What's Happening?
Books Across Borders (BAB) has announced its fall 2025 fellows who will attend two major international book fairs: the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany and the FIL Guadalajara Book Fair in Mexico. Vanessa Martini from Green Apple Books in San Francisco will participate in the Frankfurt event in November. Meanwhile, Barbara Cerda from La Revo Books in Milwaukee, Stephen Krause from Alienated Majesty Books in Austin, Texas, and Lisa Moser from Julia de Burgos Bookstore in Philadelphia will attend the Guadalajara fair in December. The fellowship program aims to elevate booksellers' profiles, support their professional development, and promote international literature. Participants will have the opportunity to report on the events in Shelf Awareness and engage in relevant professional panels.
Why It's Important?
The BAB fellowship program plays a crucial role in fostering international literary exchange and professional growth for U.S. booksellers. By attending these prestigious book fairs, fellows gain exposure to global publishing trends and networking opportunities that can enhance their careers and influence their local literary communities. This initiative supports the advocacy of international literature, which can diversify the offerings in U.S. bookstores and enrich the cultural landscape. The program also highlights the importance of professional development in the bookselling industry, encouraging participants to bring back valuable insights and experiences to their home communities.
What's Next?
BAB plans to announce its Spring 2026 fellows for other international book fairs, including the RISE Bookselling Conference in Verona, Italy, and the Salone del Libro in Torino, Italy, later this fall. This continued support for booksellers indicates a sustained commitment to international literary engagement and professional development. The fellows' experiences at these events may lead to new collaborations and initiatives within the U.S. literary scene, potentially influencing book selections and cultural programming in their respective bookstores.
