The lawsuit and injunction filed in Texas yesterday are the next steps in ABA’s current strategy to protect free expression and the interests of booksellers. We are grateful to our partners in this suit — the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and the Media Coalition.

Yesterday also marked the beginning of our lawsuit against Arkansas. We thank these same association partners as well as the many libraries and individuals who joined our coalition’s suit as plaintiffs. 

We’re especially grateful to the independent bookstores who have joined our cases as plaintiffs. We thank BookPeople and Blue Willow in Texas, and Pearl’s Books and WordsWorth Books in Arkansas, for their time, commitment, and sacrifice in support of the cause and on behalf of the industry.  

These two lawsuits are part of a legal strategy that requires many peoples' efforts over the course of several months. During that time the efforts have to be kept confidential and we regret that we couldn’t share details in real time with members. Know that ABA and American Booksellers for Free Expression's efforts to combat the wave of book banning and legislation that threatens the right to read are ongoing and that this work continues to be a top priority for ABA. We are adding staff, growing our coalition, supporting bookstores, schools, and libraries with local challenges, and creating resources for members. 

Thanks for your support as we continue to fight the good fight.

—Allison K Hill, CEO

Affinity Groups are on hiatus for the summer and will resume in the fall.

We’re already gearing up for Winter Institute 2024 (Wi2024) in Cincinnati! 
Registration will open on Wednesday, September 13.

Here are some details you will need to enter when you register yourself or anyone on your staff:

Attendee details:

• Your unique email address
• Preferred name and pronouns
• Cell phone number
• If you identify as part of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Disability, and/or Neurodivergent communities. (This detail is optional.)
• If you would like to be contacted about accessibility concerns
• Any dietary restrictions

Organization details:

• ABA ID number
• Membership type (Bookstore or Provisional)
• Primary Retail Type (Storefront, Pop-up, Mobile, Events-only, or Online only)
• Whether or not your store is BIPOC owned
• Region
  

Remember you’ll need to be logged in to BookWeb to be able to register. If you don't have a BookWeb account, you can make one now. If you forgot your password, recover it now or reach out to [email protected] for assistance.

Keep an eye on BTW for more Wi2024 details!