To help ABA member booksellers make the most of the social networking resources on IndieBound.org, a tutorial specific to ABA members has been posted on BookWeb. The tutorial covers community basics, such as:

Dear Bookseller Colleagues,

You recall that wonderful saying, When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Go Shopping...?

Times are tough, but there will always be holiday shopping. And in this volatile economic climate, we believe that focusing on the lasting value of the book as a great gift is the best approach for independent bookstores this holiday season.

From the hundreds of thousands of books published this year, the indie bookselling community has gleaned an impressive 2008 Indie Next Highlights List, featuring great fiction and nonfiction that has garnered especially strong support from ABA members nationwide. The list includes 51 titles, as well as an additional eight selections that will be available in paperback in early 2009.

One of the key features of IndieBound.org is "Shop Local Online," which directs book buyers to the website of a bookstore near them. Books featured on the Indie Next List, the Indie Bestseller Lists, and elsewhere on the site include links for consumers to buy the book. Click on one of these links, enter your zip code, and you'll be presented with some online shopping options near you.

W.G. Ellerkamp Inc., the official supplier of IndieBound bags to ABA member bookstores, is now taking orders for new reusable bags bearing the movement's popular "Peace. Love. Books." slogan. Orders placed now will be filled in November.

The attractive tote, which can be used over and over again, is great for resale and for promotional giveaways. The bag, which is red with white print, measures 13" x 5" x 13".

Although most pundits are predicting a lackluster holiday shopping season, there's at least one local business group that's hoping to turn the current economic situation to its advantage. The Sustainable Business Network of the Greater Lehigh Valley (SBN) in southeast Pennsylvania plans to launch a Main Street, Not Wall Street campaign to highlight to consumers the advantages of spending their dollars at local independent businesses.

With Major League Baseball's post-season in full-swing, we present the The Indie October Baseball Bestseller List, based on sales in independent bookstores nationwide for the eight-week period ending October 14, 2008.

For the eight-week period ending October 7, 2008, and based on sales in independent bookstores nationwide.

IndieBound has created a handy, new guide for booksellers who have been longing to take advantage of the wealth of customizable materials in the Bookseller Do-It-Yourself, but who have been afraid to take the plunge.

Here's a preview of the November Indie Next List now on its way to ABA member stores in the IndieBound movement.