The Voice of the Heartland Award has been awarded by GLIBA and MIBA to individuals and organizations who uphold the value of independent bookselling and who have made a significant contribution to bookselling in our combined regions. This mission statement has remained slightly vague to allow us to choose recipients that the committee feels embody the spirit of this statement.

We also recognize that this is a very different year for our membership. Because our world has changed, it seems important to think differently, and openly about this award. We welcome and encourage nominations that are outside of the traditional box and serve to celebrate the accomplishments and tenacity in our multi-faceted and diverse regions. Nominations for Voice of the Heartland are open to booksellers, publishers, authors or any individual or group that has made a contribution to our region. Please use the nomination link below. Nominations are due by August 15th, 2020. Thank you!
Past Voice of the Heartland Winners
​2019 BINC
​2018 Kate McCune
2017 Roy Schonfeld
2016 Wendell Berry
2015 Ted Heinecken
2014 Kate DiCamillo
2013 Jim Harrison
2012 Liz Murphy, Roberta Rubin
2009 Becky Anderson
2008 Studs Terkel
2007 Partners Distribution
2001 Indiana Univ Press