Advocacy

“On Author Akram Aylisli and Book Burning in Azerbaijan” features an interview with Katherine Young, translator of the banned book Farewell, Aylis: A Non-Traditional Novel in Three Works by Akram Aylisli.

The episode features audio from the American Booksellers Association’s Winter Institute education session “Bookstores Launch the Open Discussion Project.” 

“There is plenty of debate in this country. But all too often, on social media at least, it is over what speech is appropriate and not over what is actually being said,” writes ABFE Director David Grogan.

The incentives package offered by New York City and State to Amazon had been met with significant community resistance, including from independent businesses, unions, and residents. 

Mayhem, an advocate for sex workers’ rights and harm reduction, joined ABFE to talk about how well-intentioned laws can impact free speech rights.

Owners Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo asked the City Council to consider taking actions in support of the city’s small businesses as it addresses paid vacation legislation.

ABA’s letter expresses disappointment that the city’s independent retailers have been excluded from an upcoming Finance Committee hearing on New York’s deal with Amazon.

Booksellers may be included in a recent settlement in which the companies have agreed to pay between $5.54 billion and $6.24 billion to a class of more than 12 million retailers.

A new episode of Counterspeak, the monthly podcast of the American Booksellers for Free Expression, will be available for download on BookWeb, Spotify, and iTunes this Thursday, January 3.

The level of public subsidies offered by New York City and New York State to Amazon has raised questions and concerns among some elected officials and city residents.

Discussions centered around online communities, which in some cases bring people together and help forge new connections, while in others drive polarization, spread disinformation, or coordinate harassment.