While the American Booksellers Association canceled the 8th annual Children’s Institute [7] due to the disruption of the COVID-19 outbreak, booksellers are invited to participate in a virtual program on July 15–16. Registration is open now. [8] Furloughed booksellers are also welcome to register (note the separate registration form).

This year, a number of programs will feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services from Handwriter Ink. Watch BTW for details in the coming weeks.

Program highlights include:

• A bookseller panel on “Representation in Science Fiction and Fantasy Young Adult and Middle Grade Books [9]”
• A presentation of the Indies Introduce the Best Middle Grade and Young Adult Debuts [10], featuring bookseller panelists and authors
• A workshop on “White Anti-Racist Allyship: What Is our Role in the Struggle? [11]” led by Cultures Connecting (a separate registration is required [12] but please be sure to register for Ci8 first)
• A panel on “Store Voice, Online Sales, and Profitability [13],” during which bookstore owners and social media managers will share how they developed their store’s voice, got loud, and captured new customers and drove online sales
• A keynote [14] featuring author and bookstore champion Isaac Fitzgerald
• A virtual hangout [15] with colleagues
• Virtual Rep Picks [16], where booksellers will meet with publishing reps and have access to a virtual galley room

The virtual Children’s Institute is open to all ABA member booksellers and costs $20; visit BookWeb.org now to register [8]. Registration closes July 1.

Children’s Institute will resume in person on June 16–18, 2021, at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. Questions about the institute should be directed to [email protected] [17].