#USA #Lectorum Publications #Spanish Books #A.J. Willner Auctions #Pine Brook

Lectorum Publications Faces Liquidation

Lectorum Publications, a cornerstone in the distribution of Spanish-language literature in the United States, is entering liquidation. After over 60 years of operation, the company cites drastic changes in federal funding—specifically pertaining to Title I allocations—as the primary cause of its downfall.

In the past, Lectorum was pivotal in providing educational resources, with approximately 60% of its business stemming from school contracts. For decades, it served as the primary distributor of Spanish and bilingual books to K-8 educational institutions, where these materials were essential for bilingual programs and English as a Second Language (ESL) initiatives.

The Impact of Funding Changes

Alex Correa, the President and CEO of Lectorum, explained that the sudden alterations in federal school financing led to a staggering 30% drop in sales over the course of a single year. This decline is particularly striking in an industry already plagued by narrow margins.

Historically, provisions under Title I have allowed educational institutions to purchase necessary reading materials, directly impacting the availability of Spanish texts for students in bilingual settings. With reduced budgets and lessened allocations for Spanish-language books, Lectorum faced unprecedented demand collapse, leading to its eventual decision to cease operations.

Upcoming Liquidation Auction

In response to this unfortunate conclusion, A.J. Willner Auctions will conduct a significant liquidation auction featuring around 700,000 Spanish-language and bilingual books from Lectorum's inventory. Scheduled for December 4, 2025, this auction will present opportunities for schools, libraries, and bookstores to access a treasure trove of educational materials at a time when they are desperately needed.

Auction Details:

• - Auctioneer: A.J. Willner Auctions
• - Inventory: Approximately 700,000 Spanish and bilingual books
• - Categories: K-8 children’s literature, award-winning titles, classroom sets, library editions, commercial books, bilingual readers, and more
• - Location: Pine Brook, NJ

This liquidation will offer the largest assortment of Spanish-language educational inventory to hit the U.S. market in recent years. Auction participants can expect to find:

• - Pallet lots of new titles from the current catalog
• - Best-selling children’s books and classic bilingual selections
• - Classroom sets and guided reading materials
• - Hardcover, paperback, and library-bound books
• - Overstock from publishers, reserve lists, and a substantial inventory across age groups

Looking Back on a Legacy

Founded over six decades ago, Lectorum Publications earned its status as the largest independent distributor of Spanish-language books in the country. It not only provided books for schools but also operated as a publisher, creating Spanish editions of popular American children's titles.

The challenge faced by Lectorum serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of enterprises reliant on federal support and educational funding. It highlights the critical role that literature plays in cultivating bilingual education and literacy within diverse communities.

As the industry grapples with this loss, the upcoming auction stands as both a farewell to a significant player in the literary world and an opportunity for new entities to step up and continue supporting the Spanish-speaking population in the U.S. with essential reading materials.

About A.J. Willner Auctions

A.J. Willner Auctions is celebrated for its comprehensive liquidation services, specializing in commercial inventory, industrial assets, heavy equipment, and specialized collections. With over a century of combined experience, they serve clients across the northeastern United States, including banks, trustees, lawyers, and private owners, making this auction an event not to be missed.