Booksellers should be aware that the New York Times Book Cash Certificates expire on January 31, 2003. Times Book Cash checks were sent as gifts to consumers who upgraded from a trial subscription to a full subscription to the newspaper and are good for $10 towards payment for any book purchase.

The Book Cash promotion, a nationwide program coordinated by the Properties Group, is driving traffic into stores and raising national awareness of Book Sense, said Jill Perlstein, ABA's director of marketing services. Due to the success of the program, Book Sense has signed an agreement with the Properties Group to continue the program in 2003.

"The Book Cash promotion is a great way to get new customers into the store," Perlstein said. "Booksellers should be on the lookout for new promotions in 2003. This is just another example of the benefits of being a member of the Book Sense program." A Book Cash Accepted Here decal will be sent in an upcoming white box, she added.

No sign-up is required to participate in a Book Cash promotion. All ABA member stores with Book Sense are automatically part of the program. Bookstores should accept Book Cash checks as they do personal or traveler's checks and collect any other money due to complete the sale. When accepting a Book Cash check, cashiers should look for the Book Cash logo and the authorized signature of John S. Galinos, and verify the expiration date on the check (no expired checks should be accepted). The checks should then be deposited into the store's bank account.

For more information on the Book Cash promotion, e-mail Perlstein at [email protected] [7] or call (800) 637-0037, ext. 1283.