Philly-area library book distribution center to shut down, causing significant disruptions for local branches.

Baker & Taylor, a leading distributor of library books across the United States, has commenced the abrupt closure of its operations. This development has sent shockwaves through library systems in Philadelphia and beyond, straining their book supplies and forcing them to seek alternative partnerships with other vendors almost immediately.

Baker & Taylor, which has held the title of the largest library book distributor in the nation for nearly two centuries, began downsizing its operations in early October 2023. The company has started winding down its business and initiated layoffs affecting over 500 employees. This decision comes on the heels of a failed acquisition attempt earlier in September, exacerbating the uncertainty surrounding the company’s future.

Libraries throughout the Philadelphia region have relied heavily, to varying degrees, on Baker & Taylor for their book and multimedia supplies. The Cherry Hill Public Library, which had an exclusive relationship with Baker & Taylor for approximately three decades, expressed significant concern over the closure. The library’s director, Tierney Miller, noted that orders were placed but abruptly canceled, creating logistical challenges for filling patron requests.

Anny Laepple, the director of Delaware County Libraries, acknowledged the disruption caused by the sudden closure. Many library branches had begun exploring alternative distributors only recently, due to a decline in Baker & Taylor’s service quality post-pandemic. Despite this gradual transition, the timing of Baker & Taylor’s shutdown caught many off-guard.

The impact of Baker & Taylor’s closure extends beyond book distribution; additional services such as book protection and catalog management are also in jeopardy. Delaware County libraries previously relied on Baker & Taylor for protective mylar covers and comprehensive cataloging services that provided vital information and artwork for their collections.

Some libraries, such as the Free Library of Philadelphia, managed to mitigate extensive disruption due to their diversified network of vendors. Last year, Baker & Taylor accounted for approximately one-third of the library’s new printed book inventory. However, the Bucks County Free Library System has openly stated that they anticipate challenges ahead, expressing the need for patience as they navigate efforts to replace Baker & Taylor.

The shift to new distributors is proving to be a complex process. Competing distributors, including Ingram Content Group and several smaller libraries, are experiencing an influx of demand from Baker & Taylor’s former clients. Libraries are grappling with a backlogged onboarding process while also exploring temporary solutions, such as procuring titles through services like Amazon Business and Barnes & Noble.

For library patrons and staff, the abrupt closure of Baker & Taylor serves as a stark reminder of the intricate logistics involved in maintaining a well-stocked library. Its impact is felt profoundly across the region, prompting library systems to expedite efforts to ensure that books remain available to the public during this transitional phase.

As the landscape of library book distribution continues to evolve, the demand for reliable services remains high, and the community is urged to appreciate the complex infrastructure that ensures access to literature and resources in libraries.