The campus bookstores, operated by Follett Higher Education, are adjusting their services to help reduce costs now that the semester is in full swing. During this transition, we’re collaborating with Follett as the District works on a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for bookstore operations. Since 2004, we’ve had a partnership with Follett, and over the years, the industry has changed significantly with the rise of book loans, zero-cost textbooks, OER materials, online used retailers, rental textbooks, and other improvements aimed at easing the financial burden of textbooks for our students. Despite these exciting developments, our stores have operated under an outdated service model.
To address the challenges of rising operational costs and declining sales since the start of the spring semester, we will implement a rolling closure of the physical bookstores at Merritt College, Berkeley City College, and College of Alameda. The Laney College store will remain open for business as it operates as a standard store. The three colleges will transition to an online model for the remainder of the spring semester. All individual websites will stay live and service each campus. Students can choose shipping or pick-up locations available at the Laney College Bookstore. The websites are listed as follows.
- Merritt College - https://www.bkstr.com/merrittstore/home
- Berkeley City College - https://www.bkstr.com/berkeleycitystore/home
- College of Alameda - https://www.bkstr.com/alamedastore/home
- Laney College - https://www.bkstr.com/laneystore/home
The three colleges closing their physical locations will stagger the closing of each physical store to ensure proper staffing support.
- Merritt College: Last Day open 2/26/2025
- Berkeley City College: Last Day open 2/27/2025
- College of Alameda: Last Day open 3/6/2025
Throughout this period, the stores will focus on packing, discounting branded items, and preparing for closure. Appropriate signage will be displayed in the stores, featuring a QR code and a website link for students and staff to access the online stores.
Graduation and Book Buyback
Follet will provide pop-up locations at each campus toward the end of the term for students to order graduation regalia, book buybacks, book rental returns, etc. Those dates will be announced at a later date, and many of the graduation items will be available online.
As we transition, District staff will work with the Associated Students leadership at each campus, Student Trustees, academic senates, and others to seek input on a new agreement for bookstore operations. You can also provide your feedback electronically at the link below.
