Meet the SIBA Board: Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver, Booksellers

Tell us about your store and your role at the store.

E. Shaver was opened in 1975 by Ed and Esther Shaver. It’s located on the garden level of an historic building, built in 1843. The shop is made up of a bunch of small rooms where we use every square inch of space. We’re home to four shop kitties who are very popular with our customers. I’m one of the owners of the shop along with my business partner, Jessica. I worked at the shop as a bookseller and GM prior to becoming a partner. 

What is your favorite part of your job and why?

I think my favorite part of the job is buying. I love curating the selection of books on our shelves to reflect the shop’s personality.

What do you see as the most important challenges facing booksellers today?

There are so many of them! We’re at a crossroads right now with the encroachment of AI into the world of publishing, and it’s both an opportunity and a challenge for booksellers. It’s a chance for us to secure our position as places where readers can go and trust that the books we sell are books written by humans, not machines. 

What inspired your decision to be on the SIBA Board?

I’ve been in this business for 25 years in various roles in bookstores. I really wanted to help other booksellers by sharing my knowledge of the industry. I love that booksellers are so happy to share their best practices with each other so we can all succeed. This is an industry like no other. 

Will you be at NVNR and what are your goals there? 

I will be at NVNR, and I’m really looking forward to catching up with bookseller friends that I only see at conferences. I’m also excited about talking to SIBA members and getting to know more of you, so please say hi if you see me!