A Preview of Wi7’s Children’s Programming

The American Booksellers Association’s Winter Institute, sponsored by the Ingram Content Group, will feature two “can’t-miss” educational panels developed specifically for children’s booksellers as well as a children’s booksellers roundtable and a wide-ranging selection of additional programming to help booksellers of all kinds strengthen their businesses.

Children’s booksellers can expect to come away from this year’s educational sessions with actionable ideas to improve their visibility, cement relationships with other businesses in their local communities, and keep young readers “hooked” on reading as they transition into young adults. All bookseller attendees will also get an opportunity to collaborate and network on the final day of Wi7 during a creative brain-storming activity.

The sessions aimed at children’s booksellers are detailed below.

How to Become a Hometown All-Star With Children’s Books
Thursday, January 19, 10:00 a.m. to Noon (Astor Rooms I & II)

When a customer needs a book or an interesting non-book gift, do they turn to you first? How can you make your store the “go-to” location (both for information and purchases) for great gifts, books, and events? This session will give you a few tips and ideas for becoming the first place your community goes (whether that is online or in store) for children’s books and book related merchandise.

Panelists are Collette Morgan of Wild Rumpus in Minneapolis; Diane Capriola of Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia; and Cynthia Compton of 4 Kids Books & Toys in Zionsville, Indiana.

Best Practices for Transitioning Middle Readers to YA Readers
Thursday, January 19, 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. (Astor Rooms I & II)

As young customers transition from middle readers to YA readers, they begin to experience a new world of social pressures and physical and mental challenges. What does this mean in relation to their reading choices and whether or not they decide to continue to be readers?  How can your store not only hold on to these customers, but also help them retain their interest in books as they grow into teens and beyond?

Panelists Valerie Koehler of Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, Texas, and David Levithan, executive editorial director at Scholastic, will share their insights.

Children’s Booksellers Roundtable
Friday, January 20, 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Iberville Room)

Children’s booksellers face a unique set of challenges each day. Whether you’re handselling to a customer who will not be the end-user, managing child-friendly events, or helping the parents of teens and teachers navigate YA fiction, join your bookselling colleagues for this opportunity to share your biggest challenges and successes.

The Children’s Booksellers Roundtable will be moderated by Emily Grossenbacher of Lemuria Books in Jackson, Mississippi.