The mission of the GLBA is to improve the effectiveness of booksellers, forge partnerships among members in all aspects of the bookselling industry and promote the Great Lakes region as a vital marketplace.

GLBA is the second youngest of the 10 regional booksellers associations. It was formed in late 1989 as the Michigan Booksellers Association in response to censorship legislation in that state. It had its first trade show in 1990 and published its first holiday catalog in 1991. The association grew quickly. In 1991 it expanded to include the states of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio as well as Michigan and changed its name to Great Lakes Booksellers Association.

Now, its changed its name to the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association.