Independent Bookstores Begin Selling Google eBooks™

"Cloud-Based" Library and Multi-Device Access Allow Indies
to Compete in Growing E-book Business

Tarrytown, NY. December 6, 2010

Indie bookstore customers no longer have to choose between reading digital and supporting their local bookstore -- the American Booksellers Association announced today, Monday, December 6, 2010, that ABA member stores with IndieCommerce websites are now selling Google eBooks™ online. Google launched its e-book program today.

"This partnership with Google is an important chapter in the renaissance we've been seeing in independent bookselling," said ABA President Michael Tucker, co-owner of Books Inc. bookstores in California. "It allows our membership to better compete with corporate retailers on selection, price, and convenience. It levels the playing field."

A Google e-Book is a new form of cloud-based digital book that allows readers to access their libraries on almost any device from one single repository, regardless of where the ebook was purchased. ABA has partnered with Google because of its open and accessible platform so ABA member bookstores can provide an easy way for their customers to discover, read, and buy e-books at competitive prices. Google is offering hundreds of thousands of titles for sale, ranging from new releases and bestsellers in every category to classics in the public domain.

"There is unmistakable evidence that an increasing number of consumers want to read books in digital form, as shown by the almost doubling of ebook sales in the last year" said ABA Chief Operating Officer Len Vlahos. "Google eBooks allow our members to serve those customers how, when, and where they want to be served and allows customers to continue to take advantage of the unique services of local retailers. This is a very exciting day for independent bookselling."

A list of participating ABA member stores that have opted-in to sell Google eBooks online can be found at www.indiebound.org/google-ebooks. (This list of stores will be updated periodically.) Because Google eBooks work with myriad devices -- tablets, smartphones, computers, even most e-ink devices -- consumers are free to shop from a variety of retailers rather than being bound to one retailer. This opens up a wealth of indie recommendations and bestsellers to avid e-book readers.

"Our partnership with the American Booksellers Association is helping to bring ebooks technology to independent booksellers and their customers nationwide," said Chris Palma, manger of strategic partner development for Google Books. "This is just the beginning for us."

About American Booksellers Association
Founded in 1900, the American Booksellers Association is a not-for-profit trade organization devoted to meeting the needs of its core members -- independently owned bookstores with storefront locations -- through education, information dissemination, business products and services, and advocacy. ABA exists to protect and promote the interests of independent retail book businesses, as well as to protect the First Amendment rights of every American. The association actively supports free speech, literacy, and programs that support local and independent retail shops. A board of nine booksellers, representing thousands of members, governs the Association. ABA is headquartered in Tarrytown, New York.

American Booksellers Association
200 White Plains Rd.
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Meg Smith (914) 373-6641 [email protected]