Libraries turn to other book sources following closure of national supplier

Several area public libraries are overhauling their systems of supplying books to readers — and some are turning to local bookstores or alternatives such as Amazon to get the titles they need. Platteville Public Library is one library adjusting its operations after national distributor Baker & Taylor announced its planned closure. While the Platteville library is not in a dire spot, staff now have to process books in-house as they look for a new supplier. The library is relying on local bookstores Pages & Parcels in Potosi and Republic of Letters Books in Mineral Point, as well as Amazon, to purchase titles. One of the largest suppliers to public libraries across the country, Baker & Taylor has been in business for about 200 years. The company recently laid off 520 workers and plans to end operations by January, Publishers Weekly reported. In Dubuque, Carnegie-Stout Public Library primarily relies on Ingram for books and has not felt the impact of Baker & Taylor’s closure like others have. Some local bookstores are stepping up to help libraries, such as River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque who supplied a book order to John Turgeson Public Library in Belmont after the library reached out. River Lights said they will happily help any nearby libraries in need with book orders.