Dear bookseller,

Years before I opened my bookstore, I opted not to dip my toes in the indie bookselling sea: rather, I dove in head-first. For me that meant volunteering at bookstores, learning about the importance of supporting local businesses, applying for Barnes & Noble jobs I didn’t get, serving on my city’s library board, and attending book industry events.

Diving in is how, in 2009, I found myself all alone in a gigantic, empty conference center hallway in Greenville, South Carolina for something called the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) trade show. I was out of breath and woefully late, having gotten lost on the drive there. 

Except I wasn’t alone. I tried to catch my breath, steeling myself to enter a room full of total strangers, fully knowing that my tardiness had blown any chance of my slipping in discreetly. As I worked up the nerve to open the door to the session, I spotted another person peeking at signs, half-twirling to get her bearings in the unfamiliar space. Aha! This woman seemed as lost as I was! She looked at me and said hello; she had a warm smile and an exuberance that made me feel instantly comfortable as I asked, “Are you here for the book conference? I can’t tell if I’m in the right place.” 

My hunch was correct: this person was also lost, but—like me!—she was optimistic that things would work out. This kindred spirit was author Laurel Snyder, someone who turned out to be my very first close, trusted friend in the book world. (She still is—in fact, I was texting her right before I opened this Word document!)

I’m not focusing on the kismet that brought Laurel and me together because it was especially extraordinary. While it’s true that, in the grand scheme of things, it was magically remarkable to meet a lifelong friend that way, it’s also true that these sorts of encounters are common in the book world! The start of our friendship is one of many examples of the serendipitous, happy connections that are inevitable when book lovers gather in any number.

Connections like this one are what make the reality of gatherings like New Voices, New Rooms so much more than a sum of their parts. No matter how meticulously planned or beautifully written, no online schedule, collection of speaker bios, or session descriptions can encapsulate the infectious energy and camaraderie that results when book people get together. 

Since my experience as a total newbie fourteen (!!) years ago, I have attended as many SIBA gatherings as possible. When I describe SIBA to folks who aren’t in the bookselling world, I am reminded of how rare it is to have access to a trade organization that manages to grow along with you. By that I mean that SIBA has been instrumental to my sense of success and belonging every step of the way, from when I attended the conference as a relatively book-world-uneducated dreamer in 2009 to now, as I serve on the board as an experienced business owner with lots of wisdom to share. 

Folks who’ve been involved far longer than I echo my sentiments: SIBA, including and especially our in-person gatherings, has been a key part of their ability to help them weather the storms as well as to properly commemorate their triumphs. But our organization is not just for longtime booksellers: I’m extremely proud to know firsthand that SIBA (its leadership, its board, and its existing members) value new and potential booksellers’ points of view and priorities. Rather than being stuck in its ways or intimidated by novelty, SIBA actively seeks fresh approaches to problems new and old. We want to exchange ideas with industry veterans, potential bookstore founders, and everyone in between. 

As is likely true for you, the pandemic helped me focus on what truly matters to me. One theme continually emerges as a central priority in my life, both personally and professionally: I need meaningful connection and shared experiences with others. That includes all of you who are reading this right now: people who treasure their communities and value the ways in which books help us make sense of the world and each other. 

I hope you’ll join me for SIBA & NAIBA’s shared conference August 7-10. If you’re on the fence about going or have obstacles that are making it difficult for you to commit, please don’t hesitate to contact the SIBA staff, who will do their best to see how you can participate.  

See you in Arlington? 

With appreciation,

Janet Geddis
business owner/founder, Avid Bookshop
+ SIBA Board Member