SIBA Programs

SIBA programs are designed to meet members wherever they are in their store-owning journey. Whether its promotional opportunities to increase sales and customer awareness, to learn best practices from seasoned booksellers and book industry professionals, to meet and network with publishers, to apply for scholarships and grants, or just to stay in touch with their bookselling community, there is a SIBA program in place.

The Southern Bookseller Review

Display of books on a table with store review cardsThe Southern Bookseller Review (SBR) is a reader-targeted website and weekly newsletter showcasing book reviews and staff picks from Southern indie booksellers. Reviews come from store websites, newsletters, social media, and submissions to Edelweiss Plus, the book industry platform for marketing and ordering new titles. Explore all the ways SBR can work for your organization.

SBR for Booksellers SBR for Industry

New Voices New Rooms

An author discussing his book with SIBA booksellers at NVNR 2025New Voices New Rooms brings innovative in-person and virtual events focusing on bookseller education, networking, and more in partnership with the New Atlantic Booksellers Association (NAIBA) to SIBA -and NAIBA-member booksellers. The centerpiece is the New Voices New Rooms annual conference and trade show, held in alternating years in SIBA and NAIBA territories. Virtual events and sessions are offerend throughout the year.

NVNR for Bookstores NVNR for Industry

SIBA Seasonal Catalogs

Mosaic image of seasonal catalog cover art from 2010 thorugh 2025SIBA partners with three other regional associations (NAIBA, GLIBA, and CALIBA) as the Regional Association Marketing and Promotions consortium (RAMP) to offer a seasonal catalog program as a significant membership benefit to stores. The summer catalog is a perfect kick-off to the summer selling season. The winter holiday catalog is tailored to each association's membership base, and offers a full-fledged distribution program including custom cover imprinting, marketing resources, newspaper insertions, custom online catalogs, and direct mail options. All proceeds from catalog orders and ad sales provide crucial revenue to support SIBA programs and events.

Catalog Info for Booksellers Catalog Info for Industry

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Gathering of booksellers applauding at a SIBA event

SIBA is committed to making its programs and events accessible to all its members at all stages of their profession. We are grateful that the book industry is generous one and SIBA often receives grants and funding from publishers, authors, and other institutions in support of bookseller development. Explore the list of options, and stay tuned to SIBA emails and newsletters for announcements.

More Information on Scholarships and Financial Assistance

March Madness Bookstore Series

Attendees at the March Madness event at Fountain BooksParticipating SIBA bookstores host one-day gatherings that include bookseller education, a meet-the-author luncheon, networking, and idea shares on what’s working at attendees' stores. Events are within two to three hours driving distance from a majority of our member stores and take place over a three-week period. SIBA March Madness programs receive exceptional and enthusiastic engagement from booksellers.

More Information on MMBS [coming soon]

Indie Press Socials

Attendees at a SIBA and GLIBA Indie Press Social event.SIBA's popular social and networking events to meet small and indie presses in a relaxed setting and learn about their missions and upcoming titles are held in bookstores across SIBA territory, and followed by dinner in a local restaurant.

Look for details and ticket reservations, as well as how to apply to host an event in your store, in SIBA emails and newsletters.

Peer Bookseller Resource Library

Two women sharing a computer screen at NVNR 2025

Booksellers know that their best resources are often their own bookseller colleagues. SIBA has created the Peer Bookseller Resource Library (PBRL) as a way for its members to share information and tools that have been especially helpful. The Resource Library also contains resources provided from SIBA programs and materials developed in house by SIBA for its members. Discover and share useful documents and downloads, media, and graphics which can be used or adapted to a bookstore's specific needs and challenges.

More Information about the Peer Bookseller Resource Library *
  * You must be signed into your SIBA member account to access.

Owners Retreats and Strategy Sessions

Participants in a bookseller strategy session sitting at a table and taking notesShare knowledge, learn new skills, access resources, and build community in these store-owner led and facilitated sessions. SIBA hosts in-person (at NVNR) and virtual retreats and sessions throughout the year for all store owners, from stores with larger staffs, to new owners, to one-person shops.

Look for announcements for upcoming events in SIBA emails and newsletters.

SIBA Webinars

In addition to store owner retreats and strategy sessions, SIBA offers webinars on the topics at the top of members' lists. Look for announcements for upcoming events in SIBA emails and newsletters.

The Professional Booksellers School

SIBA is a sponsor of the Professional Booksellers School, and members receive a discount on classes and programs. Learn more here.