Dozens Of Workers To Be Laid Off, NJ Libraries To Be Impacted As Book Supplier Shutters

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Baker & Taylor, the world's largest library supplier, will be cutting more than 60 workers in New Jersey as it gets ready to shut its doors for good. Local libraries also issued warnings about potential impacts.

The national book distributor will lay off 67 employees in Bridgewater from Jan. 4 to 23, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice filed on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.

WARN notices protect workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide 60 days' notice before plant closings and mass layoffs.

In early October, Baker & Taylor owner and CEO Aman Kochar announced the company's closure.

Kochar said that "while he had hoped to find another way forward for the company after its acquisition deal with ReaderLink was called off, he now does not see a sustainable path to keep the library wholesaler in business," according to publishersweekly.com.

About 520 employees were let go on Oct. 7 and Baker & Taylor plans to wind down the business by January, according to publishersweekly.com.

This closure is expected to impact local libraries across the Garden State by causing delays in obtaining new materials.

The Metuchen Public Library stated that for nearly two centuries, Baker & Taylor has helped libraries nationwide keep their shelves filled with new releases and beloved favorites.

"While this marks a major shift in the library world, we have measures in place to minimize the impact on our collections and continue providing the books you love," stated the library on its Facebook page. "We are actively working with other trusted distributors to ensure continued access to new titles and smooth ordering processes. During this transition, there may be occasional delays with new materials, but our commitment to providing a rich and diverse collection remains unchanged."

The Rutherford Public Library also expressed how they will miss Baker & Taylor.

"They have provided us with excellent service for many years, allowing us to build the library collection you know and love in a cost-effective manner. We will miss them, and out hearts go out to their employees."

The library added that patrons may "notice slight delays in the arrival of new and requested titles. We anticipate these will be short-lived."

The Ocean County Library stated on their Facebook page that Baker & Taylor has played a vital role in helping stock their shelves efficiently and stretch every dollar in their print book budget.

"We are actively working to navigate this change to ensure continued access to the books you love. However, during this transition, you may notice some delays in the arrival of new releases and requested titles," stated Ocean County Library.

Baker & Taylor did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.