Library Anticipates Purchasing Delays as Major Distributor Closes

Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2025

Article Summary: Library Director Amanda Kowalcze informed the board that Baker & Taylor, a major book distributor, is going out of business. The library has shifted purchasing to Ingram, but anticipates delays due to the influx of new customers to that vendor.

Distributor Change Key Points:

• Vendor Closing: Baker & Taylor, one of the largest book distributors in the U.S., is ceasing operations at the end of the year.

• New Supplier: The library has moved its book purchasing to Ingram.

• Expected Delays: The library expects delays as Ingram absorbs purchase requests from former Baker & Taylor customers.

FRANKFORT – The Frankfort Public Library is bracing for potential delays in acquiring new books following the news that a primary industry distributor is shutting down.

At the board meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Director Amanda Kowalcze reported that Baker & Taylor, identified as one of the largest book distributors in the United States, is going out of business at the end of the year.

To ensure the continued acquisition of materials, the library has already transitioned its book purchasing to Ingram. However, Kowalcze noted that Ingram will likely experience service delays as they process an increase in purchase requests from former Baker & Taylor customers.