The Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association is creating a new award, the Great Lakes Bookstore of the Year, which will honor "independent bookstores that have demonstrated exceptional influence, support, representation, and impact within their communities and their fellow bookselling community." The winner of the award will be determined annually by the GLIBA board of directors and will receive a scholarship to GLIBA's Spring Forum in Chicago on April 18, where the award will be presented.
Nominations are now open. People can nominate either their own bookstore or another. March 10 is the soft deadline for 2024 award nominations, but nominations made now will be considered for future years, too. The nomination form is here.
Criteria for the award include:
- Influence, Representation, and Impact in the Community: Celebrating bookstores that play a pivotal role in their communities by actively contributing to cultural and literary life, fostering a love for reading, and championing diversity and inclusivity.
- Contribution to the Bookselling Community: Acknowledging bookstores that go beyond the shelves to support their fellow booksellers, sharing knowledge, resources, and fostering a collaborative environment within the independent bookselling community, contributing to the growth and success of the bookselling world.
- Connecting People with Books: Honoring bookstores that excel in creating meaningful connections between readers, authors, and books, curating diverse and engaging selections, and inspiring a passion for literature. Celebrating bookstores that have made significant efforts to bring literature to diverse audiences, organizing events, book clubs, and outreach programs that promote a love for reading.