After announcing plans to shut down operations by early 2026, nationwide library book distributor Baker & Taylor is laying off workers in New Jersey.
In a filing with the state Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the Charlotte, N.C.-based company said it will eliminate 67 positions at its Bridgewater site between Jan. 4–23, 2026.
During an Oct. 6 town hall meeting, Baker & Taylor President and CEO Amandeep Kochar reportedly announced the company would shut down with 520 employees laid off immediately, according to Publishers Weekly. It also began a phased wind-down of B&T offices and facilities in New Jersey, Georgia and Illinois.
The news came after both companies called off a proposed acquisition by ReaderLink in late September.
Under the terms of that proposal, B&T would have transferred most of its assets and staff to the Illinois-headquartered full-service book distributor. However, B&T’s outstanding debts and liabilities emerged as a major sticking point. Since the deal’s structure did not include existing liabilities or unpaid invoices, it led to concerns for whether publishers, suppliers and creditors would be paid.
According to Publishers Weekly, Kochar told employees that without a buyer and with ongoing creditor pressure, B&T has no viable path forward.
Recent challenges
The collapsed deal comes on the heels of several financial challenges at B&T in recent years, including a downtick in library purchasing during the early days of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and a 2022 cyberattack that had a months-long impact on operations.
Founded in 1828, Baker & Taylor started as a binder and publisher of books before expanding into distribution. It is now considered the leading supplier of library content, software, and services to public and academic libraries across the U.S.
After changing ownership several times over the past five decades, an investment group led by Kochar as president and CEO acquired Baker & Taylor in 2021.
B&T previously reduced staff earlier this year. Prior to the latest layoff announcement, the company reportedly had about 1,500 workers. Baker & Taylor has not issued a statement on the closure. A representative for the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
As part of is 2019 exit from the retail-wholesale book market, B&T closed two warehouses – including in Bridgewater. The move resulted in the layoff of 244 workers locally.
Citing increasing costs and pressure from retailers for fast delivery, B&T’s then-parent company Follett Corp. said the wholesale-to-retail business was no longer sustainable. Instead, B&T said it would refocus efforts on public libraries, schools and its publisher services division.
