Dear SIBA Booksellers!

I am excited, humbled, and overwhelmed to be your board president for 2021!

I am excited because, as it is with everything, new challenges beget new opportunities. I am humbled because to be chosen by my peers to do this job is amazing. I am overwhelmed because, like everyone else, I'm taking everything one day at a time to see what new problems and opportunities are going to come my way from this weird, wobbly world.

I often look back on my life as a bookseller and feel as though many decisions have been made for me. I've had to learn to move with the flow of information and opportunity as HUGE players within our industry and the external forces of an unfolding history have jostled my business to the point where the idea of pivoting is just what we do. I believe most independent booksellers feel the same way; especially after the events of the past year.

Undoubtedly, 2021 will bring more of the same challenge and opportunity. My hope is that SIBA will continue to be strengthened by our collective actions and the generosity with which we share our ideas. My store and my community are better because of all of my bookselling colleagues (friends) that have taught me best practices and shared strategies over the years. I can draw straight lines from many of you to success that we've had in our shop or to problems we've helped tackle in our community. I look to those connections for renewed inspiration and I want to be part of strengthening those connections for everyone.

I am always available for daydreaming, problem solving, idea sharing, program facilitating, contact sharing, landmine avoiding, strategizing, philosophizing or otherwise generally lending a helping hand. So, please always keep my contact info handy and feel welcome to get in touch with me as much as I can be useful!

All of the best for 2021!

John Cavalier

john@cavalierhousebooks.com

225-937-4239

@JohnRCavalier on Twitter and Instagram