Next week SIBA Bookstores will receive a link to vote on SIBA's revised bylaws. Updating the organization's bylaws has been one of the most important tasks of the SIBA board over the last couple of years.

Most importantly, the bylaws have been updated to expand the definition of what constitutes a "core member bookstore" in order to include the creative business models bookstores have developed over the past few years. The size of the board has also been increased to allow for better representation of SIBA's growing membership.

SIBA will be holding a vote to adopt the revised bylaws the first week of March. Every current member bookstore may vote.

Here is a summary of the major changes. You can view them in the proposed bylaws, highlighted in yellow, here,

1. Updated Definition of Core Member (page 7)

The previous definition is as follows: "Independent, privately-owned, commercially-zoned bookstores with a retail storefront and physical headquarters in the Company’s region are eligible for core membership."

The updated definition was changed to be reflective of the more inclusive and highly creative industry we find ourselves living in today. The new definition is:

"Core membership is open to any independent, privately-owned legal entity actively engaged in the business of bookselling in our region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA). The bookselling venue may be physical, online, recurring pop-ups or mobile but physical books (including e-books and audiobook versions) must represent more than 50% of overall revenue. These membership requirements shall be subject to interpretation, in the event of dispute, by the Board of Directors. Only owners and authorized representatives and key staff (with owner permission) may serve as officers or directors of the Company. Core Members are entitled to one vote at meetings or in other official balloting procedures of the Company."

2. An Expanded Board (page 1)

The bylaws expand the option to have a board of seven members rather than five. This will allow the board to have greater representation of the SIBA region serving on the board level.

3. Secretary-Treasurer Officer Added (page 5)

The board officer position of Secretary-Treasurer has been created in order to be compliant with North Carolina law.

These revised bylaws mark a major step forward for SIBA. Every store member is strongly encouraged to read over the changes carefully. Booksellers attending any of the March Madness events are also encouraged to discuss the changes with each other. Booksellers who have any questions or concerns are invited to contact any of the SIBA board members.

Voting will take place over the month of March. A Yes vote of 25% of SIBA's core membership will be considered a quorum for the revised bylaws to be adopted.

3/5/2024 UPDATE:  Voting is now open to approve the revised SIBA Bylaws. All Core Member Bookstores who are current members of SIBA may vote

VOTE HERE