Dear Booksellers,

There is a lot going on in our world right now, even beyond the current raging wildfires and global pandemic. But it’s important not to forget that booksellers have a lifeline. It’s called the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc).

Binc truly is the bookseller’s safety net. Run by a staff of amazing, passionate people and backed by a board of booksellers and other partners, Binc has helped numerous booksellers already this year and is ready to help more. (Read all about Binc’s efforts in BTW.) Binc’s goal is to provide financial assistance to booksellers experiencing an unforeseen financial hardship resulting from a specific, qualifying life event.

Examples of qualifying events are:

• natural disaster (fire, flood, earthquake, etc.)
• man-made disaster (blackout, brownout)
• domestic violence
• funeral
• homelessness and homelessness prevention
• loss of household income due to emergency child or elder care
• loss of household income due to death in the family
• loss of household income due to disability
• loss of household income due to disruption of business
• loss of household income due to partner/spouse/household wage earner job loss
• serious medical expense
• utility shut-off and utility shut-off prevention

Booksellers who aren’t sure if their situation qualifies are encouraged to get in touch with Binc to learn more. 

Read all about Binc’s financial assistance program here, where you’ll also find a form to submit to request assistance. Binc can also be reached at 1-866-733-9064 or [email protected].

Don’t wait. Reach out to Binc now if you are in need of assistance.

ABA is here for all of you. Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. Members can email the Membership, Advocacy, or IndieCommerce teams.

Best,
The ABA Team