The American Booksellers Association (ABA) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1900 that promotes independent bookstores in the United States. ABA's core members are key participants in their communities' local economy and culture, and to assist them ABA creates relevant programs; provides education, information, business products, and services; and engages in public policy and industry advocacy. The Association actively supports and defends free speech and the First Amendment rights of all Americans, without contradiction of equity and inclusion, through the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression.[6] A volunteer board of 10 booksellers governs the Association. Previously headquartered in White Plains, New York, ABA became a fully remote organization in 2024.[7]
Abbreviation | ABA |
---|---|
Founded | 1900 |
Type | nonprofit trade association |
13-5676641[1] | |
Legal status | 501(c)(6)[2] |
Purpose | To help independently owned bookstores grow and succeed.[2] |
CEO | Allison K. Hill[3] |
Tegan Tigani[4] | |
Subsidiaries | Booksellers Order Service Inc[2] |
Revenue (2022[5]) | $5,026,094[5] |
Expenses (2017) | $4,641,929[2] |
Employees (2016) | 35[2] |
Volunteers (2016) | 67[2] |
Website | www |
The ABA's membership has varied over time:
The ABA sponsored the Book Sense marketing program and associated BookSense.com web site, intended to preserve a connection between consumers and local independent bookstores. In June 2008, Book Sense was replaced by IndieBound, a new program and website.[35]
In November, 2010, the Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC), a non-profit trade association supporting the business of independent children's bookselling, agreed to merge with the American Booksellers Association.[36] The former ABC is now a membership group within the ABA.[37]