Lectorum Publications to Close After More Than Six Decades in Business
Lectorum to Shut Down After 60+ Years Serving U.S. Schools and Libraries.
Lectorum Publications, long recognized as the largest independent distributor of Spanish-language books in the United States, is preparing to close its doors after more than 60 years of operation. The company’s remaining inventory—estimated at roughly 700,000 books—will be auctioned on December 4.
The distributor, headquartered in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, has been a major supplier of Spanish-language titles to school districts and libraries across the country. According to company president and CEO Alex Correa, multiple economic pressures contributed to the decision to wind down operations.
“The primary issue was the shift in federal funding policies for schools, especially changes affecting Title I funding used for purchasing Spanish-language books,” Correa told PW. “Our sales dropped by 30% this year, which is extremely difficult in a business with already slim margins.”
Sales Declines Driven by Policy Shifts and Budget Constraints
Historically, schools made up 60% of Lectorum’s customer base, with K–8 children’s books accounting for up to 75% of total revenue. Before the pandemic, the company brought in an estimated $12 million annually.
Lectorum also maintained a catalog of roughly 200 published titles, including the Spanish edition of Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie (Gracias a Winn-Dixie). Correa confirmed that discussions are underway with publishers to ensure the continued availability of key titles.
The company additionally handled sales for MakeMake, a Colombian digital book platform serving schools and libraries. Correa noted that MakeMake’s services will continue uninterrupted through its parent company, Makina Editorial.
Despite Strong Partnerships, Financial Pressures Escalated
Even as Lectorum struggled financially, the company upheld contractual commitments with major school systems. All existing distribution contracts—including with New York City public schools—were renewed for 2025. Lectorum’s partnership with NYC schools began in 2014 after the company won a competitive bid to become one of three trade book suppliers, a milestone that shifted its focus from strictly Spanish-language books to bilingual offerings.
As recently as 2023, Lectorum reported solid gains: 7% growth in print and a 15% increase in e-books. But several challenges emerged simultaneously:
- Declining school and library budgets
- A weakened U.S. dollar is increasing import costs
- Rising competition from domestic publishers offering lower-priced Spanish titles
- Reduced distributor margins due to publishing industry consolidation
The collapse of Baker & Taylor earlier this year further complicated matters. “Like many publishers, we’re unsure whether we’ll receive outstanding payments,” Correa explained.
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Attempts to Sell the Company Came Too Late
Correa explored opportunities to save the company, including listing it for sale through a broker in August. However, the process did not progress quickly enough to reverse the company’s decline.
“Selling was a recent idea, but these processes take time, and we were already too deep into financial troubles,” he said.
Auction firm A.J. Willner Auctions will oversee the December 4 liquidation. Correa did not disclose the full extent of Lectorum’s financial obligations but noted that auction proceeds will be used to pay remaining debts.
The workforce has already been reduced from 30 employees in the summer to 15, with eight staff members staying through December. Accounts receivable will remain open until March 2026.
A Legacy Built Over Six Decades
Lectorum’s origins trace back to a Manhattan bookstore on 14th Street. The company later expanded into distribution and publishing, was acquired by Scholastic in 1996, and was eventually purchased by Correa and his brother, Luis Fernando, in 2009.
Throughout its history, Lectorum collaborated with publishers from Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, building a strong presence in the Spanish-language book market.
Correa said he does not plan to revive the company. “I had thought about bringing someone in to lead the company in a few years, but that’s no longer possible. I’ll likely spend the next few years consulting but won’t start another business.”
In a message to customers, Correa reflected on Lectorum’s longstanding impact:
“It has been over 60 years of hard and rewarding work filled with wonderful memories of helping students, teachers, librarians, and business partners. That is what we will always cherish.”
Conclusion
Lectorum Publications’ closure marks the end of an influential era in Spanish-language book distribution in the United States. Despite strong partnerships, a respected legacy, and steady growth as recently as last year, shifts in school funding, economic pressures, and industry consolidation created challenges the company could not overcome. While its doors will soon close, the decades of service and its contributions to bilingual education will remain a noteworthy part of its legacy.
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