From La Playa Books: "It is with deep sadness that we are sharing with our fondest book lovers and all who care about us that our little bookstore’s owner, Jim Hall, has passed on this morning. He loved his bookstore very much. Some of his last words were ‘Open the store!’ He was comforted in his dying to know that the open sign was on, the flag was out, and neighbors in Point Loma were heading in to buy a book. He favored history and philosophy above fiction and was an officer in the Navy, an attorney and former Secretary of Health and Welfare in California. He traveled the world, a mentor to many.

To quote his beloved stoic: “I cannot escape death, but at least I can escape the fear of it”- Epictetus.

For the employees, Amy, Mimi, Marianne, Cori and Catley, and past employees, we have lost our foundation, friend, father and guide. Please keep La Playa Books in your thoughts. Protect the future of literacy, history, heritage, imagination and education any way you can.

James MacDonald Hall, San Diego born and bred, 1934-2025"

Our Deepest Condolences to the La Playa Books team from CALIBA

It's that time of year again! The directory is alphabetized by publisher/rep group and remains keyword searchable. Please take a look and email Valentina if any corrections are necessary!

*CLOSES TOMORROW* JAMES PATTERSON HOLIDAY BOOKSTORE BONUS PROGRAM

Click here for more information and to nominate booksellers.

*CLOSES TOMORROW* EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK BOOKSTORES

Click here for more information and to apply to the job opening.

CHILDREN'S INSTITUTE 2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE NOVEMBER 20TH

Click here for more information.

BLACK BOOKSTORE HERITAGE GRANT

Applications are now open for the Black Bookstore Heritage Grant. 

REACH BOOKSELLERS AS THEY HEAD INTO THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON!

Ensure your book is top of mind as booksellers prepare for the biggest show of the year. Our various promotional options will give your titles the spotlight they need right when booksellers are making key decisions.

Have more marketing ideas or special events members would find useful? Send in your ideas here.

Publishers, Sales Reps & Book Industry Professionals (Non-voting)

Individual: $150

Small House & Commission Groups: $250 (up to 3 sales reps)

Large House: $550 (up to 6 sales reps)

Membership Perks:

• Discounted admission/exhibit space to our annual Fall Fest
• Free or discounted rates at education and member programs
• Subscription to our weekly e-newsletter & bestseller list
• Stay up-to-date with industry, association and bookstore news
• Access to our online Rep Directory
• Post your job openings in our classifieds

Click here for more details.

October: National Hispanic Heritage Month / LGBTQ+ History Month / National Book Month / National Reading Group Month / Filipino American History Month / National Cookbook Month

*TOMORROW* October 31: James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program Nominations End

November: National Native American Heritage Month / Picture Book Month / National Novel Writing Month / Nonfiction November

November 1: Catalog delivery via direct mail

November 3-9: Children's Book Week

November 4: General Election Day

November 10-14: University Press Week

November 19: National Book Awards

November 20: December Social Media Promotions - book submission deadline

November 24: 2025 Golden Poppy Awards Finalists Announcement

November 27: CALIBA Office Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

November 28: Plaid Friday

November 29: Small Business Saturday / Indies First

Happy Halloween and Día De Los Muertos!

1 - Get Lit Books & Things, in Moreno Valley, kicked off Halloween week with a Trunk or Treat Event. 💀

2 - Two Birds Books, in Santa Cruz, showed off all the spooky books and decor in their store. 👻 

3 - Ruby’s Books, in Folsom, gave a last look of their Halloween display before Thanksgiving takes over. 🎃

4 - Flintridge Bookstore, in La Cañada Flintridge, has lots of fun classic to contemporary Halloween decorations and gifts. 🧟

5 - Bookshop Santa Cruz, has their spooky season staff picks for customers to pick up. 🐺

6 - Mrs. Dalloway’s, in Berkeley, has a bunny cemetery in their window display and a horror selection. 🪦 

7 - Mysterious Galaxy, in San Diego, wins caption of the week: “These are the recs of a bookseller, Bella.” 🍎 

8 - Once Upon A Time Bookstore, in Montrose, has their spooky favorites in their window. 🧛

9 - Word Horde Emporium, in Petaluma, is spooky year round, but they go all out this time of year. 🧙

10 - Copperfield’s, in Healdsburg, has a frightfully cute Halloween display. 🐈‍⬛

Don't forget to follow CALIBA (@caliba_20)!

Click here for the Los Angeles Times & Southern California Independent Bookstore Bestseller List

Click here for the San Francisco Chronicle & Northern California Independent Bookstore Bestseller List

• *NEW* Bookstore for Sale - Camino Books, Del Mar
• Bookstore Manager - Chevalier's, Los Angeles
• Copy, Sales & Publicity Positions - Chronicle Books, San Francisco
• Publishing Assistant - The Collective Book Studio, Oakland

Alecia

Supporting Staff

The Honey Witch

Sydney J. Shields

9780316568869

Hannah

Executive Director

The Knight and the Moth

Rachel Gillig

9780316582704

Valentina

Operations Manager

When the Wolf Comes Home

Nat Cassidy

9781250354341

• 2025 Fall Fest Exhibitor Evaluation Form
• For Authors: How to Partner with Independent Bookstores
• 2025 LA Fires Resources Page
• From the ABA: Urge Congress to Reverse Tariffs
• Anti-Censorship Resources
• Panorama Picks - Books in Demand at US Libraries

Click here for a complete list.

Hannah Walcher

Executive Director

hannah@caliballiance.org

Valentina Moberg

Operations Manager

valentina@caliballiance.org

Alecia Reddick

Supporting Staff

alecia@caliballiance.org