Bookstore Checklist for August

Things to Do / Things Not to Miss

The New Voices New Rooms conference may be happening next week, but there is life after the conference! Here are some things for your bookstore's to-do list for August.

1. Check your SIBA account. We ask this periodically, but with the influx of so many new member stores this year (SIBA is currently at a record high of 385 bookstore members), we are asking again. Make sure your account information is up to date—especially your billing and shipping addresses, and your store's website, email, and social media contact information.
2. Encourage your staff to create their own account. Get your staff engaged in SIBA programming. SIBA has many resources for frontline bookseller development, and there is no extra fee for adding staff to your account. Creating an account is as easy as signing in with their email address and selecting "new account" when prompted. As long as they give the bookstore name for "company," the account will be linked to the store's, and they will have access to SIBA's website as a current member. This includes such programming as the Lunch and Learn events with industry partners, the Jumpstart program for new booksellers, and the free online courses from the Professional Booksellers School.
3. Send SIBA a photo of your catalog displays. Bookstores participating in the catalog program are eligible for a $50 credit toward their next membership renewal when they send in photos of their catalog displays. SIBA wants to see the catalogs in the wild! Send us your pics!
4. Register for the Lunch and Learn with the Professional Booksellers School (PBS). September 9, at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom. PBS was created to provide independent booksellers with the education and training to elevate their skills and offer a baseline of knowledge upon which to build successful stores and careers. Read more
5. Jumpstart Fall 2026 is now open for registration. September 9, at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. SIBA's Jumpstart series helps new bookstore owners get oriented to SIBA and its member benefits, connect with sales reps and industry resources, get started with basic financial concepts, and have an outlet for questions. Register here