ABFE becomes a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit

American Booksellers for Free Expression is launching as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit to expand advocacy for the right to read, free expression and diversity in bookselling. The shift makes donations tax-deductible, opens the door to grants and broadens ABFE’s public-facing education work beyond independent bookstores. Why it matters: - American Booksellers for Free Expression, or ABFE, can now fundraise as a tax-deductible nonprofit. - The new structure also makes ABFE eligible for grants. - ABFE plans to broaden its reach beyond independent bookstores and speak to readers and citizens more directly about book access, diverse literature and readers’ rights. What happened: - ABFE is now a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting the right to read, promoting free expression in the United States and supporting diversity in literature and bookselling. - The change was announced June 17, 2026, in Harrison, New York. - ABA’s legislative advocacy on free expression will continue through the American Booksellers Association’s advocacy department. - ABFE will operate under a shared services agreement with ABA. The details: - ABFE says donations may now be tax-deductible, which could make giving more attractive to donors. - ABFE says it will be able to expand public-facing resources, offer webinars for broader audiences, grow its social media presence and take part in more public events. - The organization was originally founded in 1990 as a 501(c)(3). - ABFE merged with ABA in 2014. - The new standalone nonprofit is described as ABFE’s next era. - The founding ABFE board includes Allison Hill, Philomena Polefrone, Ray Daniels and Dave Grogan from ABA. - Additional founding board members include Maggie Tokuda-Hall, a bestselling children’s and young adult author and former independent bookseller, and David Horowitz, executive director of Media Coalition since 1998. - Horowitz has long worked on First Amendment issues affecting authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, film producers and retailers of home video and video games. Between the lines: - The move gives ABFE a clearer identity separate from ABA’s legislative advocacy arm. - It also signals a push to reach a wider public at a time when book bans and free expression fights remain politically charged. - The board mix suggests ABFE wants both bookselling expertise and outside First Amendment credibility. What’s next: - ABFE will expand education programming for a broader audience. - The organization will continue building resources around diverse books, access to books and readers’ rights. - Donations can be made at bookweb.org/advocacy . - More information is available by contacting abfe@bookweb.org or visiting BookWeb. - ABA’s free expression social channels remain active on Instagram , Facebook and IndieBound Facebook . The bottom line: - ABFE is separating from ABA to become a more flexible, grant-eligible public advocate for free expression and the right to read.