Looking Ahead: Booksellers Checklist for May
Things to do / Things not to miss
Spring is always a busy time in SIBAland. With the March Madness series taking up most of that month, and the New Voices New Rooms conference registration opening in April, it is easy to miss some of the other programming available to booksellers. So here are the things you don't want to miss in May:
1. NVNR Early Bird Prices are extended through 5/1
That is a $50 savings on every full event pass. If you plan to attend the conference but haven't registered yet, do so now. Register here
2. Winter Catalog Orders Open Next Week
One thing you can do right now to make it easier to place your order is to ensure you have a clear, high-resolution copy of your store logo, preferably in black and white. (Website screen shots won't do for this.)
Sign up to attend the Lunch and Learn information session with Suzanne Shoger on 5/13.
3. The New and Prospective Owners Retreat is 5/6
Your best business resource is often your own bookseller colleagues. This retreat is for owners to discuss issues, share advice, and collectively offer solutions to problems. It will be moderated by Julia Davis, owner of The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, GA, and also SIBA Board President, and Courtney Ulrich Smith, owner of Underbrush Books in Rogers, Arkansas. Register here
4. Jumpstart Spring 2026 starts on 5/13
This series was created with new owners in mind, but is open to anyone who would like a refresher course on basic bookselling and business concepts, such as working with publishers, basic finances, and an overview of vetted industry resources for booksellers. Bring a notebook and all your questions! Sign up here
5. May is Scholarship Season!
Several of the scholarships currently accepting applications have May 15 deadlines, including the Binc Scholarship, the BIPOC Booksellers Development Scholarship, the George Keating Memorial Scholarship, the Jamie Anderson Scholarship, and the Wanda Jewell Scholarship for Bookseller Professional Development.
Scholarships that fund bookseller attendance at the New Voices New Rooms conference also often come with a complimentary full event pass from SIBA. Read more here and apply for everything!
6. SIBA Board Nominations Close May 21
Candidates must be from a SIBA core member in good standing. Self-nominations are encouraged, and anyone can nominate. It is both a rewarding job and an enlightening one. Nominate here