The recipients of the 2022 Nancy Olson Bookseller Award, honoring the memory of legendary bookseller and founder of Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, N.C., and recognizing booksellers who are not store owners for "bringing books to readers," are Es Davis of Golden Fig Books in Durham, N.C., and Alex McLeod of the Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Ala. Each winner receives $2,500, funded by an anonymous donor.
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| Es Davis | |
SIBA said that Davis started as Golden Fig Books' first employee two years ago and "now manages Golden Fig's original store. They have worked in bookselling and libraries for almost a decade, with a particular focus on kids' and YA books that amplify marginalized voices."
McLeod told SIBA in part: "I love my job and can't think of anything else I'd rather do. I get to introduce people to books. I get to talk about stories and ideas with people. The real joy is when I get to show someone something they never knew they wanted, and they come back to let me know they stayed up all night to finish a book or they've been binging a series. Growing that connection and community of book lovers is what makes this job so rewarding and vital to me."
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| Alex McLeod | |
Linda-Marie Barrett, executive director of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, which sponsors the award, said, "It was heartwarming to read the nominations submitted for booksellers across SIBA territory. Our communities are much richer for their presence and constant hard work connecting readers with books, and those in need with resources like housing, meals, medical assistance, counseling, and more. Thank you to our anonymous donor for an award that honors the great Nancy Olson, and truly makes a difference in a bookseller’s life. Congratulations to our winners, Es Davis and Alex McLeod!"
Jim Olson, husband of Nancy Olson and a member of the jury that selected the winners, said, "Nancy would be thrilled with our selections as both Es Davis and Alex McLeod exemplify her love of bookselling and putting the right book in the hands of a customer."
Sarah Goddin, another jury member and former longtime Quail Ridge bookseller, said, "I never realized how excruciatingly painful [the selection process] might be! We had such a difficult choice because there are too many amazing booksellers in the SIBA territory. I also have to hand it to those writing the nominations, who were exceptionally eloquent."