Each independent book retailer is uniquely independent. The American Booksellers Association is the common connection to the larger book industry. Backed by the strength of its membership, ABA gives voice to thousands of booksellers, influencing publishers and advocating for small businesses. ABA events and workshops bring members together, creating communities that learn, network, and form bonds. ABA member resources offer support and solutions for the day-to-day operations of today’s independent bookseller.

ABA's core membership consists of:

• Businesses that primarily sell new books and define themselves as a new bookstore, though they might also sell used books (store inventory is over 50% new books vs used)
• Businesses that primarily sell new books (over 50% of store inventory consists of new books vs. non-book merchandise)
• Businesses that sell new books in the physical world, as opposed to the digital world. This includes traditional bookstores, pop-up bookstores, mobile stores, book event businesses, and other non-traditional bookselling that’s primarily conducted in the physical world.
• Businesses that create community through bookselling.

When joining the American Booksellers Association, please be aware of our commitment to antiracism, inclusion, representation, and diversity as outlined in our ends policies.

Become an ABA Member