BOOK DISTRIBUTOR SET TO CLOSE

One of Canada's oldest book distributors, Thomas Allen & Son, will close its doors at the end of March next year. Jim Allen, the president and CEO, said the move is due to “ongoing consolidation” in the publishing industry and the upending of “traditional book distribution practices.” The company, which distributes books, stationery and calendars to bookstores, libraries, and other retailers, said Richmond Hill, Ont.-based Firefly Books will take over the distribution rights for the American and Canadian publishers it works with. In a statement, Allen said “key staff ” from Thomas Allen & Son will be offered contracts at Firefly Books. It is not immediately clear how many people will lose their jobs. Thomas Allen Ltd. was founded in 1916, and published books by Nellie McClung, William Lyon Mackenzie King and Agatha Christie, pictured.