A Letter from ABA CEO Allison Hill

Dear Booksellers,

It’s impossible to send BTW out today without acknowledging the election.

As a trade association representing 2,500+ independent members we can’t presume how you voted or speak for you.

But we do want to speak to the impact of the election results on your stores and ABA’s work on your behalf. 

The conditions have changed. We’ve potentially lost momentum around the Credit Card Competition Act and allies in the FTC’s lawsuit against Amazon. The hate and disinformation we saw fuel this election have created fertile ground for new unconstitutional legislation and book bans. And the divisiveness evident in the election results make bipartisan support of small business needs more challenging. 

It would be easy to despair. But that’s not what we’re going to do. ABA remains committed to our work on behalf of our members because we believe deeply in the work of independent bookstores and in the critical role they will play in what happens next in this country.

Independent bookstores provide inclusive and affirming community spaces; support access to books; ally with librarians and teachers; ensure that people can see themselves reflected in books; champion the right to read and the First Amendment; promote long-form reading that fosters critical thinking; create opportunities for discourse; provide alternatives to monopolies that limit consumer choice; and bring people together. The work of independent bookstores matters more than ever.

If your candidates won, hold them accountable and demand bipartisan partnerships to accomplish what is needed for all people, small businesses, and our country to thrive. 

If your candidates didn’t win, take care of your mental health, keep the faith, and connect with others. Find ways to support yourself and the goals you hoped your candidate would achieve to ensure that all people, small businesses, and our country thrive. 

We know today is a painful and divisive day for many, but election results are not the end; they‘re the beginning. What matters most is what we do next. 

Allison K Hill, CEO
American Booksellers Association