Our History
1950 - ALS has enjoyed continuous independent Australian ownership since the 1950’s. It was formed as part of Standard Book, a generalist bookseller which began supplying the Commonwealth Research libraries in the late 1950’s.
1964 – We started supplying various special and academic libraries in and around Adelaide with a full range of academic and trade titles.
1973 - The specific focus on Public Libraries emerged in 1973 when ALS was formed as a separate division. New staff members were recruited and systems developed to cater for the particular requirements of public libraries throughout the region. ALS became the first library supplier to collate and offer new title data through an electronic service to a state-wide Public Library system. Today we offer around 4.000 carefully chosen pre-publication titles each month for clients to choose for their own library needs.
2007 – Patricia Genat bought ALS from Len Woodley, the owner and manager who had steered the company through 30 years of change and growth in November 2007. Patricia has had 15 years experience in the book industry with senior management roles at various local and international publishers and distributors throughout Australia. She brings a new enthusiasm to the role, working closely with the management team of Simon Woodley and David Seekamp to guide ALS through the next stage of its proud history.
Telephone 1300 136 490