Welcome to MIBA
We are a nonprofit trade association that supports and celebrates locally owned and operated independent bookstores and booksellers throughout a 9+ state portion of the Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula). We work directly with booksellers and the people who do business with them: publishers, wholesalers, distributors, sales reps, and others allied to the book industry.
Member Spotlight
Our Town Books is your favorite local independent bookstore located in the beautiful, historic midwest town of Jacksonville, Illinois. Founded in 2011 by Jim and Sally Nurss, Our Town Books has become a magical getaway established amid the numerous other eclectic shops that line the historic Jacksonville Downtown Square.
In 2023, Jacksonville natives, Alex and Khristina Helmich, purchased the store and continue to spread that magical "book cheer" within the store and throughout the community.
Meet Our Board of Directors
