A Special Thanks to Bookseller Relief Fund Donors

The following bookstores, publishers, distributors, regional booksellers associations, and individuals have all generously contributed to the Bookseller Relief Fund, which was established by the American Booksellers Association in response to the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. To date, close to $150,000 has been raised to provide humanitarian assistance to booksellers affected by the hurricanes, as well as to provide a response to future disasters.

Under Phase One of the Relief Fund effort more than 40 Gulf Coast booksellers -- owners and staff -- have received a $500 check to help cover the cost of basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation. What the support of the book community has meant to the recipients is expressed in the words of one bookseller: "The grant from the Bookseller Relief Fund was most welcome, and I thank you all. Being a part of the community of independent booksellers was such a rewarding experience. The fact that you all came through to help us in this tragic time is the ultimate example of the caring and cohesion I found throughout the country."

The Bookseller Relief Fund is now accepting more expansive requests for assistance from the owners of retail bookstores within the federally declared disaster areas under Phase Two of the plan. Bookstore owners should contact ABA's director of special projects, David Walker, at davidw@bookweb.org or at (800) 637-0037, ext. 6612. (For more information, go to www.bookweb.org/read/8092.)