2026 Nancy Olson Bookseller Award Recipients
(Asheville, NC) SIBA is very pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Nancy Olson Bookseller Award, honoring the memory of the legendary bookseller and founder of Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dominic Howarth of Book + Bottle in St. Petersburg, Florida and Jason Smith of Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia will each receive a $2500 cash award in recognition of their work bringing books to readers.
The 2026 Nancy Olson Bookseller Award Recipients
Dominic Howarth, Book Director at Book + Bottle in St. Petersburg, FL
“Winning this award is such an honor. Being a bookseller is an immense privilege - it is such a beautiful gift whenever anyone gives you their attention. When they ask you for a recommendation, they are putting immense trust in you; in the time they will spend on whatever book you recommend in an economy that wants to take it away, and with their heart as they emotionally traverse those pages. In addition, the writers' happy hour I run every week at the store has become such an immense joy - I tell the members of the group, the only thing I love more than writing is helping others write, and that remains true. The collaborative community that has spun out of this happy hour radiates joy, and I can only hope that I continue to uphold the ideals and virtues that Nancy Olson embodied. Thank you!” --Dominic Howarth
Jason Smith, of Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA
"Oh, wow! What an absolutely wonderful shock to be included along with so many kind and inspiring booksellers. I hope to live up to Nancy's legacy, and in the words of Kelly DiPuccio's Gaston "...[teach] them to be whatever they [want] to be."." --Jason Smith
The Award selection committee includes SIBA Executive Director Linda-Marie Barrett, Nancy Olson's husband Jim Olson, and long-time bookseller Sarah Goddin who worked with Nancy Olson at Quail Ridge Books. Commenting on the winners, Goddin said "It's clear from the eloquent nominations submitted that our two winners, Jason and Dominic, have big hearts and an enormous love of books and people, plus a great respect for writers of all kinds. These are attributes that Nancy deeply valued. Congratulations Jason and Dominic!"
Linda-Marie Barrett added that "SIBA is deeply grateful to the anonymous donor who initiated the Nancy Olson Bookseller Award to honor her legacy. Their generous donation of $2500 to each winner is truly meaningful, and we are so excited to highlight the work these exceptional booksellers do every day for their reading and writing communities.."
About the Nancy Olson Bookseller Award
The Nancy Olson Bookseller Award was created by SIBA in cooperation with an admirer of the late legendary bookseller in recognition of her tireless support of writers, especially new writers. An award in her memory of $2500 is given in December to two SIBA booksellers who are not store owners.
For more information about the Nancy Olson Bookseller Award, visit the award details page.