Everyone in this room knows that reading makes people more informed, more empathetic, and more engaged. When you put books into people’s hands, you all are cultivating informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens. And a functioning democracy depends on that. Your work could not be more vital right now.
Everyone in this room knows that authors and illustrators spin the world’s pain and joy and fear and love into gold. As booksellers, you are the keepers of this treasure, helping readers discover gold and enrich their lives. May this week remind all how tremendously valuable your work is — especially right now — and may it remind you how deeply grateful we are for all of you.
"Regardless of political views or party affiliation, there are serious concerns about the impact of the announcements thus far on booksellers. We’ve outlined some of them in this report. In light of breaking news, tariffs and free expression are top of mind today.
We also want to specifically acknowledge the harmful impact of the anti-LGBTQIA2S+ executive order on trans, nonbinary, intersex, and gender nonconforming booksellers, and on free expression rights. This is not about political ideology; it’s a matter of human rights, civil rights, and freedom of expression for you, our members. Government erosion of those rights impacts us all."
"We know today is a painful and divisive day for many, but election results are not the end; they‘re the beginning. What matters most is what we do next," said ABA CEO Allison Hill.
"As we head into this holiday season, may we remember all that we have in common. May we have the opportunity to share the books we love. And may your hearts and register tills be full," said ABA CEO Allison Hill.
"It’s more important than ever that ABA keeps fighting against consolidation in publishing, anti-competitive practices in the marketplace, legislation that favors corporations over small business, and government agencies that lose sight of their mission and allow their training and support for small businesses to become marketing opportunities for these businesses’ biggest competitor," said ABA CEO Allison Hill.
