From the Membership Coordinator: Bookselling in These Times

None of this is normal. With everything going on in the United States and in the world, running a business can seem…unimportant. It isn’t normal to witness human rights being violated and taken away, and then have to answer emails. But here we are.

It’s easy to fall into despair. But hope is not just a “fuzzy feeling,” it is an active choice. It’s a decision we make every day to keep going, to act, to fight. It’s important to actively choose hope over despair when things are chaotic. Hope shows in small, consistent actions - helping your neighbor, listening to each other, spreading joy through the love of books. Even when things feel like they’re falling apart, especially then, it’s important to create space for joy and community. Joy and love and community are resistance. It’s how we continue on, despite opposing forces wanting us to fall into despair and give up.

Bookstores provide community care. We spread love and joy, inspire creativity, and help people find joy where they can. We show up for each other and for our communities. We encourage people to educate themselves, think deeply, and question the world around them, which is so important, especially now. If we can help folks find even a small amount of joy, find their community, be creative, show up for each other, and learn more about the world, we should keep doing that. We’re all still here, putting books into the hands of readers.

Although it seems weird to keep doing “business as usual” sometimes, our business is spreading love, light, hope, and joy, and that is needed now more than ever. Doing our “business as usual” is not being complacent or ignoring what’s happening, but going on in spite of it. 

Showing up as booksellers means choosing hope over despair every day. We are helping to bring a new, more loving world into being. We’re all here together. May you all find peace in the promise that you aren’t alone.

Candice Huber
SIBA Membership Coordinator