Books line the shelves of the Brentwood Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library. | Jacksonville Public library
Published on October 14, 2025 at 4:47 pm
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The primary supplier of books to the Jacksonville Public Library system and hundreds of others around the country has announced it will shut down by the end of this year.
Baker & Taylor’s sudden closure will affect how quickly newly published books reach Jacksonville’s library shelves until it can find new suppliers.
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In a notice to customers posted Tuesday on its website, Jacksonville’s library system said more than 6,000 libraries will face effects as they transition to new wholesalers. But spokesperson Lauren Ferro said the library will monitor any slowdowns and work to reduce their effect on readers.
“We do not anticipate any additional effects beyond delays in the delivery of new physical materials resulting from the Baker & Taylor closure,” she said in an email to Jacksonville Today.
97 years as a book supplier
Baker & Taylor is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has served public and academic libraries since 1928, according to its website.
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Considered one of the largest distributors of print and audiovisual materials for libraries, its 900-plus employees serve more than 4,000 institutional customers, according to a story on the American Libraries website.
The company has faced financial difficulties in recent years. The American Libraries website reports that Baker & Taylor has reportedly begun to close parts of the business, including its distribution center in Illinois and some operations in Charlotte.
Employees were told the company plans to wind down all its business activities by the end of 2025, per Publishers Weekly.
These actions come after a proposal to be bought out by ReaderLink Distribution Services failed on Sept. 26.
Library’s other options
Jacksonville Public Library has relied on Baker & Taylor for new book deliveries for many years. Now Ferro said the library system will work within its existing contracts to expand services.
“Even prior to the closure announcement, (we) had already begun adding secondary vendors to broaden the variety of options for purchasing books,” Ferro said. “This development has undoubtedly accelerated the need to finalize those contracts. We will also increase our access to digital materials to help fill the gap in the meantime.”
Ferro acknowledges that many of its customers prefer print. But expanding its digital offerings will help ensure “everyone continues to have access to new and popular titles as we navigate this transition.”
The library system does not expect delays or interruptions to it e-book and e-audiobook apps.
