The Midwest Independent Booksellers Association announced yesterday that Kati Gallagher, the organization’s longtime assistant director, has been laid off, effective immediately. Gallagher, previously a bookseller at Brigit Books, a small feminist bookstore in Florida, has worked for MIBA since she moved to Minneapolis in 1999. She was a familiar face at the registration desk for booksellers and exhibitors attending MIBA's annual regional trade show.
In a statement issued by MIBA’s board and the executive director, Carrie Obry, Gallagher was lauded for her “excellent work” on behalf of MIBA members, and for being someone who “cared deeply about the success of independent bookselling.” During these difficult economic times, Obry told PW yesterday, MIBA cannot sustain “two full-time positions for two people all year.” The decision, Obry explained, was made to “ensure MIBA’s long-term financial viability.” MIBA currently has about 200 bookstore members and serves booksellers in a nine-state region, plus Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Obry told PW that MIBA will continue to “streamline things,” although she did not disclose specifics, other than to reiterate that Gallagher's position has been eliminated. Gallagher may be contacted at mymailkg59@gmail.com.
