"We gather at a time when the world feels heavy, the headlines are relentless, and the headwinds you face in your businesses are fierce," American Booksellers Association CEO Allison Hill said in opening remarks at the Children's Institute in Portland, Ore., yesterday. "But being here together reminds us of something essential: you are not alone. You are part of something bigger. The work you do as independent booksellers is not just important--it is crucial.
"You uplift diverse voices. You offer third places--safe spaces for dialogue, connection, and belonging. You defend the freedom to read. You stand against censorship. You champion ideas over ideology. You promote long-form reading in a world of sound bites and short-attention spans. And in doing so, you help protect fundamental rights, critical thinking, even democracy."
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| Allison Hill | |
Hill observed that "everyone in this room knows that reading makes people more informed, more empathetic, and more engaged. When you put books into people's hands, you all are cultivating informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens. And a functioning democracy depends on that. Your work could not be more vital right now.
"To the children's booksellers and bookstores here today: you have long been the heartbeat of this industry. You carry the beautiful responsibility of nurturing the next generation of readers, sharing books with them that help them become themselves and encourage them to dream--two necessary steps to them becoming the changemakers we desperately need.
"For all of you, we hope this week affirms your work, strengthens your resolve, and reminds you of the deep joy and tremendous opportunity that lies in bookselling in these challenging times."
Hill also thanked the publishers who sponsor Children's Institute, including lead sponsor Ingram; as well as "our heroes," the authors and illustrators attending Ci; the booksellers participating on panels who are sharing their experience and insight; ABA staff who "have done amazing things to make this happen"; and finally all the attendees, "for taking time away from your bookstores, your people, your pets, your plants, your busy lives, and hopefully your worries, to be here in community and in celebration."