Bookseller Resources

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) is the bookseller's voice in the fight against censorship. ABFFE offers resources that help you ensure that your bookstore diligently guards its customers' free expression and privacy rights. ABFFE resources can also be helpful in teaching educators and librarians, members of the book industry, politicians, the press and the public about the importance of free expression in bookstores. 

• Free Speech Training Guide and Film, Scenes from a Bookstore: Free Speech Vignettes Is your staff prepared to answer questions about why you carry (or don't carry) a particular book? ABFFE has created a DVD and training guide to help booksellers respond to the free speech questions that frequently come up in bookstores. Watch Scenes from a Bookstore: Free Speech Vignettes on YouTube or at the above link. 

• "To Our Customers" Have you posted a clear statement of your store's commitment to free speech and customer privacy? Post "To Our Customers," a statement prepared by ABFFE. The handsomely illustrated signs are available in two versions that may be downloaded here, ordered by email (), or requested by telephone.

• Model Statement on Author Appearances in Bookstores Are you ready to address complaints about events involving controversial authors in your store? ABFFE will send you a model statement that you can use to help explain why it is important for bookstores to provide a forum for a wide range of views, or you can download the statement at the link above.
  

• "Protecting Customer Privacy in Bookstores" Do you know what to do when a police officer asks you to reveal customer information? Download ABFFE's "Protecting Customer Privacy in Bookstores," also available as a pamphlet from ABFFE. "Protecting Customer Privacy" tells you how to handle "official" inquiries, subpoenas, and search warrants.

• "In Case of First Amendment Emergency" Are you an ABFFE member? ABFFE stands ready to help you 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Join ABFFE and receive "In Case of First Amendment Emergency," a card that tells you how to reach us any time you're in need; the card is also downloadable here. Post it by the telephone!

• Banned Books Week Handbook Do you participate in Banned Books Week? Booksellers love the only national celebration of the freedom to read. ABFFE provides ideas and materials that enable you to participate easily and inexpensively. You can access ABFFE's Banned Books Week Handbook at the link above.  
  

• "Reading Your Rights" Reading Your Rights is a video from the ACLU that can teach you more about reading, bookselling, and the First Amendment.

JOIN ABFFE!

Complete our online member registration form to join the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE), the booksellers' voice in the fight against censorship. You may also download an ABFFE membership form and fax your completed copy to (212) 587-2436; mail the form to ABFFE at 19 Fulton Street, Suite 407, New York, NY 10038; or email it to to stand up for free speech for booksellers and their customers.