Who We Are
American Booksellers Association is a national trade association that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores. We provide members with education, networking opportunities, advocacy, resources, and technology. In turn our members support local schools through book fairs, donations and author visits; promote literacy; provide inclusive community centers; connect readers and books; add character to neighborhoods; champion and center diverse and new voices; and contribute to the local economy. We feel honored to support over 2,500 independent bookstores in their work.
ABA is governed by a volunteer board that is elected by the membership. In addition to the Board of Directors service, members also serve on a number of advisory councils, including the ABA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council (DEIC) in support of ABA’s commitment to antiracism, representation, equity, and access.
Governance and Finances
Board of Directors
- Board of Directors, 2024-2025 [1]
- Board Minutes [2]
- Board of Directors, Dualities of Interest [3]
- BTW Board Editions [4]
- Nominate for the Board [5]
Annual Governance Review Reports and Responses
Annual Report
Councils, Committees, and Task Forces
- ABA Booksellers Advisory Council [10] (BAC)
- ABA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council [11] (DEIC)
- ABA Children's Group Advisory Council [12]
Policies
- ABA Ends Policies [13]
-
ABA Governance Policy Manual [14]
(This document includes details about the Governance Process Policies, Board/CEO linkage, and more.) - ABA Bylaws [15]
- ABA Code of Conduct [16]
- ABA Values [17]
- ABA: Good Citizen [18]
- ABA Investment Policy [19]
- Member and Customer Grievance Policy [20]
- Antitrust Guidelines [21]
- ABA Vendor Review Policy [22]
Reference Documents
- Board of Directors Election Process [23]
- ABA Nomination and Election Guidelines [24]
- ABA Governance: Carver Method Infographic [25]
- ABA Articles of Incorporation [26]
Membership Meeting Reports
- 2024 Report [27]
- 2023 Report [28]
Community Forum/Annual Meeting
The ABA hosts an annual meeting via Zoom on the third Thursday of each May. Throughout the year, ABA also hosts several opportunities (Community Forums and Office Hours) for members to share concerns and issues pertaining to the industry directly with the Board. Community Forums occur twice a year — in-person at Winter Institute in February and on Zoom immediately following the annual meeting. Board Office Hours are held quarterly. These meetings are advertised in BTW and appear on the ABA Events Calendar [35].
- May 23, 2024 [36]
- February 14, 2024 [37]
- May 25, 2023 [38]
- February 23, 2023 [39]
Consolidated Financial Statements (including independent auditors' report)
- September 30, 2023 [40]
ABA Tax Form 990
Previous years’ forms may be accessed via the GuideStar [42] website.