Bookshop.org has launched its new e-book platform in the U.K., allowing independent bookstores to sell digital books to customers while earning the profits from those sales. The new platform, available online via any web browser and through the Bookshop.org apps on Apple and Android, features a catalogue of more than a million e-books.
"When we launched Bookshop.org, the vision was to support local bookstores in their battle against Amazon and other online retailers," said CEO Andy Hunter. "Our e-book launch furthers our commitment to help bookstores flourish in the digital age. After introducing our e-book platform in the U.S. earlier this year, we are thrilled to see how e-book sales are going for bookshops. We are already a year ahead of our original plan, and e-books make up 5% of our overall sales in the U.S. We are looking forward to e-books expanding to the U.K., empowering stores across the pond to be even more competitive."
Nic Bottomley of Mr. B's Emporium in Bath said: "We are absolutely thrilled that the good people of Bookshop.org have crafted a way for our customers to support Mr. B's (and all high street bookshops) whenever they want to buy a book in digital form. Our true love might be print, but e-books are an important part of the lives of so many readers and it's going to be fantastic to add into our mix a seamless e-book service."
C.P. Hunter of the Folkestone Bookshop, commented: "As a reader who travels a lot, being able to access e-books from more platforms than just my local library is brilliant, and even more exciting that it's from the ethical platform that is Bookshop.org. As a bookseller, making books even more accessible while still supporting independent shops is nothing but great news! Bookshop.org are an incredible resource and a company that truly support indies so another way to work with them and share more books with our customers all over the country is really important."
Nicole Vanderbilt, managing director of Bookshop.org UK, commented: "We're beyond excited to be adding this revolutionary offering to our platform. Digital readers don't depend on Amazon's monopoly anymore, now that they can find e-books at the same price on Bookshop.org. Meanwhile, bookshops now have an additional tool in their fight against Amazon, in line with our mission of helping them succeed in the age of e-commerce."
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| Julie Belgrado | |
Julie Belgrado is stepping down as director of the European and International Booksellers Federation to become CEO of the Federation of European Screen Directors. She has been with EIBF for 10 years, becoming director in 2018. Earlier she was EIBF's EU affairs and communication officer.
EIBF noted that during her time at EIBF, Belgrado has played "a central role in guiding the Federation through a period of growth, transformation and achievement. Under her leadership, EIBF strengthened its presence in European cultural policy and ensured that the voice of booksellers was heard at the highest political levels. She oversaw the expansion of the Secretariat in Brussels, led the launch of the Creative Europe-funded RISE Bookselling network, and fostered collaboration among bookseller associations across Europe and beyond. Julie also championed initiatives promoting literacy, sustainability and resilience within the bookselling sector. Her tenure has been characterised by openness, collaboration and innovation, and by a deep conviction that booksellers thrive when they connect, share knowledge and stand together."
Belgrado commented: "Over the past years, EIBF has been much more than a job to me. It's been a place of learning, passion, and growth--where I was trusted to try new ideas, supported to bring them to life, and encouraged to share knowledge with others. I'm proud of the legacy I leave behind, and grateful for the extraordinary commitment and support of EIBF members, especially the executive committee. Despite challenges along the way, I take with me wonderful memories: inspiring encounters across the globe, the passion and kindness of booksellers, their resilience, creativity, and strong sense of community. It has been an honour and privilege to represent their voice over the past ten years and ensure they are heard where it matters most."
EIBF president Fabian Paagman, owner of Paagman bookshops in the Netherlands, said, "On behalf of the executive committee and our entire network, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Julie for her exceptional leadership, vision and dedication over the past decade. She has strengthened the role and visibility of EIBF at the European and international level, while always putting booksellers at the heart of our mission. We are sad to see her go, but also proud of what has been achieved under her guidance, and we wish her every success for the future."
EIBF's executive committee will soon launch the process of finding and appointing a new director.