Advocacy

The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) stands against Racism. SIBA is committed to amplifying and supporting BIPOC voices in our membership and industry, and to offering DEI educational programming to members, SIBA staff, and Board.

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Hurricane Isaias Will Impact Gulf Coast Bookstores
Hurricane Isaias Will Impact Gulf Coast Bookstores

Hurricane Isaias is projected to become a Category 3 by the time it makes landfall on Saturday. Bookstores on the Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Gulf Coasts are especially at risk. But bookstores in Tennessee will also feel the effects as Isaias moves inland on Sunday. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted10/8/2026


2026 Banned Books Week Toolkit Now Available
2026 Banned Books Week Toolkit Now Available

Now updated for 2026, SIBA's Banned Books Week Toolkit is designed to be useful to SIBA booksellers not only for their Banned Books Week plans, but also for responding to book challenges in their communities Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/23/2026


Two SIBA Bookstores Call for Response Against Anti-Terrorism Memorandum
Two SIBA Bookstores Call for Response Against Anti-Terrorism Memorandum

The criminalization of left-wing literature should also be an immediate concern for general interest bookstores, which have an inherent interest in stocking a broad range of viewpoints without fear of government scrutiny or interference. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted09/22/2026


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


Celebrate Black Bookstore Day, August 29
Celebrate Black Bookstore Day, August 29

From local gatherings to public recognition, Black Bookstore Day celebrates Black-owned bookstores as businesses, gathering places, and cultural anchors. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted08/27/2026


From the ABA: Join Letter Opposing Mastercard/Visa Settlement Before 9/1
From the ABA: Join Letter Opposing Mastercard/Visa Settlement Before 9/1

The American Booksellers Association (ABA) encourages your store to join the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC)'s sign-on letter objecting to the proposed settlement in MDL-1720. This letter urges the District Court Judge to deny final approval. Continue Reading

Date posted08/20/2026


From the ABA: Update on Arkansas Act 372
From the ABA: Update on Arkansas Act 372

In 2023, ABA, WordsWorth Books, Pearl’s Books, and other groups, filed a First Amendment Challenge to the law because it could make it illegal to display books that are appropriate for adults and older minors. Two weeks ago, the Eighth Circuit overturned our victory in the district court. Continue Reading

Date posted08/18/2026


SIBA Updating Banned Books Week Toolkit for 2026
SIBA Updating Banned Books Week Toolkit for 2026

Now being updated for 2026, SIBA's Banned Books Week Toolkit is designed to be useful to SIBA booksellers not only for their Banned Books Week plans, but also for responding to book challenges in their communities. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted08/18/2026


NVNR Publishes Land Acknowledgment
NVNR Publishes Land Acknowledgment

New Voices New Rooms has published a land acknowledgement in advance of its 2026 conference in Baltimore next month, recognizing the event will be held on the traditional home of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted07/22/2026


ABACUS Deadline Extended
ABACUS Deadline Extended

The deadline to complete ABACUS has been extended to July 24. Stores that submit surveys will be entered into a raffle for a Wi2027 scholarship! Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted07/8/2026


New Emergency Preparedness Resource: Bright Harbor
New Emergency Preparedness Resource: Bright Harbor

For bookstores reviewing their emergency preparedness plans, Judey Kalchik of the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) recommends looking at Bright Harbor as a resource. Continue Reading

Postedby Nicki Leone
Date posted06/23/2026


Reprint: An Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Reprint: An Emergency Preparedness Checklist

There are a lot of things that you can do before an emergency ever happens that will add to your capacity to respond and be of service. Continue Reading

Postedby John Cavalier
Date posted06/15/2026