Dear Booksellers,

We have been hearing from a few bookstores that are continuing to operate as “essential businesses” in places where states of emergency or “shelter in place” directives have been issued. These stores have a handful of staff working inside, with doors closed to the public, fulfilling online and telephone orders. 

At least two bookstores have received permission from local officials (a mayor and a city attorney) to do this as an essential business, in one case because the bookstore supplies educational materials. There may be many arguments as to why a bookstore might be considered essential, including the need to support homeschooling, especially with libraries and schools closed and the deprioritizing of books by Amazon. Stores should read the government mandates specific to their communities to consider how to make their cases. Some places, like New York State, have forms available online to request designation as an essential business.

While ABA can’t advise stores on this, and obviously stores will want to take social distancing and other measures to protect their staff, we wanted to share this information as stores assess their local conditions or reach out to municipalities.

We advise booksellers to reach out to their city councilperson or mayor to inquire about remaining open as an essential business, or reach out to fellow bookstores in their location to coordinate efforts.

We welcome information from stores that have looked into this and/or have secured permission to continue operating as an essential business. ABA will continue to research this option and report back.

Best,
Allison