Free Expression Support for Stores Reach Out Early We can’t say this often enough: American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE) does direct support for stores experiencing harassment, threats, or protests because of their curation or events. The sooner you reach out the better. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate — get in touch when you think there could be a problem down the line, no matter what the cause or topic is. ABFE can be reached at [email protected]. ABFE Staff Receive Event Security Training To help us give the best possible advice to members in need of support, ABFE staff have completed training on event security. Topics covered include: risk assessment, de-escalation, cyber security, and physical event security. As the political climate drives more harassment and intimidation targeting indie bookstores, we are committed to staying informed and keeping our best practices up to date. School Events Canceled? Let Us Know Has a school event for which your store was supplying the books (or selling books at the event) been canceled due to the author’s identity or the perceived content of the book? Let us know what happened at [email protected]. We are gathering examples to better advocate for booksellers who are put in this difficult position. Vermont Amazon Warehouse Vote Will Be July 17 Thank you to all the booksellers in Vermont who reached out to their state and federal lawmakers in opposition to the proposed Amazon warehouse in Essex! The response was tremendous. We believe the outreach from Vermont booksellers was one reason why the town postponed the vote and asked Amazon for more information about the traffic implications of an Amazon warehouse. But the fight is not over. Please check your emails for information on how to reach out to the town’s Development Review Board and leadership. It is crucial to keep the pressure on. (If you did not receive an email, please email [email protected].)
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