In a move reminiscent of Time magazine’s decision to name “you” Person of the Year in 2006, the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association is recognizing both John Sargent and “all of us” as this year’s Legacy Award winners.
In a note to NAIBA members, president Lucy Kogler, manager of Talking Leaves...Books in Buffalo, N.Y., wrote, “We thought it important to recognize John Sargent for his consistent willingness to battle Amazon and specifically for his stance regarding ebook pricing and the DOJ. Even though he will be unable to attend our convention we thought that this was ‘his’ time and by awarding him the Legacy Award we would be fixing this moment in time for all of us. Which brings me to the others named as Legacy winners this year. All of us!”
Kogler compared Sargent’s challenge of standing up to Amazon with what booksellers do running a business and remaining profitable. “Legacy is about recognizing the value of what ‘you’ do, your work, your mission, your passion and commitment,” she continued. To celebrate, NAIBA will run pictures of member stores during the awards banquet at its show next month.
