Winter Institute

The winner of the $500 grand prize was Julie Kubitz of King City Books in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

More than 750 independent booksellers gathered this week in Baltimore for the 15th annual Winter Institute, a four-day educational and networking event marked by noted positivity among attendees from across the country and around the world.

“Our shelves seem a little bare and we wanted to find some new and exciting things,” said Lauren Ritta of Indigo Bridge Books.

Raffaelli identified key findings that he believes are what have supported the growth of the indie channel, but he also looked ahead to industry-specific challenges and how booksellers can address them.

“All I wanted [in life] was to be around books, and even now, decades later, I still feel that way,” said Boylan. “Booksellers and publishers are among the people I most admire in the world.”

“Part of what we’re trying to do in books is to turn people into readers and listeners, into people who pay attention to other voices, other experiences, other perspectives,” said Solnit.

The 16th annual Winter Institute will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, from February 7 to February 10, 2021.

It’s a thrill for ABA that booksellers from around the country — and world — will gather in the city of Baltimore next week for four days of learning, camaraderie, and connections. May this suggested Winter Institute itinerary from ABA Content Director Sydney Jarrard help you find your way among the many events Winter Institute has to offer.

Ingram’s “Indies on the Harbor” offers all Winter Institute attendees an opportunity to relax and chat with independent booksellers and publishers from around the country and the globe in a cozy corner of the hotel overlooking the famed Camden Yards ballpark.