Mexico's government has allocated 50 million pesos from its 2026 budget to update public library collections, a decision that comes after a decade during which libraries did not purchase new books, according to Paco Ignacio Taibo II, director of Fondo de Cultura Económica (FCE). This initiative focuses on independent, small, and medium publishers, aiming to provide them with financial support while strengthening the book industry. Minister of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza highlighted that the program would address both ends of the supply chain, updating public collections and supporting publishers through direct purchases instead of direct subsidies. In addition, a proposal for a zero-rate value-added tax (VAT) for certain bookstores is being examined by Congress as part of the 2027 economic package submitted on September 8. The proposal would apply to stores where at least 90% of their revenue comes from book sales, excluding businesses where books are only a secondary product. The government estimates the annual fiscal benefit for the sector to be between 200 and 250 million pesos. Antonio Martínez Dagnino, director of the Servicio de Administración Tributaria, explained that the measure would allow eligible sellers to reclaim taxes paid on specific expenses. This initiative follows a request from the Cámara Nacional de la Industria Editorial Mexicana (CANIEM), which asked President Claudia Sheinbaum for five measures, including the resumption of library acquisitions, direct dialogue with professionals in the field, and a zero-rate VAT for bookstores and distributors. The 50 million pesos allocation is already included in the 2026 Culture budget and has a planned schedule, while the VAT proposal remains under review by Congress. In a separate development, the government of Córdoba, Argentina, has invested 550 million pesos in locally published books, purchasing 50,000 copies to be distributed in secondary schools, teacher training institutes, and other educational spaces. This move aims to support local publishers and replenish library collections. Meanwhile, in the United States, eight independent bookstores have contacted the American Booksellers Association (ABA) about potential impacts of a presidential memorandum on internal terrorism and political violence. In Argentina, independent bookstores are experiencing an "emergency" after a 41.5% decline in sales between the first eight months of 2023 and the same period in 2026.