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Dear CALIBA Members,
As a former Books Inc. employee, I am of course saddened to hear the news about Books Inc.'s pending sale to Barnes & Noble. As mentioned in Andy Perham's statement published in Shelf Awareness and Publishers Weekly today, the past 5 years have been extremely difficult for them, something I believe we can all relate to. I hope you all take the time to read the statement fully.
This tough, but necessary, decision does not erase the 174 years that Books Inc. has run as an independent bookstore and the decades of expertise and guidance they have provided the Indie Bookselling World via NCIBA, CALIBA, and the ABA. Their booksellers have influenced and bolstered the industry in ways we will forever be grateful for. I'm sure we will be discussing this change and what it means for our community across the country for months, if not years, to come.
If I may take my CALIBA Executive Director hat off for a moment and speak as a bookseller who wouldn't be here today, in this very position, if she hadn't walked into Books Inc. Burlingame, with a resume in hand, 11 years ago: My heart aches for what this means for CALIBA, but I am so happy and relieved that Books Inc. will still exist, neighborhoods will still have their local bookstores, and my friends will be able to continue being amazing booksellers. I owe so much to the people of Books Inc.and I wish the best for them in this transition and new chapter.
As for this year's Fall Fest, just two weeks away, there will still be a Books Inc. presence. A number of their employees are members of our Education Committee, Golden Poppy Committees, and Advisory Council. Each of these booksellers will have the choice to remain in their roles through the year, or for the case of the Golden Poppy Awards, through the award season. I hope that you all extend your kindness and understanding to our Books Inc. friends in the coming days.
With much love,
Hannah Walcher
Executive Director of CALIBA
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