Indiebound Literary Liberation Underway

June 12, 2008 we hope owners will take the opportunity to spread the excitement TABLE OF CONTENTS: among staff by opening the box in their presence." (Here's a look at • IndieBound Literary Liberation Underway ...... 1 what booksellers will find in the Liberation Box.) • A Report on ABA's 2008 Spring Board Meeting Thus far, bookseller response to IndieBound and the Literary ...... 2 Liberation Box has been enthusiastic. "I think it's fantastic," said Christine Onorati of WORD bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. "I • Booksellers Find Ways to Greener Retailing at am totally excited about it. [IndieBound] has exceeded my ABA Panel ...... 3 expectations, and it is customizable, and that is really important." • 2008 FREADOM Gift Cards to Benefit ABFFE She added that the "edgy" look is "well done. I'm very impressed." Now Available ...... 3 Onorati, who two months ago started forming an informal • New Orleans' Afro-American Book Stop to independent business alliance, said, "This will help me. I can go Reopen ...... 4 right into the stores, give them signs, and show them all of this stuff, and start getting something together." In the bookstore, she • Bookstore Sales Up in April ...... 4 placed the "Here's What You Just Did" sign 2 up "right away, and • Share Your IndieBound Creativity ...... 4 called the bag company and ordered the recycled bags." • IndieBound Takes a Bow at BALLE At Farley's Bookshop in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Alexis Kaelin Conference ...... 5 told BTW , "I was very excited -- it's a neat box, and a neat • BTW News Briefs ...... 5 transformation [from Book Sense]. It's inspired me to shop at other • The Indie Parenting Bestseller List ...... 6 local stores, too." Farley's put most of the materials from the • Harvard Book Store Up for Sale Generates Literary Liberation Box out on Wednesday, with the bookmarks, bookplates, and other items placed at the cash wrap. "People are "Serious Interest" ...... 7 excited about the book plates," Kaelin said. • Zogby Poll Plumbs U.S. Reading Demographic "We love it," said Stephanie Anderson of Moravian Bookshop in ...... 7 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. "Our head buyer is wearing the pin with • Independent Retailing & the Shop Local the IndieBound logo on it. And we like everything that says 'Eat. Movement Under the Spotlight ...... 8 Sleep. Read.' on it." The timing of the box's arrival was good, Anderson reported, MARKETPLACE because the Sustainable Business Network of the Greater Lehigh Valley (SBNLV) just kicked off its yearlong Think Independent • Classifieds ...... 8 campaign. "So we're going to use a lot of IndieBound stuff that we • Other Advertising ...... 9 will display in-store and in our window and combine that with the Think Independent campaign." In Bradenton, Florida, Doug Knowlton, owner of The Village IndieBound Literary Liberation Bookshop, immediately displayed his IndieBound materials and sent an e-mail blast with a link to IndieBound.org 3 to the 300 or so Underway customers on the store mailing list. "A member in my writing June 12, 2008 -- IndieBound 1 , the American Booksellers group has already signed up for a t-shirt," he said. "And I'm going Association's new community-oriented movement celebrating the to need a lot of the bags ... maybe some with our logo." value of independent businesses, is underway. On Monday, a After reading more about IndieBound at lunchtime, "I got even Literary Liberation Box, including tools that booksellers can use to more excited," Knowlton said. "And I don't get excited." promote IndieBound in their stores and in their communities, was 4 shipped to all independently owned ABA member stores. The Village Bookshop's MySpace page now features IndieBound Booksellers on the East Coast began receiving the box on Tuesday, and invites customers to a rally, where they can sign the and all stores should experience Literary Liberation within the next Declaration of Independents. several days.

"IndieBound reflects the excitement of localism and the Here's a look at what booksellers will find in the Literary Liberation Box: appreciation of independent business spreading across the country • today," said Meg Smith, ABA Chief Marketing Officer. "And it Rally Cards 5 . These pull readers in with a cool image on the front, while the provides ABA members with a new, fresh way to promote back gives more info on what IndieBound is all about. These cards give customers the information they need to turn around and spread the word. themselves to their customers, as well as to align with other 6 independent businesses in their communities." Booksellers can find more great designs and messages at Bookseller DIY , the home for all customizable IndieBound stuff. Smith added, "When the Literary Liberation Box arrives in stores, •

Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton, Montana, about his Palm Cards 7 . These cards fit in the palm of the hand. The great design activities on behalf of the association; catches the eye, while the back carries a powerful message. Booksellers can hand them out like business cards -- or like candy -- near the register, at events, or get their customers involved to spread the word further. Booksellers • Received a report on ABA programs and initiatives from ABA can use them to start a conversation about IndieBound, and about why CEO Avin Mark Domnitz; independent businesses matter. • • Reviewed the ABA Board election results, certified by the Shopping Bag Samples 8 . The box contains a sample of new shopping bag association's auditors, Marks Paneth & Shron LLP: Candidates designs made from recycled craft paper and styled with the IndieBound look. chosen by ABA members to serve as directors, with terms These use more spirit lines, like "Peace. Love. Books." There's also a smaller ending in 2011, are Dan Chartrand of Water Street Bookstore in bag size for children's books, proclaiming the pride booksellers take in Exeter, New Hampshire; Ken White of SFSU Bookstore in San "Raising Passionate Readers." Booksellers will receive a bag order form, where booksellers can get either size bag, flat or with handles, and customize Francisco; and Michael Tucker of Books Inc. (who begins a them to feature their store logo. second three-year term). Membership also ratified the Board's choices of Gayle Shanks of Changing Hands Bookstore in • Bookmarks 9 . The bookmarks have fun designs -- and a great reminder on the Tempe, Arizona, to serve a one-year term as ABA president and back of why shopping at Indies is so important There are more designs Books Inc.'s Tucker to serve a one-year term as vice available in the Bookseller DIY, and each design includes a space for their president/secretary; store's name. Print it, stamp it, and pass it out to all their customers. • • Received a report from the chair of the 2007 - 2008 Nominating IndieBound Bookplates 10 . These speak directly to customers -- literally. Committee, Beth Puffer of Bank Street Bookstore in New York These messages are memorable and funny, and there's room for a bookseller's City, detailing the committee's guidelines and procedures, which store's stamp on the front. will be considered for adoption by the Board at its July meeting; • The Staff Shirt 11 . This red T-shirt with white lettering reads, "This is the part where I save the day." There's only one per box, so booksellers will have to • Received a comprehensive report from Chief Marketing Officer decide who gets it. There are other shirt designs not only in the Bookseller Meg Smith on the implementation of ABA's new IndieBound 20 DIY 12 , where booksellers can print their own templates and customize shirts initiative and resources now available to members via any way they like, but at a members-only, wholesale Printfection Online Shop 21 13 booksellers can find tons of T-shirts, plus baseball shirts, hoodies, even BookWeb.org ; some for the kids. • Spent a considerable amount of time reviewing ABA's 14 All the shirt designs feature IndieBound spirit lines , cool sayings, and tag investment portfolio with William King of Merrill Lynch and lines that get the message across. All the suggestions are listed in the Bookseller DIY, but these are just suggestions. Booksellers can come up with found that the association's investment policy is serving ABA their own lines and use them everywhere -- and send any great ideas to well despite the general downturn in the investment [email protected] 15 ! environment; • • Heard a report from ABA legal counsel Deanne Ottaviano of Window Decals 16 . The box contains 10 "We're IndieBound" window decals Arent Fox LLP regarding the successful resolution of the civil These are a great way for booksellers to start a conversation with their indie action brought by the Rev. Herman Douglas, Sr., against a retail neighbors about IndieBound, and why the independent and local number of ABA member stores in connection with a copyright movement is so important. ABA will supply an unlimited number of basic infringement case involving the Rev. Joel Osteen, his publisher, decals to member stores. There's also a customizable version housed in the Bookseller DIY, with space for the store's logo, or an independent business distributors, and retailers; alliance logo. Booksellers can get together with their local print shop to produce a version just for their community, and see how far it spreads. • Adopted the following policy regarding ABA's efforts to ensure • the equitable collection of sales tax on online purchases: And much, much more. Whereas the American Booksellers Association strongly prefers a federal solution to the equitable collection of sales tax for online purchases, and, toward that end, continues to support, A separate package will contain three posters: a 17" x 22" print of the and, asks ABA members to support, the Streamlined Sales and 17 Declaration of IndieBound ; an 18" x 36" red IndieBound banner; and a 36" Use Tax Agreement, the Board agrees that, in lieu of a national x 72" Eat. Sleep. Read. poster 18 . All three of these, plus variations and more great poster designs, are available on the Bookseller DIY page 19 . These files solution, it also supports a sales tax solution similar to the one are print-ready as is, but high quality and easily customizable. Booksellers can adopted in New York State, where an out-of-state retailer is add their logo, or change the colors to suit their store's decor. required to collect and remit sales tax for purchases made by in-state residents when said out-of-state retailer has a warehouse, office, or sales agent in the state; or when the A Report on ABA's 2008 Spring Board out-of-state retailer has affiliate relationships in the state and Meeting has more than $10,000 in annual aggregate sales in that state. June 12, 2008 -- The American Booksellers Association Board of Directors and senior staff met at the 2008 Hotel ABA, the • Reviewed ABA's Ends Policies 22 for their continuing Renaissance Hollywood, on Tuesday, May 27, and Wednesday, appropriateness and accuracy, and concluded that is still the May 28, prior to the start of BookExpo America. case; Over the course of the two days, the Board and staff: • Heard a report from outgoing ABA President Russ Lawrence of • Heard a report on the imminent BookExpo America trade show from ABA COO Oren Teicher, who noted that, despite slightly

lower registration figures overall, ABA member attendance But eliminating the need to recycle in the first place trumps remained strong; recycling. Staubach recalled that the bookstore had always provided a pitcher of water for authors at readings. Then, in what is • Expressed thanks and appreciation for the work of its two now a commonplace practice for many, the bookstore began giving outgoing members: President Russ Lawrence and Collette authors plastic bottles of water. Finally, one author pointed out Morgan of Minneapolis' Wild Rumpus; what a colossal waste it was. "She thanked me for inviting her, and she then harshly criticized me for giving her a bottle of water," said • Convened the 2008 - 2009 ABA Board 23 , with Gayle Shanks of Staubach. The bookstore is now back on track, with the Changing Hands Bookstore as president, and approved Steve environmentally friendly glass and pitcher. Bercu of Austin's BookPeople as chair of the 2008 - 2009 Using recycled packaging material, especially bags, is a unanimous Nominating Committee; "must" according to the panelists, but encouraging customers to skip taking a bag is ideal. Staubach described the highly effective • Received copies of the ABA Conflict of Interest Statement and UConn Co-op Cares Bag Program: Each time a customer declines a Board Evaluation Form bag, he or she receives a wooden nickel to drop into one of several boxes that represent various green charities. The nickels are tallied Booksellers Find Ways to Greener up monthly, and each charity receives a donation. Customer response has been very positive, and bag use is down 80 percent, Retailing at ABA Panel said Staubach. June 12, 2008 -- The program is just what bookseller Julie Summerfield of It was standing room only at ABA's Day of Education "Green Haverford College Bookstore in Haverford, Pennsylvania, was Retailing" session on Thursday, May 29 at BookExpo America. looking for. "I work at a college bookstore like Suzy, and one of Booksellers packed the room to hear panelists Suzy Staubach of my big goals has been to cut back on bags, so I wanted to hear how University of Connecticut Co-op in Storrs, Connecticut, Natalie she was able to do that. I loved her Co-op Cares Bag Program." Freidberg of All Shades of Green in Los Angeles, and Ferris Using a little creativity can go a long way in helping reduce a Kawar, vice president of sustainability at Greenopia, discuss business' impact on the environment, said All Shades of Green's strategies for lowering a retailer's impact on the environment using Freidberg. She then told booksellers how a "living wall" of plants methods from the simple to the sublime. on the south-facing side of her building "helps keep down the With a nod to the overflowing ballroom, session moderator Oren amount of heat and reduces air conditioning costs." All Shades of Teicher, ABA's COO, began by noting that interest in all things Green also created a garden that absorbs and filters storm runoff green continues to grow and is "obviously something people are from the parking lot, as well as a rain catchment system, which thinking about, talking about, and writing about." collects water for the garden. (The All Shades of Green Read blog 25 offers more about the parking lot makeover.) Being green saves money, noted Kawar, and the bulk of those savings come from reducing energy usage. His shortlist of To augment a bookstore's own green program, Freidberg recommendations for booksellers included installing CFL and T2 recommended booksellers ask vendors to use both less, and light bulbs, installing or cleaning skylights, dusting light bulbs, recycled, packing materials. Kawar suggested initiating an shutting off computers overnight, unplugging electronics chargers incentive program for staff members who use eco-friendly that aren't in use, and installing low-flow toilets and no-flow transportation, as well as allowing some telecommuting if possible. urinals. "You can offer a day off for every 100 days that someone walks, bikes, or carpools to work," he said. "It makes for happy Janet Green of Bookworks in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said of employees, and it really lowers the store's footprint." the panel, "Some of these basic conservation strategies just make sense. We have 12 computers that we leave on all night. [Kawar] For more ideas on Green Retailing, check out the downloadable Day of Education session handout 26 ; "The Top 10 Green Retailing said turn 'em off! I thought, 'Duh, why haven't we been doing 27 28 that?'" Guide" by The Stella Group, Ltd.; and past articles from Bookselling This Week . --Karen Schechner 29 About the energy that must be used, Kawar said, "One of the most effective things you can do is pay a slight premium, just three to five percent more, to switch to purchasing renewable energy." The 2008 FREADOM Gift Cards to Benefit switch, which usually can be made by a call to the utility company, ABFFE Now Available means paying "a few dollars extra" each month. June 12, 2008 -- The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Kawar referred booksellers to the independently researched city Expression is seeking bookstores to sell the 2008 version of its guides of green businesses published by Greenopia 24 . Guides popular FREADOM gift card, featuring Roger Roth's illustration of currently exist for Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, the Statue of Liberty reading a book. with many more on the way. And Kawar noted that the various lists 30 of green criteria in the guides can provide a self-diagnosis tool for "The FREADOM card has become one of the most popular ways bookstores. for booksellers to support ABFFE and free speech," explained ABFFE President Chris Finan. The card was introduced in 2006, Recycling is crucial for individuals as well as businesses, and the and last year alone, 30 bookstores sold more than 3,000 cards, panelists offered insights on ways to raise recycling rates. Staubach raising nearly $12,000 to support ABFFE's vital work. said that, along with UConn Co-op's own extensive recycling, the The FREADOM card, offered in conjunction with the American bookstore positions recycling containers throughout the store for 31 use by customers. Convenience vastly improves the recycling rate, Booksellers Association's Gift Card Program , is an easy way for she said. booksellers to support free expression. ABFFE provides the cards

© 2008 American Booksellers Association. http://news.bookweb.org/ 3 BOOKSELLING THIS WEEK June 12, 2008 for free -- covering the cost of the card, the matching presenter, and apartment complexes are in the process of rebuilding." the 50 cents per card transaction fee -- in return for a donation of 10 By bringing back her bookstore, Lewis was pleased to help restore percent of the gift card sale and any amounts later added to the the neighborhood. "When I made the decision to return to New card. ABA handles the accounting, tracking the sale of the cards, Orleans, one of the determining factors was that I could be part of deducting the donation, and transferring the funds to ABFFE. the community as it re-grows, and even now, being a part of that All other ABA Gift Card Program fees, including shipping and really feels good. People are really excited. It makes them feel like handling, apply. Booksellers who wish to add their logo will need the things they once called their own are coming back." -- Karen to pay for imprinting. Schechner 35 More information about the FREADOM card is available via a downloadable order form 32 . To place an order, ABA Gift Card Bookstore Sales Up in April Program participants should send an e-mail to Jill Perlstein at 33 June 12, 2008 -- Preliminary figures recently released by the [email protected] , or fax the order form to (914) 373-6685. Bureau of the Census reflect an increase in bookstore sales in April 2008 of 8.0 percent, compared to April 2007. April 2008 bookstore New Orleans' Afro-American Book Stop sales are estimated at $1,000 million, compared to sales of $926 to Reopen million for the same period last year. June 12, 2008 -- The Afro-American Book Stop, which was The Census Bureau also adjusted its preliminary estimates of destroyed three years ago by Hurricane Katrina, will reopen on July March 2008 figures downward to $1,019 million, meaning that 1. The new 1,500-square-foot store will be near its former location bookstore sales for March 2008 were even with last year's March in New Orleans East and will celebrate its grand reopening figures. throughout the July 4th weekend. Overall total retail and food service sales were also up in April. "Reopening is something I'm both excited about, yet fearful of," Preliminary estimates of retail sales were $375.5 billion in April said Afro-American Book Stop owner Michele Lewis. "Hearing 2008, compared to $362.1 billion in April 2007, an increase of 3.7 and reading so much about the struggles of bookselling, it is a bit percent. frightening, but at the same time I'm ready." Period 2007 Final 2008 % Change The bookstore's grand reopening will coincide with the Essence (Millions of (Millions of 2008 over 2007 34 Music Festival , one of the largest African-American music Dollars) Dollars) festivals in the country. Lewis will be hosting several authors at the festival, including Zane, Mary B. Morrison, and E. Lynn Harris. January 2,195 2,285 4.1 Authors will also stop by the store to sign books. The celebration will feature a New Orleans' style lunch, said Lewis, with jambalaya February 1,030 1,144 11.1 and gumbo.

Lewis opened the first Afro-American Book Stop in October 1992, March 1,019 1,019 0.0 a second location in 1996, and a third in Shreveport in 1998. She closed the Shreveport store in 2000, and lost the other two stores April 926 1,000 (p) 8.0 and her home in Hurricane Katrina. In the aftermath of the hurricane, Lewis was invited by bookseller YTD 5,170 5,448 (p) 5.4 Mary Price Dunbar to open an outpost of the Afro-American Book Stop within her bookstore, Beaucoup Books, which had suffered (p) Preliminary figure little damage. "That worked out beautifully," said Lewis. "Until the Note: Estimates reflect sales of all types of participating bookstore, time that [Dunbar] decided to retire. At that time, I was expecting including trade, college, religious, chain stores (including and rebuilding my home and just couldn't take on the whole superstores), and others. A bookstore is defined as any retail building." Lewis has spent the last three years "rebuilding my establishment with sales comprised of more than 50 percent new home, my life, and mothering my 18-month-old daughter." books and periodicals, and estimates include sales of all products in The new Afro-American Book Stop, located in a strip mall with these stores. seven other businesses, will feature a mix of children's titles, African-American fiction, African-American history, cookbooks, Share Your IndieBound Creativity and poetry, as well as Afrocentric gifts, paintings, sculptures, and 36 37 games and puzzles for children, as well as seasonal sidelines like June 11, 2008 -- The IndieBound Literary Liberation Box is calendars. arriving in stores now, and members are encouraged to use all of the materials in the box and in the IndieBound Bookseller DIY Rebuilding New Orleans East has taken much longer than Lewis, pages 38 of BookWeb.org in as many creative ways as possible. and just about everyone else, imagined. "It is one of the slowest areas to rebuild, slow but sure," she said, noting the area's lack of To provide a central place for booksellers to share all of the funding and investment. About a third of the schools have opened, creativity and excitement IndieBound inspires, the American 39 gas stations have returned, but the public library remains shuttered. Booksellers Association has created the IndieBound Forum on BookWeb's Idea Exchange. Booksellers can post photos, graphics, The primary problem in the area, said Lewis, is finding some place tutorials, and all of their great ideas to inform and help inspire the to live. "Housing overall is one of our most troubling situations rest of the IndieBound community. because we lost 80 percent of housing due to Katrina," she explained. "But we are seeing people rebuild their homes and a few Booksellers can also share their ideas, photos, and more with ABA

© 2008 American Booksellers Association. http://news.bookweb.org/ 4 BOOKSELLING THIS WEEK June 12, 2008 via e-mail to IndieBound Outreach Liaison Paige Poe at Finan was selected for his book From the Palmer Raids to the [email protected] 40 . Patriot Act (Beacon Press). "Christopher Finan demonstrates that free speech has had its share IndieBound Takes a Bow at BALLE of ups, and many more downs," said Frederick J. Stielow, chair of Conference the Eli M. Oboler Award Committee. "His highly readable journalistic account charts a tumultuous history from World War I 41 42 June 11, 2008 -- IndieBound , the new American Booksellers into the immediate post-9/11 years. First Amendment principles Association initiative involving booksellers, readers, indie retailers, were largely absent and the control shocking at the start of his local business alliances, and others in a community-oriented narrative. They took time to evolve, but continued to suffer in a movement that proclaims the importance and value of independent balancing act against calls for social order and fears of terrorism. businesses, was the subject of a presentation at last week's 6th His conclusion joins the spirit and concerns of the namesake of the Annual BALLE Conference in Boston. Eli Oboler Award. Free speech can only survive through the ABA COO Oren Teicher presented an IndieBound information determination of individuals and organizations to maintain the true session at the invitation of the Business Alliance for Local Living ideals of America." 43 Economies as part of its pre-conference programming, "Grow Formal presentation of the award will be made at the IFRT Awards Wealth: 3rd Annual Local First Economic Development Reception on Saturday, June 28, at the ALA Annual Conference in Conference," on Thursday, June 5. Anaheim, California. "ABA launched IndieBound because we're convinced that Local First programs are indispensable for our members who want to Report Says Kids Believe Technology Will Supplement Book remain competitive," Teicher told BTW . "We were happy to accept Reading the invitation from BALLE because we're anxious to collaborate with like-minded organizations and to complement their programs A new study released today finds that 75 percent of kids ages five - and resources." 17 agree with the statement, "No matter what I can do online, I'll always want to read books printed on paper," and 62 percent of The 150 or so BALLE members at the session were given an kids surveyed say they prefer to read books printed on paper rather overview of IndieBound's many resources, including the than on a computer or a handheld device. The 2008 Kids & Family "Declaration of Independents," "We're IndieBound" window Reading Report 49 , a national survey of children ages five - 17 and decals, a "Love Your Local" poster, and "Here's What You Did" their parents, also found that kids who go online to extend the flier. reading experience -- by going to book or author websites or Betsy Burton, co-owner of The King's English 44 in Salt Lake City, connecting with other readers -- are more likely to read books for Utah, and a founder of Local First Utah 45 , who participated in the fun every day. BALLE conference told BTW , "I love IndieBound. I think it's a The 2008 Kids & Family Reading Report , a follow-up to a similar great program.... I've been hoping for years that other independent 2006 study, both conducted by Scholastic and TSC, a division of booksellers would jump into the Local First pond, because I view it Yankelovich, a consumer trends research company, found that the as the salvation of independent bookstores." For booksellers whose time kids spend reading books for fun declines after age eight and communities don't already have an established Local First alliance, continues to drop off through the teen years. Burton said, "IndieBound makes starting a network so much easier." "This year, we wanted to investigate the role technology plays in the drop-off in reading books for fun after age eight, and what we Noting that her own local alliance, Local First Utah, is already a found surprised us," said Heather Carter, director of corporate well-branded program, Burton said she saw IndieBound's resources research for Scholastic. "Despite the fact that after age eight, more as complementary to its efforts. "The [IndieBound] materials are children go online daily than read for fun daily, high frequency wonderful and adaptable ... we'll pass them out statewide," she said. Internet users are more likely to read books for fun every day. That The IndieBound presentation at BALLE was informative and well suggests that parents and teachers can tap into kids' interest in received, noted Burton, adding that a lot people were going online to spark a greater interest in reading books." complimentary about the program and were happy to hear that The study also found that two-thirds of children ages nine - 17 who ABA's efforts would be helpful to their own. go online have extended the reading experience via the Internet. Burton, herself, was the convener of the Friday BALLE conference These online reading extenders say they learn what other people breakout session "Local First: Framework and Tools," featuring think about a book, learn new things about an author and connect panelists Frank Kramer of Cambridge, Massachusetts' Harvard with other readers. One of the key reasons kids say they don't read Book Store and Elissa Sangalli-Hillary of Local First Western more often is that they have trouble finding books they like -- a Wisconsin. --Rosemary Hawkins 46 challenge that parents underestimate. Kids who struggle to find books they like are far less likely to read for fun daily or even twice BTW News Briefs a week. June 11, 2008 -- De Niro's Game Wins International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award Chris Finan Honored With Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award On June 12, De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage was named the winner Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for of the world's richest literary prize, the 13th annual International Free Expression 47 , has been named the winner of the Eli M. 48 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Hage, who was born in Beirut, Oboler Memorial Award , presented by the Intellectual Freedom lived through nine years of civil war in the city before immigrating Round Table (IFRT) of the American Library Association (ALA).

© 2008 American Booksellers Association. http://news.bookweb.org/ 5 BOOKSELLING THIS WEEK June 12, 2008 to Canada. His debut novel beat off competition from 137 titles, 5. The New Yorker Book of Mom Cartoons nominated by 162 public libraries from 45 countries. De Niro's New Yorker Magazine (Eds.), Andrews McMeel, $12.99, 9780740776038 Game was nominated by Winnipeg Public Library, in Rawi Hage's adopted home of Canada. 6. The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child Robert Sears, Little Brown, $13.99, 9780316017503 The winning novel, first published by House of Anansi Press, Canada, was chosen by a panel of five international judges from a 7. The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination & Nurture shortlist of eight, including Patrick McCabe's, Winterwood . De Family Connections Niro's Game is told through the eyes of Bassam, as he grows up Amanda Blake Soule, Trumpeter, $14.95, 9781590304716 with his childhood friend George, in war-ravaged Beirut. As the young men reach adulthood, they must choose their futures: to stay 8. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child Marc Weissbluth, Ballantine, $16, 9780449004029 in the city and embrace a life of crime or go into exile abroad, alienated from the only existence they have known. 9. The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Dublin City Libraries, on behalf of Dublin City Council, manage Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It is sponsored by Harvey Karp, Bantam, $15, 9780553381467 IMPAC, an international management productivity company with 10. Growing Up Green: Baby and Childcare its European headquarters in Dublin. Nominations are submitted by Deirdre Imus, Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 9781416541240 library systems in major cities throughout the world. All the novels 50 nominated can be viewed on www.impacdublinaward.ie . 11. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk Adele Faber, Quill, $14.95, 9780380811960 NFR: May Retail Sales Give Tremendous Boost to Industry 12. I Love Dirt! 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the With a little help from Uncle Sam, consumers headed back into the Wonders of Nature stores in May. According to the National Retail Federation, retail Jennifer Ward, Susie Ghahremani (Illus.), Trumpeter, $12.95, industry sales for May (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, 9781590305355 and restaurants) jumped 0.9 percent unadjusted over last year and 13. Parenting With Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility 3.8 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month. May retail sales Foster Cline, Jim Fay, Pinon Press, $24.99, 9781576839546 released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as 14. The Happiest Toddler on the Block: The New Way to Stop the Daily autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 1.0 percent Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to seasonally adjusted from the previous month and increased 3.0 Four-Year-Old percent unadjusted year-over-year. Harvey Karp, Paula Spencer, Bantam, $14, 9780553381436 "Thanks to the tax rebate checks consumers received last month, 15. Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys the economy got a nice shot in the arm," said NRF Chief Daniel J. Kindlon, Ballantine, $15, 9780345434852 Economist Rosalind Wells. "It's evident consumers are feeling a bit more confident about their expenditures, especially with both April 16. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should and May sales seeing positive increases in many sectors." Know Meg Meeker, Ballantine, $14.95, 9780345499394 Sales at grocery stores increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from April and 8.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year. General 17. Your Child's Strengths: Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them merchandise stores sales increased 1.2 percent seasonally adjusted Jenifer Fox, Viking, $24.95, 9780670018765 month-to-month and 7.4 percent unadjusted from last year. 18. Walking on Eggshells: Navigating the Delicate Relationship Between Sporting goods, book and hobby merchandise also benefited, with Adult Children and Parents sales last month increasing 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted Jane Isay, Flying Dolphin, $14, 9780767920858 month-to-month and 4.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year. 19. The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids The Indie Parenting Bestseller List Madeline Levine, Ph.D., HarperCollins, $25.95, 9780060595845 June 11, 2008 -- Based on sales in independent bookstores 20. The Mother-Daughter Project: How Mothers and Daughters Can Band nationwide for the eight-week period ending June 10, 2008. Together, Beat the Odds, and Thrive Through Adolescence SuEllen Hamkins, Renee Schultz, Plume, $15, 9780452289161

1. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit 21. Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me & Cheryl to the Disorder Mall? A Parent's Guide to the New Teenager Richard Louv, Algonquin, $14.95, 9781565126053 Anthony E. Wolf, FSG, $14, 9780374528539

2. Porn for New Moms 22. The Granny Diaries: An Opinionated How-To Guide Cambridge Women's Pornography Co-op (Eds.), Chronicle, $12.95, Adair Lara, Patricia Storms (Illus.), Chronicle, $12.95, 9780811857321 9780811862165 23. The Original Summer Bridge Activities: Second to Third Grade With 3. What to Expect the First Year Flash Cards Heidi Murkoff, Workman, $15.95, 9780761129585 Hobbs Julia, Carla Fisher, Rainbow Bridge, $13.95, 9781594417283

4. Deceptively Delicious 24. The Baby Name Bible: The Ultimate Guide by America's Baby-Naming Jessica Seinfeld, Collins, $24.95, 9780061251344 Experts

Pamela Redmond Satran, Linda Rosenkrantz, St. Martin's Griffin, $11.95, whether e-books have reached a tipping point, the survey reported 9780312352202 that 82 percent of readers said that they would prefer to "curl up with a printed book" rather than reading books online via an e-book 25. Father to Son: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy reader or on a personal digital assistant, such as a smart phone. In Harry H. Harrison, Jr., Workman, $7.95, 9780761118695 contrast, 11 percent said they were comfortable reading books in alternative formats. Harvard Book Store Up for Sale To put that figure into a bit more context, three percent of those Generates "Serious Interest" surveyed currently own an e-book reader, and four percent said they plan to purchase one. In contrast, 80 percent reported that they June 11, 2008 -- Since word spread through the media late last have no plans to purchase an e-book reader, and 13 percent say 51 month that Harvard Book Store , the Cambridge, Massachusetts, they are "not sure." landmark, was on the market, there has been "a lot of interest, [and] some of it could be serious," said Frank Kramer, the store's owner. Technology is having one clear effect, according to the survey. The "There are a number of interested [potential] buyers, but who amount of time spent online over the past year increased for 65 knows where it's going to lead." percent of those surveyed, and 18 percent reported having spent more time playing computer or video games, with 37 percent Kramer notified customers, friends, and supporters about the sale noting that they had spent more time watching TV or movies. of Harvard Book Store, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last Perhaps not surprisingly, almost one-third (30 percent) of the year, via e-mail on Thursday, June 5. Noting that building customer readers surveyed said that they had spent less time reading books relationships has been the best part of running the bookstore, he over the past year, with 23 percent reporting that they had spent wrote: "I am moving on because I've been running the store for 46 more time. (Interestingly, 53 percent of the readers surveyed noted years, and it is time for me to do something new. The store is not that of the books they purchase in a year between one and five go closing. We have a stellar group of managers, all of whom are unread.) planning to remain here." Kramer stressed in the e-mail that he will not sell the store to a chain. The survey found that the top three retail choices for book buyers were online (77 percent), chain bookstore (76 percent), and There is no firm timetable in which to sell the store, Kramer told independent bookstores (49 percent). In a second tier came big box BTW . "It will take as long as it takes -- to find a person [to buy the retailers (29 percent), warehouse clubs (27 percent), supermarkets store] who has a vision for the future," he said. "I'm not in any (25 percent), and drugstores (16 percent). When asked if they hurry." He added that he's received many e-mails from customers "regularly" shop at an indie bookseller, 33 percent answered yes promising their continued support of the independent bookstore. and 64 percent said no. After 46 years at the helm of Harvard Book Store, which he took Drilling down into those numbers, Zogby noted that Democrats (40 over after his father died, Kramer said the decision to leave was a percent) and independents (33 percent) are more likely than are hard one. "I grew up in this store ... I matured here. Leaving it is a Republicans (26 percent) to say they regularly shop at independent really big deal because it's a part of my family. I remember I used booksellers. Respondents ages 18 to 24 are more likely than older to hear about the store around the dinner table, so it's been a part of shoppers to report that they purchase books online and at the my life for a very long time." chains, but they are also more likely to buy books at indies (54 Fortunately for Cambridge, even once the store is sold, Kramer still percent), as opposed to those 65 or over (41 percent). plans to be heavily involved in the community. He said he planning When asked if "the trend toward bookstores with a 'community to dedicate more time to Cambridge Local First, an independent center' feel make you want to visit and linger at bookstores," 41 business organization that he co-founded that currently boasts 250 percent said that was the case and 43 percent said they were not apt members. "It's great meeting and working with independent to browse extensively. The poll revealed that Democrats (50 retailing neighbors," he said. "I'm going to spend more time on percent) are much more likely than are Republicans (34 percent) or [CLF], I really enjoy it. I think communities are better off with independents (38 percent) to want to visit and linger. local owners running stores. I think we're making headway in letting the world know about [the value of independent businesses Most readers arrive at a bookstore with a title in mind -- 43 percent to their communities].... I hope to stay connected." reported this is the case "somewhat often" and 38 percent say this is the case "very often." However, these shoppers are not infrequently Overall, the recent trend toward localism, Kramer said, is good influenced to buy more titles -- 77 percent said they sometimes news for indie bookstores. "We're seeing a lot of change now," he make additional, unplanned purchases. Nearly half (48 percent) noted. "We're seeing a lot of new local stores open up. The Local noted that when browsing they are first drawn to a book because of First movement is really helping communities realize the value of its subject matter, followed by the author (24 percent) and the title locally owned stores. This is good for the book business, because (11 percent). For their most recent purchase, readers again cited they are community centers for learning and growing, and this an subject and author as the two most important factors in the 52 opportunity for independents to survive." -- David Grogan purchase, but then noted "good recommendation/word of mouth" (11 percent) as the next most important influence. Zogby Poll Plumbs U.S. Reading Heading into the U.S. presidential race, Democrats (58 percent) and Demographic independents (49 percent) are more likely than are Republicans (41 percent) to say that book reviews make them want to buy books. In June 11, 2008 -- A recent poll conducted for Random House by 53 contrast, Republicans (32 percent) are more likely than are Zogby International provides an intriguing snapshot of the independents (23 percent) or Democrats to agree that hearing about country's reading demographic. a book on talk radio makes them want to buy it. Against a backdrop of growing industry speculation regarding The online survey included 8,218 results and had a margin of error

© 2008 American Booksellers Association. http://news.bookweb.org/ 7 BOOKSELLING THIS WEEK June 12, 2008 of plus or minus 1.1 percent. The polls' results were released during they're showing their business to my customers, and I'm showing BookExpo America, where Random House was promoting the my business to theirs. You have an incredible advantage in starting upcoming title The Way We'll Be: The Zogby Report on the an alliance today. The reality is that, all across the country, Transformation of the American Dream, scheduled for an August consciousness is being raised. People are looking for local -- maybe 12 publication. (Read on the survey 54 .) --Dan Cullen 55 it's gas prices, or the green movement or sustainability. It's the one time in my business that my self-interest coincided with what is Independent Retailing & the Shop Local good for anybody! And it keeps us in the center of our Movement Under the Spotlight community." The panelists all agreed that there is a sea change occurring. June 11, 2008 -- ABA Board members and local business alliance "People are looking for community," Bercu said. "We know people activists Steve Bercu of BookPeople in Austin, Texas, and Becky don't need to buy a book in our store, they do it for the experience. Anderson of Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville, Illinois, were the They have to have a social interaction and that's what we offer." featured speakers at the American Booksellers Association's panel "Independent Retailing in 2008: A Report on the Shop Local Bercu added that his alliance has garnered his store a great deal of Movement," moderated by ABA COO Oren Teicher, at BookExpo free publicity through stories in the local papers. "If anyone thinks America. it's not that worthwhile to get all this press you need to go back to business school," he said. "That's just another side benefit." Introducing the afternoon session at ABA's May 29 Day of Education, Teicher stressed that, when it comes to the Shop Local Attendee Ron Green of Bookworks in Albuquerque, New Mexico, movement, booksellers should remember that it includes all told BTW he enjoyed the panel. "I'm optimistic about the future," independent retailers. "We're not alone," he said, and reported that he said. "The younger generation is very independent, and very ABA is currently working with a number of independent trade savvy regarding advertising. They won't fall for the traditional associations and is reaching out to others. Working with other corporate spin." independents is important, he noted, because "50 percent of "Independent Retailing" session materials, made available to all American consumers who shop at independent retailers do so bookstore members via BookWeb.org prior to the Day of because they are independent." As such, independent booksellers Education, include: should look for ways to cross-promote with their fellow • Creating Buy Local Campaigns & Forming Local Business independents. Alliances 62 • Bookmarks to Educate and Promote 63 "There is something happening in retailing that we can take of 64 advantage of," Teicher continued, referring to a growing trend • Local Economies Flier • Keep a Good Thing Good Flier 65 toward localism and sustainability. "These are trends that are 66 bigger than us but working to our advantage. The burden is on us to • The Buck Really Does Stop Here Flier try to figure out how to take advantage of it. We need to put tools in your hands that can be used by all indie retailers." Booksellers can easily download and reproduce these fliers and bookmarks to drive home the importance of shopping locally to One such tool that Teicher referred to was the "Here's What You their customers. More information about local alliances and other Just Did" poster 56 , enumerating the many ways a customer who resources is available under the Advocacy Section 67 of shops at a local independent business positively affects his or her BookWeb.org. community. (The poster is available for download and customization by ABA members via the Identity Manager 57 for Full details about IndieBound, the community-oriented initiative IndieBound 58 , the new ABA initiative promoting the value of that enlightens the world about the value of independent independents, launched at this year's Celebration of Bookselling.) businesses, promotes those values that make indies unique, and gives booksellers the tools for their stores and their communities to Bercu reported that his foray into the localism movement began help spread the passion, can also be found on BookWeb 68 . --David about seven years ago with what was then a small business alliance, Grogan 69 the Austin Independent Business Alliance 59 (AIBA). "We modeled it on the Boulder Independent Business Alliance 60 ," he said, adding that booksellers should not delay in starting an alliance in their own communities. "As soon as you get another business [on board], start it. Don't worry about bylaws, or what kind of nonprofit you should be. You just need to tell people you are an independent alliance. Talk about it to your customers." Anderson told the audience about her grandfather who started a Classifieds local Naperville group, "Can Do," which, at the time, featured all local merchants. "[Naperville has] seen a lot of changes, a lot of BOOKSTORE FOR SALE growth," she said, and as the downtown grew, "it developed into a Bookstore For Sale. Well-established & respected bookstore just different kind of town. Developers came in and bought blocks." outside Portland, OR. Located in prime retail location of renovated The Downtown Naperville Merchants Association, which included houses. Espresso cafe and preschool as neighbors. Solid local both indies and chains, was created to help promote the area, but "it customer base and great internet business with unique niche was the indies who got involved," said Anderson. Eventually, this servicing customers worldwide with signed books. Turnkey. Owner 61 led to the formation of the Downtown Naperville Alliance . selling due to family health issues. Contact: [email protected] 76 One key benefit to beginning an independent alliance is broadening or (503) 475-5499. your business' reach to potential customers, Bercu said. "We don't Children's Bookstore for sale in Bangor, Maine . 20 years in have the same customers as other independents," Bercu said. "So

© 2008 American Booksellers Association. http://news.bookweb.org/ 8 BOOKSELLING THIS WEEK June 12, 2008 growing downtown, owner retiring, and business needs new sensitive & high-pressure environment. Fax resume & salary energy. Great reputation, quality books and sidelines. Inquire requirements to: (732) 698-0989. 77 [email protected] . Powell's Books, in Portland OR, is looking for a Store Manager Live the laid-back Coastal Carolina lifestyle. Offered for sale is for its stores at the Portland International Airport. The ideal a charming 1,200 square foot bookstore located in a restored candidate for this position will have general manager or store turn-of-the-century building in the historic district of Wilmington, manager experience in a fast-paced bookstore environment. Please NC. Solid 15-year reputation of quality customer service and go to www.powells.com 80 to see the full posting. community involvement with great selection of books, cards, and gifts. For details, contact [email protected] 78 . All Regular ABA Member Bookstores in good standing may FOR SALE have up to four 2-week Classified Ad insertions per year in Bookselling This Week at no charge (50-word limit). For more Going-out-of-business. Bookstore in Pendleton, SC selling book information on booking a classified ad, click here 81 . inventory and gift basket supplies . E-mail Michaela Norris at [email protected] 79 for list of book inventory and gift basket supply inventory if you are interested in purchasing. Other Advertising POSITION AVAILABLE The Great American Bargain Book Show 82 Register now! N.J. based Fulfillment Company, providing services for most of the Cobb Galleria major publishing companies, seeks Account Manager . This Atlanta, GA person will be responsible for coordinating with the publishers, August 1 - 2 various promotional & marketing campaigns, etc. as well as supporting the sales efforts of these companies. The candidate will work with our in-house inventory system & have experience with MS Word & Excel. In addition, excellent verbal & written communication skills are necessary for regular interfacing with our clients. Individual must possess the ability to handle multiple projects at various stages, meet deadlines & thrive in a time

Links in this document: 1. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.html 2. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/hereswhat.jsp 3. See http://www.IndieBound.org 4. See http://www.myspace.com/thevillagebookshop 5. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/rallycards.jsp 6. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/index.jsp 7. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/palmcards.jsp 8. See http://www.bookweb.org/membership/products/paper.html 9. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/bookmarks.jsp 10. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/bookplates.jsp 11. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/tshirts.jsp 12. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/index.jsp 13. See http://www.printfection.com/ABAmembers 14. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/nomenclature/index.jsp 15. See mailto:[email protected] 16. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/decals.jsp 17. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/declaration.jsp 18. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/banners.jsp 19. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/index.jsp 20. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.htm 21. See http://www.bookweb.org 22. See http://www.bookweb.org/about/govern/ends.html 23. See http://www.bookweb.org/about/govern/board.html 24. See http://www.greenopia.com/ 25. See http://allshadesofgreenblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/parking-lot-makeover.html 26. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/BEA08GR.pdf 27. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/STELLA.pdf 28. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/btwlist2.pdf 29. See mailto:[email protected]

30. See http://www.abffe.com/giftcardflyer.pdf 31. See http://www.bookweb.org/solutions/giftcards 32. See http://www.abffe.com/giftcardflyer.pdf 33. See mailto:[email protected] 34. See http://www.essence.com/essence/emf/ 35. See mailto:[email protected] 36. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.html 37. See http://news.bookweb.org/read/6123 38. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/index.jsp 39. See http://www.bookweb.org/ideaexchange/mvnforum/listthreads?forum=13 40. See mailto:[email protected] 41. See http://www.livingeconomies.org/ 42. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.html 43. See http://www.livingeconomies.org/ 44. See http://kingsenglish.booksense.com 45. See http://www.localfirst.org 46. See mailto:[email protected] 47. See http://www.abffe.org 48. See http://www.ala.org/ala/ifrt/ifrtinaction/ifrtawards/oboler/oboler.htm 49. See http://www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/news/kfrr08web.pdf 50. See http://www.impacdublinaward.ie 51. See http://www.harvard.com/ 52. See mailto:[email protected] 53. See http://www.zogby.com/ 54. See http://www.zogby.com/random%20house%20final%20report.pdf 55. See mailto:[email protected] 56. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/hereswhat.jsp 57. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/index.jsp 58. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.html 59. See http://www.ibuyaustin.com 60. See http://www.boulder-iba.org 61. See http://www.downtownnaperville.net/ 62. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/HANDOUT.pdf 63. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/BMKBEA.pdf 64. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/LOCAL1.pdf 65. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/LOCAL2.pdf 66. See http://www.bookweb.org/files/bookstore/pdf/education/LOCAL3.pdf 67. See http://www.bookweb.org/advocacy/shoplocal 68. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.html 69. See mailto:[email protected] 70. See mailto:[email protected] 71. See mailto:[email protected] 72. See mailto:[email protected] 73. See mailto:[email protected] 74. See http://www.powells.com 75. See http://www.bookweb.org/about/ads/booksellers.html 76. See mailto:[email protected] 77. See mailto:[email protected] 78. See mailto:[email protected] 79. See mailto:[email protected] 80. See http://www.powells.com 81. See http://www.bookweb.org/about/ads/booksellers.html 82. See http://www.gabbs.net/