Janed Webster Jones Named 2023 Voice of the Heartland

The Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association announced on Monday that this year’s Voice of the Heartland Award recipient is Janet Webster Jones, the owner of Source Booksellers in Detroit. The Voice of the Heartland Award is given in recognition of individuals and organizations who “uphold the value of independent bookselling and have made a significant contribution to bookselling in the Midwest.”

Jones, at the time an educator in the Detroit Public Schools system, began selling books about African and African-American history at pop-ups in 1989. She launched Source in 2002, in a shared retailing space with other female entrepreneurs in Detroit’s Midtown area. Source became a standalone bookstore in 2013, focusing on nonfiction titles.

“Janet's life's work epitomizes dedication to service, education, and community building,” GLIBA and MIBA said in a statement. “Her story is a testament to the legacy of women who have played pivotal roles in creating and sustaining Black-owned bookstores throughout American history. Through Source Booksellers, Janet continues to envelop her community in knowledge, care, and love, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.”

Jones will receive her award during the Heartland Fall Forum awards gala in Detroit on October 18.