The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education reminds our districts that the Educators Book Depository (EBD) is a resource designed to support Arkansas schools in the procurement and distribution of instructional materials. The Depository provides districts with a streamlined, efficient process for obtaining commonly used instructional resources, while improving access and delivery timelines across the state.

As a reminder, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-21-406 and the Rules Governing Instructional Materials (6 CAR § 101-106) require publishers conducting business in Arkansas to maintain one or more book depositories within the state at the publisher’s expense. The Educators Book Depository supports this framework by serving as a centralized, in-state distribution point for instructional materials.

By leveraging a local depository, districts benefit from cost savings, streamlined ordering, consolidated shipments, and faster delivery of materials to support classroom instruction.

District administrators, curriculum leaders, and purchasing personnel can review the services outlined by EBD below and consider how the Educators Book Depository can support their district’s instructional materials procurement process.

Services

Local Inventory Distribution

The Educators Book Depository maintains a comprehensive inventory of both adopted and non-adopted instructional materials, including a locally stocked supply of the most widely used resources for Arkansas classrooms. This provides Arkansas districts with a dependable supply chain that prioritizes classroom readiness. By maintaining this inventory within the state, EBD significantly reduces fulfillment times and eliminates many of the delays associated with out-of-state warehouse shipments. In addition, the local EBD team works closely with districts to coordinate deliveries and accommodate specific logistical requirements.

Local Support

Districts have direct access to knowledgeable, Arkansas-based support staff. Whether you have questions about an order, need help identifying the right materials, or require assistance navigating publisher catalogs, provides personalized, responsive service tailored to the unique needs of Arkansas educators.

Guaranteed Lowest Price

The Educators Book Depository is committed to providing Arkansas school districts with the guaranteed lowest available price on instructional materials. Payment for EBD’s depository services are billed directly to publishers, not to Arkansas school districts.

Shipping Savings Through Order Aggregation

By aggregating orders across multiple publishers, the Educators Book Depository can significantly reduce per-unit shipping costs. Rather than each district placing separate orders and absorbing individual freight charges, consolidated ordering allows the savings resulting in meaningful budget relief for districts statewide.

Centralized Publisher Quotes and Orders

Districts no longer need to manage relationships with multiple publisher representatives individually.  Multiple publisher quotes and purchase orders can be processed directly through the Educators Book Depository, streamlining procurement, reducing administrative burden, and providing a single point of contact for all instructional materials needs.

To Take Advantage of EBD Benefits:

An Educators Book Depository representative will be reaching out to districts in coming weeks to schedule an introductory conversation.  However, you may also contact EBD directly at the contact provided below. EBD looks forward to partnering with you to support the students and educators of Arkansas.

EBD contact information:

Phone Number: (501) 490-0007
E-mail us at:  books@educatorsbook.com