What's Happening?
Hannah Harlow, co-owner and operator of The Book Shop of Beverly Farms in Beverly, Massachusetts, has been awarded a Books Across Borders scholarship. This scholarship will enable her to attend the Frankfurt
Book Fair in October. Before co-owning her bookstore since January 2020, Harlow spent 17 years in the publishing industry, primarily in the marketing department at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. She is also actively involved in the literary community, volunteering on the steering committee of the Newburyport Literary Festival, contributing writing on books and bookselling to WBUR's Cognescenti blog and the Manchester Cricket, and co-hosting the podcast 'Four Books a Fortnight.' Additionally, Harlow serves on the New England Independent Booksellers Association board of directors. The Books Across Borders scholarships aim to connect U.S. booksellers with the international literary community by facilitating their attendance at major global book fairs.
Why It's Important?
This scholarship highlights the ongoing efforts to foster international connections within the U.S. bookselling industry. By enabling experienced professionals like Hannah Harlow, with her extensive background at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, to attend international events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, the program promotes the exchange of ideas and best practices. This exposure can lead to a broader understanding of global publishing trends and potentially introduce new international literature to U.S. markets. For independent bookstores, such as The Book Shop of Beverly Farms, participation in these global forums can enhance their profile, support professional development, and strengthen their role in advocating for and promoting international literature. The initiative also underscores the value of experienced publishing professionals transitioning into independent bookselling, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge to local communities and the broader bookselling landscape.
What's Next?
Hannah Harlow will attend the Frankfurt Book Fair in October as a Books Across Borders fellow. Following her attendance, she will have the opportunity to report on the event in Shelf Awareness and participate in a panel of professional relevance. This engagement is expected to further raise her industry profile and contribute to her professional development. The Books Across Borders program will also announce its 2027 Spring Fellows for other international book fairs, including the RISE Bookselling Conference in Galway, Ireland; the London Book Fair in London, England; and the Bologna Children's Book Fair/Bologna Book Plus in Bologna, Italy. All booksellers who applied during the 2026-27 application season remain eligible for these upcoming fellowships, indicating a continued commitment to international engagement for U.S. booksellers.
Beyond the Headlines
The recognition of booksellers like Hannah Harlow, who bring significant experience from major publishers like Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, underscores a broader trend of industry professionals contributing to the independent bookselling sector. This cross-pollination of expertise can enrich the local literary scene and strengthen the overall ecosystem of book publishing and retail. The emphasis on international literature and global connections through programs like Books Across Borders reflects a growing awareness of the need for cultural exchange and diversity in reading. By supporting booksellers in exploring international markets, the program indirectly promotes a more diverse and globally informed readership in the U.S., potentially influencing future publishing trends and reader preferences. This initiative also highlights the evolving roles within the book industry, where traditional publishing experience can be leveraged to enhance independent retail and community engagement.
