Dear SIBA membership,

As we are in the final stretch of the holiday season, I hope everyone has some much-deserved self-care plans in the near future.

I am honored to serve as your SIBA Board president for 2024 and quite frankly, have some big shoes to fill as Jamie Southern's term comes to a close.  It has been a privilege to work under her leadership and alongside of all of the other “J” members of the Board.  You can imagine how much fun it was to address each other during meetings. Jamie Fiocco’s interim term also ends this year and the Board appreciates the hard work she has put in as well. In 2024 we welcome two new members to the Board - Krystle Dandridge and Bunnie Hilliard.

Booksellers love to tap into their creative side so it is no surprise how the bookselling world has evolved over the years. SIBA continues to not only be a great organization, but a resource for our region of booksellers in this growing industry. As Jamie Southern mentioned in her farewell letter to SIBA members, we spent a good portion of the year updating SIBA Bylaws and it will soon be time for them to go to membership vote. When the time comes, I encourage each of you to vote. It is important for us to continue to grow this organization together.

I am confident that 2024 is going to be filled with great and exciting things for SIBA members including more opportunities to gather together (whether virtually or in person). More opportunities to not only learn from each other but also the resources we need to continue to make our bookselling journey successful.  Be sure to check your emails regularly for updates. SIBA also has a great social media platform that announces important upcoming meetings and deadlines - along with other fun things.

Remember that the Board and SIBA team enjoy hearing from members.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us with questions, problems, comments - anything! You can reach me directly at shopthebookwormpowdersprings@gmail.com  (I know, I know long email address, but I inherited it).