This week over 450 independent bookstores in the southeastern United States received invitations to participate in the inaugural 2022 SIBA Census. The census was created by SIBA in order to document and respond to the changes in its membership and in the book industry.

“The last two years have seen unprecedented changes for our bookstores,” said SIBA Executive Director Linda-Marie Barrett. “They have had to re-invent themselves, coming up with new and innovative business models, to meet recent challenges. I’m in awe of the many creative ways our members have found to stay open and successful.”

The 2022 SIBA Census asks for more detailed information about store demographics and operations than is usually required from SIBA member stores. Just as the national census creates a portrait of the country, SIBA's 2022 Census is designed to create a better picture of its membership.

The SIBA Census will be used to

• Develop innovative and meaningful events and programming.
  
• Design creative marketing and promotional opportunities for bookstores.
  
• Advocate on behalf of independent bookstores to industry businesses and organizations.
  
• Target member communications and news to make them even more valuable.
  
• Strengthen SIBA's core commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The 2022 SIBA census is open to every bookstore in SIBA Territory (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA) Bookstores do not need to be current members of SIBA to participate. Stores that complete the census are entered into a drawing to receive Supper on SIBA! Ten stores will receive $100 to treat their staff to supper (or breakfast or lunch!)

For more information visit
https://sibaweb.com/mpage/2022-siba-census

To ask for an invitation contact Nicki Leone at nicki@sibaweb.com