Over 75-year Legacy

Rittenhouse Book Distributors, established in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Rittenhouse Square, began as a retail bookstore. Over the decades, it has transformed into a prominent distributor of print and electronic books specializing in medicine, nursing, and allied health.

Founding and Early Growth (1946–1980s)
Initially serving the Philadelphia medical community, Rittenhouse expanded its services to cater to libraries, retailers, and healthcare institutions nationwide. This growth was fueled by the increasing demand for specialized medical literature and the company’s commitment to providing trusted resources.
Expansion and Diversification (1980s–2000s)
Throughout the late 20th century, Rittenhouse broadened its catalog to include a wide range of health science publications. The company established relationships with major publishers, enhancing its ability to supply comprehensive resources to its clients. In 1979 the company moved into a new 34,000 sq ft warehouse in King of Prussia Pennsylvania.
Digital Transformation and Innovation (2000s–2010s)
Recognizing the shift towards digital resources in the healthcare sector, Rittenhouse developed the R2 Digital Library, a web-based eBook platform. This platform offers integrated and searchable medical, nursing, and allied health eBook content from key health science publishers, providing clients with access to thousands of essential titles.

Leadership and Ownership

Timothy Foster has been a central figure in Rittenhouse’s leadership until 2020, serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under his guidance, the company grew to over 60 dedicated staff members. Today, Rittenhouse Digital led by Kevin Ream are focused on expanding its digital delivery capabilities worldwide and enhancing its R2 Digital Library platform.

Current Operations

Today, headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Rittenhouse Digital continues to provide hospitals, medical schools, universities, colleges, and the U.S. Government with electronic books in the fields of medicine, nursing, and allied health. The company’s commitment to connecting partners with critical information, services, and expertise remains a cornerstone of its operations. Through its R2 Digital Library, Rittenhouse offers a market-leading eBook database that supports the information needs of healthcare professionals and institutions. Rittenhouse has tens of thousands of loyal customers and represents over 150 world-class health science publishers.

With a remarkable legacy spanning over seven decades, Rittenhouse has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of industry changes, maintaining its position as a trusted source for healthcare education.