{"id":4113,"date":"2025-11-14T18:10:28","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T18:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writercosmos.com\/blog\/?p=4113"},"modified":"2025-11-14T18:10:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T18:10:28","slug":"lectorum-publications-announces-permanent-closure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.writercosmos.com\/blog\/lectorum-publications-announces-permanent-closure\/","title":{"rendered":"Lectorum Publications Announces Permanent Closure"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lectorum Publications to Close After More Than Six Decades in Business<\/span><\/h1>\n

Lectorum to Shut Down After 60+ Years Serving U.S. Schools and Libraries.<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s remaining inventory\u2014estimated at roughly 700,000 books\u2014will be auctioned <\/span>on December 4.<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe primary issue was the shift in federal funding policies for schools, especially changes affecting Title I funding used for purchasing Spanish-language books,\u201d Correa told PW. \u201cOur sales dropped by 30% this year, which is extremely difficult in a business with already slim margins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sales Declines Driven by Policy Shifts and Budget Constraints<\/span><\/h2>\n

Historically, schools made up 60% of Lectorum\u2019s customer base, with K\u20138 children\u2019s books accounting for up to 75% of total revenue. Before the pandemic, the company brought in an estimated $12 million annually.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lectorum also maintained a catalog of roughly 200 published titles, including the Spanish edition of Kate DiCamillo\u2019s <\/span>Because of Winn-Dixie<\/span><\/i> (Gracias a Winn-Dixie). Correa confirmed that discussions are underway with publishers to ensure the continued availability of key titles.<\/span><\/p>\n

The company additionally handled sales for MakeMake, a Colombian digital book platform serving schools and libraries. Correa noted that MakeMake\u2019s services will continue uninterrupted through its parent company, Makina Editorial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite Strong Partnerships, Financial Pressures Escalated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even as Lectorum struggled financially, the company upheld contractual commitments with major school systems. All existing distribution contracts\u2014including with New York City public schools\u2014were renewed for 2025. Lectorum\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

As recently as 2023, Lectorum reported solid gains: 7% growth in print and a 15% increase in e-books. But several challenges emerged simultaneously:<\/span><\/p>\n