About ABA

Who We Are

For almost 125 years, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) has been the guiding voice for independently-owned bookstores. Founded in 1900, ABA is a national not-for-profit trade organization that supports the success of independent bookstores. This success is assisted through education, information dissemination, business services, programming, technology, and advocacy. ABA's membership has evolved over the years, and our members are more diverse,  involved in community, and act as guiding forces in locales around the country. The total number of independent bookstores we represent is 2,500+.

ABA is governed by a volunteer board that is elected by the membership. In addition to the Board of Directors service, members also serve on a number of advisory councils, including the ABA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEIC) in support of ABA’s commitment to antiracism, representation, equity, and access. 

Governance and Finances

Board of Directors

• Board of Directors, 2022-2023
• Board Reports
• Board of Directors, Dualities of Interest
• 2022 BTW Board Editions for Q2, Q3
• Nominate for the Board

Councils, Committees, and Task Forces

• ABA Booksellers Advisory Council (BAC)
• ABA Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEIC)
• ABC Advisory Council

Policies

• ABA Ends Policies
• ABA Governance Policy Manual
  (This document includes details about the Governance Process Policies, Board/CEO linkage, and more.)
• ABA Bylaws
• ABA Code of Conduct
• ABA Values
• ABA: A Global Citizen
• 2021 ABA Governance Committee Report
• 2021 ABA Governance Committee Report Follow-Up
• ABA Investment Policy
• ABA Nomination and Election Guidelines
• Member and Customer Grievance Policy
• Antitrust Guidelines
• ABA Vendor Review Policy

Reference Documents

• Board of Directors Election Process
• ABA 101: Glossary of Terms

Membership Meeting Reports

• 2020 Report
• 2019 Report
• 2018 Report
• 2017 Report
• 2016 Report
• 2015 Report

Town Hall/Annual Meeting Video Recordings

• February 23, 2023
• February 17, 2022
• July 14, 2022
• May 27, 2021
• June 11, 2020

Consolidated Financial Statements (including independent auditors' report)

• September 30, 2021 and 2020
• September 30, 2020 and 2019
• September 30, 2019 and 2018
• September 30, 2018 and 2017
• September 30, 2017 and 2016
• September 30, 2016 and 2015
• September 30, 2015 and 2014

ABA Tax Form 990

• 2020 Form (10/1/20 - 9/30/21)
• 2019 Form (10/1/19 - 9/30/20)
• 2018 Form (10/1/18 - 9/30/19)
• 2017 Form (10/1/17 - 9/30/18)
• 2016 Form (10/1/16 - 9/30/17)
• 2015 Form (10/1/15 - 9/30/16)
• 2014 Form (10/1/14 - 9/30/15)
  Previous years’ forms may be accessed via the GuideStar website.