The San Bernardino County Library is pleased to welcome Brodart and Libraria as new book vendors, marking an important step in strengthening the County Library’s collection ordering process and ensuring customers continue to have access to new and popular titles.
The transition follows a significant shift within the library and publishing industries after the end of Baker & Taylor’s longstanding role as a major supplier of books and materials to libraries. Like library systems across the country, the County Library has been working to transition its ordering processes and establish relationships with new vendors.
The County Library recognizes that this industry-wide transition has resulted in delays in the arrival of some new materials and sincerely apologizes to customers who have been waiting longer than expected for new and requested titles.
“We understand how exciting it is to discover a new release or place a hold on a highly anticipated book, and we know the wait can be frustrating,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we navigate this industry-wide transition. The addition of Brodart and Libraria will help us move forward with a stronger and more diversified approach to building our collections and getting materials into the hands of our customers.”
Adding multiple vendors will provide the County Library with greater flexibility when purchasing materials, expand access to available inventory and reduce reliance on a single supplier. The library is also actively working to secure a third book vendor to further strengthen its purchasing network and help minimize potential gaps in the ordering process.
As the new vendor relationships are fully implemented, customers should begin to see a more consistent flow of new materials arriving at the County Library’s 32 branch libraries.
The County Library remains committed to providing a diverse, relevant and responsive collection that reflects the interests and needs of San Bernardino County communities.
The County Library appreciates its customers for their continued patience during this transition and looks forward to turning the page on an exciting new chapter for its collections.
