Who We Are

Founded in 1900, the American Booksellers Association is a not-for-profit trade organization devoted to meeting the needs of its core members – independently owned bookstores with storefront locations nationwide – through education, information dissemination, business products and services, and advocacy. ABA exists to protect and promote the interests of independent retail book businesses, as well as to protect the First Amendment rights of every American. The Association actively supports free speech, literacy, and programs that support local and independent retail shops. A volunteer board of ten booksellers governs the Association. ABA is headquartered in White Plains, New York.

Certain programs and benefits available to ABA members are managed and administered by Booksellers Order Services, Inc. (BOS), a for-profit holding company owned by the American Booksellers Association. BOS operates two subsidiary companies: Book Sense, Inc. and LIBRIS. Book Sense, Inc. administers the IndieCommerce program; efforts regarding publisher-sponsored promotions for independent bookstores; The White and Red Box mailings; the Indie Next List program; and the Advance Access program. LIBRIS administers the LIBRIS insurance program. 

Governance and Finances

Board of Directors

• Board of Directors, 2013 - 2014

Bylaws

• Bylaws of the American Booksellers Association, Inc.

Policies

• ABA Ends Policies
• ABA Governance Policy Manual
  (This document includes details about the ABA bylaws, Governance Process Policies, Board/CEO linkage, and more.)
• ABA Nomination and Election Guidelines
• Member and Customer Grievance Policy
• ABA Policy Manual
  (This document includes details about Employment Practices, Employee Benefits and Responsibilities, Accounting Policies and Procedures, and more.)

Governance Committee Reports

• For Fiscal Year 2010
• For Fiscal Years 2008-2009

Membership Meeting Reports

• 2011 Report
• 2012 Report

Consolidated Financial Statements (including independent auditors'report)

• September 30, 2012 and 2011
• September 30, 2011 and 2010
• September 30, 2010 and 2009

ABA Tax Form 990

• 2011 Form (10/1/11 - 9/30/12)
• 2010 Form (10/1/10 - 9/30/11)
• 2009 Form (10/1/09 - 9/30/10)
• Previous years’ forms may be accessed via the GuideStar website.

ABA & ABC Booksellers Advisory Councils

Designed to provide the Board of Directors with a broad cross-section of views from within the independent bookselling community.

• ABA Booksellers Advisory Council, 2013 - 2014
• ABC at ABA Advisory Council, 2013 - 2014