What's Happening?
Dan Cullen, a prominent figure in the American Booksellers Association (ABA), passed away on October 4 at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness. Cullen dedicated 35 years to the ABA, retiring in January 2022. His career began at Pantheon Books before he joined the ABA in 1986 as editor of ABA Newswire. He later became the editor of American Bookseller magazine and eventually rose to the position of senior strategy officer. Cullen was celebrated for his contributions to indie bookselling, including the development of IndieBound, the launch of an e-book platform, and advocacy for sales tax fairness against e-tailers like Amazon. His colleagues remember him as a revered ambassador for the ABA and a passionate advocate for independent bookstores.
Why It's Important?
Dan Cullen's work significantly impacted the landscape of independent bookselling in the United States. His efforts in developing platforms like IndieBound and advocating for fair sales tax policies helped strengthen the position of indie bookstores against larger e-tailers. Cullen's dedication to the First Amendment and human rights through bookselling reflects the broader cultural and political importance of independent bookstores as bastions of free expression and community engagement. His passing marks the loss of a key figure in the fight for the survival and evolution of indie bookselling, a sector that continues to face challenges from digital and corporate competitors.
What's Next?
The ABA and the indie bookselling community will likely continue to honor Cullen's legacy by advancing the initiatives he championed. This includes ongoing efforts to adapt to digital trends and maintain fair competition with major e-tailers. The ABA's commitment to supporting independent bookstores in their political and cultural roles will persist, inspired by Cullen's vision. As the community reflects on his contributions, there may be renewed focus on the strategic growth and advocacy for indie bookselling, ensuring its resilience in a rapidly changing market.
Beyond the Headlines
Cullen's involvement with the Democratic party in his retirement highlights the intersection of bookselling and political activism. His belief in the power of bookstores to uphold constitutional values and human rights underscores the ethical dimension of bookselling as more than just a commercial enterprise. This perspective may encourage bookstores to engage more deeply in social and political issues, reinforcing their role as community hubs for dialogue and change.
