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Meet Your Board Candidate: Robin O'Bryant
Meet Your Board Candidate: Robin O'Bryant

I'd love the opportunity to help raise awareness among publishers about the incredible independent bookstores that not only exist but thrive throughout the South. I'd also love to see SIBA bookstores begin pitching author events as mini-tours, creating opportunities to connect with multiple stores. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/15/2026


Meet Your Board Candidate: Sally Sue LaVigne
Meet Your Board Candidate: Sally Sue LaVigne

I believe to be a good community member you have to give back. Serving on the SIBA board will give me the opportunity to share the knowledge and experience gained in 10 years of bookselling and shop ownership to make our community stronger and perhaps just a little bit easier for others. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/14/2026


Judy Blume supports SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Independent Bookstore Grant
Judy Blume supports SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Independent Bookstore Grant

Each grant provides $1,000 to an independent bookstore to support a public program or event that features a children’s book author, illustrator, or translator. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/10/2026


Meet Your Board Candidate: Bunnie Hilliard
Meet Your Board Candidate: Bunnie Hilliard

I think one of the most important priorities for SIBA right now is helping independent bookstores discover and develop new revenue streams and experiences. The kind that simply can't be replicated by Amazon or a big box store. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/9/2026


Bookstore Checklist for September/October
Bookstore Checklist for September/October

Things to do / Things not to miss this month and next. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/9/2026


Meet Your Board Candidate: Cat Bock
Meet Your Board Candidate: Cat Bock

I think one of the most important things SIBA does is find ways to provide networking and education opportunities so member stores can always be learning from each other and our industry partners. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/8/2026


400 Bookstores: SIBA Reaches New Member Milestone
400 Bookstores: SIBA Reaches New Member Milestone

SIBA reached a new membership high over Labor Day weekend when the 400th bookstore joined the SIBA bookstore community. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/8/2026


Meet Your Board Candidate: Benjamin Adams
Meet Your Board Candidate: Benjamin Adams

We're all in the process of reimagining what bookstores can look like in the twenty-first century, and we're likewise imagining what our trade association might look like. All Good Books has a unique governance structure I believe would be very useful perspective. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/7/2026


2026 SIBA Board Ballot is Open
2026 SIBA Board Ballot is Open

The SIBA Board of Directors has announced the slate for the 2026 Board Elections. Four of the current members are either stepping down from the board or up for re-election. SIBA bookstore members will vote for four people from the slate to fill the four spaces coming open. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/3/2026


Applications Open for the Carla Gray Memorial Scholarship for Emerging Bookseller-Activists
Applications Open for the Carla Gray Memorial Scholarship for Emerging Bookseller-Activists

The winning bookseller will be awarded a year-long scholarship for professional development, which includes travel and hotel to attend Winter Institute, their 2027 regional fall tradeshow, and a $2,000 stipend to fund a community outreach project. Continue Reading

Date posted09/2/2026


March Madness 2027: Call for Bookstore Hosts
March Madness 2027: Call for Bookstore Hosts

Hosting brings publisher and bookseller attention to the store and is a great networking opportunity. It is s a time to show off and share what your store does well with colleagues in the book industry. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/2/2026


Lit Circle Events Platform Expands Nationally
Lit Circle Events Platform Expands Nationally

A new event-curation platform created by former bookstore owner Rebecca George is going national. Lit Circle aims to include events from all independent bookstores and literary organizations. Continue Reading

Date posted08/31/2026