For further information, contact:

Chris Finan, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, (917) 509-0340


                                          For Immediate Release

ABFFE Urges Booksellers to Post Free Speech Pledge

NEW YORK, NY, November 6, 2006–The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE), the bookseller’s voice in the fight against censorship, is urging booksellers to post a new statement proclaiming their support for free speech and reader privacy. The statement–titled “To Our Customers”–explains why booksellers believe it is important to carry a wide diversity of books, including works that some people may find offensive. It also promises customers that the bookstore will protect the privacy of their book purchases. “There are many good reasons for making a clear statement of store policy on First Amendment issues,” ABFFE President Chris Finan said. “It makes the point that one of the most important roles of a bookstore is to protect free speech. It helps build support for the store and for free speech. It also can be useful in dealing with customers who may be offended by a particular book by reminding them that bookstores exist to serve the entire community.”

“To Our Customers” is available in two versions that can be downloaded from the ABFFE Web site. One version superimposes the statement on a photograph of a child peeking into a book. The other features attractive drawings of books. The statements are available in color or black and white. They can be viewed here.

“To Our Customers” is an updated version of a statement that ABFFE has been distributing since its founding in 1990. It now includes language from the model privacy statement that it began recommending in 1998. The model privacy statement was published as part of an ABFFE pamphlet, “Protecting Customer Privacy in Bookstores,” which contains advice on handling customer records. To order a copy of the pamphlet, send an e-mail to Caitlin Delohery.