounts, the day was a huge success.
ABACUS: Easy to Do, Great Benefits
April 23, 2008 - Data gathering for the 2008 ABACUS Survey is now underway via a simple, confidential online form. All ABA member stores are encouraged to participate in the survey, which provides participants with a customized analysis of their business' financial results that can be used to evaluate and improve store performance. As an added bonus, participating stores receive a $50 rebate.
Eat. Shop. Local.
April 23, 2008 - Billed as "indispensable guides to stylishly unique, locally owned eating and shopping," the eat.shop series is a natural for the independent bookstore customer. The guides, created by Kaie Wellman and self-published under her imprint Cabazon Books, have a stand-out, simple design, and highlight about 90 local restaurants and shops in each of 20 city guides. The guides focus, as the name suggests, only on eating and shopping, and only on local venues.
In the Spotlight: Gayle Shanks, Candidate for ABA President
April 23, 2008 - The past year has been a busy one for the ABA Board of Directors, said Vice President Gayle Shanks, who is currently up for approval by membership to serve a one-year term as president starting this June. "We have spent time clarifying our expectations -- what we are as an association, how we can better serve our members, and at what cost. We have redesigned the way we think about strategic planning and adopted a set of goals that guide our decisions." Throughout, Shanks said, the focus has been on helping member stores increase their bottom line.
Doing the ABA Author Lunch?
April 23, 2008 - Booksellers at stores with Book Sense who would like to attend this year's ABA Author Luncheon at BookExpo America must make reservations via an electronic form on BookWeb.org. The event, on Friday, May 30, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, is free and open exclusively to the owners and staff at stores with Book Sense.
Toddlin' Along the Thames
April 23, 2008 - Chuck and Dee Robinson of Village Books in Bellingham, Washington, write about their recent trip to the London Book Fair with 15 other U.S. booksellers. The fair, which appeared at first glance like a smaller version of BookExpo America, was a "little odd" as there weren't many books.... However, the U.S. booksellers shared rich conversations with their U.K. counterparts and had meetings with independent publishers that began like sales calls and ended up being more like cultural exchanges.
Booksellers Forum in New Hampshire Next Week
April 23, 2008 - The last of this spring's nine ABA Booksellers Forum programs will be held next Thursday, May 1, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in conjunction with the New England Independent Booksellers Association. The owners and staff of all ABA and NEIBA member stores are encouraged to attend the event at the Hilton Garden Inn.
ABFFE & PEN American Center Joint Membership Offer Expires May 1
April 22, 2008 - Booksellers who would like to take advantage of a special, limited-time membership offer to join both the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression and PEN American Center for just $50, the usual price for ABFFE membership alone, need to sign up by Thursday, May 1.
Great Turnout for Grand Rapids Forum
April 22, 2008 - Close to 60 booksellers attended the ABA Booksellers Forum, held in conjunction with the Great Lakes Booksellers Association on Wednesday, April 16, at Schuler Books & Music in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Following a tour of the bookstore and the well-received education session, "Booksellers at the Tipping Point: Leveraging Localism and Independence to Promote Your Store," forum discussions included shop local efforts, sales tax equity for online purchases, lease renegotiation, the redesign of ABA's Book Sense marketing program, and more.
Evan Handler Shares the Good News -- and the Bad -- of Being Alive
April 22, 2008 - Shortly after Evan Handler learned, at the age of 24, that he had leukemia and a life-expectancy of "not very long," he began making notes about his medical ordeal and other matters of a problematic existence that seemed about to end all too soon. Against all odds, and with the help of a bone-marrow transplant, Handler emerged five years later cancer-free. Now, the 47-year-old actor, known for his roles in Broadway plays and the television series Sex and the City, entertains readers with stories of his various dysfunctional relationships, existential ponderings, thespic successes, screenwriting disappointments, regrets, and rejoicings in It's Only Temporary: The Good News and the Bad News of Being Alive (Riverhead).
March Bookstore Openings
April 22, 2008 - Eight ABA member bookstores opened for business in March 2008.
A Look at NY's Internet Sales Tax Provision -- And How It Affects Indies in Other States
April 17, 2008 - Last week, independent retailers in New York State scored a huge victory when the legislature passed a final budget that includes the Internet Sales Tax provision. As New York State awaits Gov. Paterson's signature on the budget, here are some answers to the questions that independent booksellers in other states might have regarding how the provision will, or won't, affect their business activities in New York.
Authors to Autograph in ABA's Member-Only Lounge
April 17, 2008 - The ABA Lounge at BookExpo America -- Room 515A in the West Building of the Los Angeles Convention Center -- will be the place for member booksellers to go for autographs from some of their favorite authors. Here's a look at the schedule of the 20 authors to date who will appear in the lounge on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31.
Registration Opens for Prospective Booksellers School
April 17, 2008 - ABA is sponsoring a school for prospective booksellers from Tuesday afternoon, May 27, through Thursday, May 29, at Hotel ABA in Los Angeles in conjunction with the BookExpo America trade show. The program -- "Opening a Bookstore: Creating Foundations for Success," facilitated by Paz & Associates -- is right for anyone contemplating a career as a bookstore owner, or anyone working towards opening a bookstore or considering investing in one.
ABA at BEA 2008: "Welcome to Hollywood" Tours & Reception
April 17, 2008 - ABA is inviting member booksellers to kick off their stay in Los Angeles for BookExpo America 2008 with fun activities on Wednesday afternoon, May 28. Special arrangements have been made with a local walking tour company, which has added a significant literary edge to its standard Hollywood Walking Tour, just for member booksellers. The association has also arranged a shuttle bus to take members for a special tour of the Getty Museum and Bookstore. There's also an alternative list of suggested activities. The afternoon will be capped with a "Welcome to Hollywood" Author Reception at the famed Egyptian Theatre.
Legislation Introduced in Senate to Make Healthcare Affordable for Small Businesses
April 16, 2008 - This month, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to make health insurance more available and affordable for the employees of small businesses and for the self-employed. The legislation, the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), S. 2795, is sponsored by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Norm Coleman (R-MN).
Something to Hide: Authors to Read in Support of Free Speech
April 16, 2008 - Bestselling authors Judy Blume, Jim Crace, Andre Dubus III, Dennis Lehane, and Azar Nafisi are among those who will read in support of First Amendment rights at "Something to Hide: Writers Against the Surveillance State," presented by Pen American Center and the American Civil Liberties Union at next month's BookExpo America. The event, which is co-sponsored by the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression and the Campaign for Reader Privacy, will be held on Saturday at the L.A. Convention Center. A ticketed "meet and greet" author reception is also planned at an outside venue.
GPI's Tyson Miller Offers Insights on Report Detailing Book Industry Environmental Efforts
April 16, 2008 - Thirteen printers, six paper mills, and 75 publishers (representing more than 45 percent of market share by revenue) participated in a 2007 Environmental Benchmarking Survey commissioned by the Book Industry Study Group and Green Press Initiative. The results of the survey are now available in Environmental Trends and Climate Impacts: Findings From the U.S. Book Industry, a report offering insight on everything from energy use and environmental policy development, to resource consumption and the certification and conservation of forests, and more. GPI's Tyson Miller recently talked to BTW about some of the study's key findings and what remains to be done.
BTW News Briefs
April 16, 2008 - NEIBA Calls for Rusty Drugan Scholarship Nominations; Beacon Press to Publish Series on Free Speech History; National Park Association Leases Blue Heron Bookstore; Online Sales Expected to Climb Despite Struggling Economy; Lightning Source UK Expands; BISG to Hold 5th Making Information Pay Conference; Speck Press Moves to Fulcrum Publishing
ABFFE & PEN American Center Offer Special Joint Membership
April 16, 2008 - Booksellers can now take advantage of a special, limited-time membership offer to join both the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression and PEN American Center for just $50, the usual price for ABFFE membership alone.
In the Spotlight: ABA Board Candidate Michael Tucker
April 16, 2008 - This week, in the third of a series of ABA Board candidate profiles, BTW talks to Michael Tucker of California's Books Inc. Tucker is up for election to a second three-year term as a Board director. He's also on the ballot for approval by membership to serve a one-year term as ABA vice president/secretary beginning this June. Tucker is president/CEO and co-owner of Books Inc., which has 11 locations.
Idlewild Books: A Trip Around the World
April 15, 2008 - On Sunday, April 20, Idlewild Books will open near Union Square in New York City with an inventory of 6,000 titles, all of them arranged according to country. "I've always been a big traveler and reader so the idea of a bookstore organized by country -- with literature, guide books, books about politics and culture, and so on, all shelved together by place -- always appealed to me," said owner David Del Vecchio.
ABA Author Lunch Reservations Accepted Via BookWeb.org
April 15, 2008 - Booksellers at stores with Book Sense who would like to attend this year's ABA Author Luncheon at BookExpo America must make reservations via an electronic form on BookWeb.org. The event, on Friday, May 30, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, is free and open exclusively to the owners and staff at stores with Book Sense.
Indie Bookstore Participation Sought for "Independent Retailer Watch"
April 15, 2008 - Book Publishing Report, which for 33 years has been providing business-related trade news to publishers, is hoping to increase its contacts among independent booksellers -- not as readers, but rather as participants in its monthly "Independent Retailer Watch." In 2007, the newsletter began asking independent booksellers survey questions designed to highlight different aspects of independent book retailing.
Bookstore Sales Up for 8th Consecutive Month
April 14, 2008 - Preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census reflect an increase in bookstore sales in February 2008 of 11.4 percent, compared to February 2007. This was the eighth consecutive month that retail sales at bookstores exceeded the previous year's results.
E-Fairness Victory in New York Elates Booksellers
April 10, 2008 - In what was a significant victory for independent retailers, on Wednesday, April 9, the New York State Legislature passed a final budget that includes the Internet Sales Tax provision. This means that out-of-state retailers such as Amazon.com now will be required to comply with New York State sales tax laws and collect and remit sales tax on sales to state residents. Gov. David Paterson has 10 days to sign the budget. The Internet Sales Tax provision takes effect immediately once the budget bill is signed, though out-of-state retailers not currently collecting sales tax that register with New York State by June 1, 2008, will not be penalized for sales tax up to that point.
Economic Stimulus Act: Tax Benefits for Businesses
April 10, 2008 - While much has been written about the 2008 Economic Stimulus Act's stimulus payments to individuals, many small business owners may not be aware of provisions that can directly affect them. The stimulus package approved by Congress earlier this year provides incentives to businesses, including a special 50 percent depreciation allowance for 2008 purchases and an increase in the small business expensing limitation for tax years beginning in 2008.
NYC Booksellers Forum Focuses on Shop Local Movement, Internet Sales Tax Effort
April 10, 2008 - At this week's ABA Booksellers Forum program, held in conjunction with the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association at Random House's offices in midtown Manhattan, approximately 30 booksellers heard ABA CEO Avin Mark Domnitz and Chief Program Officer Len Vlahos present the session "Booksellers at the Tipping Point," which argues that a significant shift in both consumer values and desires and the maturing corporate chain retail landscape are offering indie retailers a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves and to satisfy customers' evolving desires. The presentation sparked a lively dialog and segued into a working-lunch discussion for the remainder of the three-hour forum.
Penguin Bookshop: Becoming as Green as It Gets
April 10, 2008 - After nearly 78 years, the Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, was due for a makeover, but what it's getting is a radical stem-to-stern renovation. The nearly 100-year-old building is being gutted and "retro-greened" to meet building standards set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Penguin management team Karen Fadzen and Leah Lindemann are documenting the entire process on the Penguin Bookshop blog.
In the Spotlight: ABA Board Candidate Ken White
April 10, 2008 - ABA bookstore members recently received ballots to elect three booksellers to serve as directors on the ABA Board and to approve a new president and vice president. Director candidates on the ballot are Ken White of SFSU Bookstore in San Francisco; Dan Chartrand of Water Street Bookstore in Exeter, New Hampshire; and Michael Tucker of Books Inc. in San Francisco. Here, in the second of a series of candidate profiles, BTW talks to SFSU's Ken White.
Booksellers Forum in Michigan Next Week
April 10, 2008 - The owners and staff of ABA and GLBA member stores are invited to a Booksellers Forum program on Wednesday, April 16, at Schuler Books & Music in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Arizona Legislators Reject Bill Targeting "Dangerous" Media
April 09, 2008 - On Monday, April 7, state legislators in Arizona rejected House Bill 2660, a proposal that would make businesses financially liable for creating or distributing books, movies, and other media that "cause" a serious crime. Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, which provided support to Arizona booksellers who were opposed to the bill, said, "The committee acted largely in response to First Amendment concerns."
Bookseller Founds Alliance to Help Kalamazoo Independents
April 09, 2008 - Like so many towns across the country today, Kalamazoo, Michigan's local economy is hurting. But while Kalamazoo's economy may be stagnant, the area's independent retailers are not. Gloria Tiller of Kazoo Books recently founded the Buy Local Kalamazoo independent business alliance as a way to help the town and its local business owners. And, while Tiller had to do most of the heavy lifting to get the IBA off the ground, there are now more than 45 businesses lined up to become members at the alliance's official launch this May.
BTW News Briefs
April 09, 2008 - BEA Adds Sunday "Meet the Bestsellers"; SCIBA Serves Up Literacy at Annual Dinner; Griffin Poetry Prize Announces Shortlist; ABC Names 2008 E.B.White Read Aloud Award Winners; 2008 Pulitzer Prize Winners Announced
LIBRIS: The Checks Are in the Mail
April 09, 2008 - In January, ABA announced a near-record dividend for policyholders of its LIBRIS insurance program. Now, dividend checks representing three percent of a business' annual premium are on their way to participating ABA member bookstores.
Hotel ABA Reservations, Cancellations?
April 07, 2008 - With Hotel ABA 2008, The Renaissance Hollywood, booked to capacity, ABA has been adding the names of member booksellers who still want reservations to a waiting list. Anyone with a reservation that is no longer needed is asked to contact the association, so the room remains in the Hotel ABA block and can be assigned to another member.
NY E-Fairness: Budget Deadline Passes, Negotiations Continue
April 03, 2008 - At press time, the April 1 deadline for th