American Booksellers Association The American Booksellers Association logo The American Booksellers Association ( ABA ) is a non-profit industry association founded in 1900 that promotes independent bookstores . The ABA and its members support freedom of speech , literacy , and programs that encourage reading . Many independent booksellers are concerned about the potential negative impact on free speech by giant megachains , such as Barnes & Noble , or even nationwide web retailers , such as Amazon.com . The concern is that publishers cater to these retailers and that control over what books , and hence what ideas , are available will ultimately rest in the hands of these few companies ( see propaganda model ) . The ABA sponsors the Book Sense marketing program and associated BookSense.com web site , which is intended to preserve a connection between consumers and local independent bookstores . List of well-known independent bookstores See : Independent bookstore External links American Booksellers Association website BookSense.com website Categories : Independent bookstores | Industry trade groups 