NYC Indie Booksellers Form IBNYC

by Kevin Howell -- Publishers Weekly, 9/12/2008

Nearly 70 new and used New York bookstores have just formed the Independent Booksellers of New York City (IBNYC). Members must primarily sell books, have a storefront that is open to the public, and be located within one of the five boroughs.

The group’s first outing will be at this weekend's Brooklyn Book Festival on Sunday, September 14. They will be handing out an IBNYC bookstore map, tote bags, and announcements about upcoming bookstore events.

New York bibliophiles can also access the map, links to member stores, and sign up for a newsletter at the IBNYC's new Web site, which has areas still in development.

"This alliance, embracing sellers of books both old and new, will prove that the independent bookstore—a touchstone of New York City life—is here to stay," says Bonnie Slotnick, owner of Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks.

The IBNYC's primary goal is to encourage the patronization of independent bookstores and serve as a resource for consumers. It will also serve as a professional support group for member businesses and as an advocate to publishers and lawmakers on behalf of bookseller concerns.

“The IBNYC is a really wonderful opportunity to do well by doing good,” says Book Culture owner Chris Doeblin. “As a group, we'll endeavor to create citywide programming and marketing tools to promote our stores, and celebrate the unique contributions we make to New York's social, cultural and economic wellbeing."

While not yet requiring dues, the organization collected “founding contributions” from: Bank Street Bookstore, Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks, Book Culture, BookCourt, Computer Book Works, Freebird Books, McNally Jackson, PowerHouse Arena, St. Mark's Bookshop, Strand Book Store and Urban Center Books. Additional start-up support was been provided by Book Expo America, NAIBA, Random House, Harper Collins, Office of the Brooklyn Borough President and Housing Works Bookstore.

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