The Michigan State University Student Book Store in East Lansing, Mich., is relocating one block east to a new space and downsizing its services. WLNS reported that the bookstore has moved to its new home at 515 East Grand River Ave. The current location was set to close August 2.
In a social media post, the bookstore said it will no longer sell textbooks and is becoming a merchandise store exclusively, citing the ongoing shift to digital course materials at MSU.
Bookstore manager Brad Ballein, whose parents opened the store in 1960, told WLNS he has mixed emotions about the move: "It's melancholy, obviously, because things are changing and change is always hard. But at the same point, it's time for us to move forward and we're excited about the next phase."
He added that while the shop won't sell textbooks for MSU, it will serve as a bookstore for the Spartan community: "There'll be some books in there, but it won't be a textbook store anymore. It won't be college books. That's the big difference.... Most people are excited about the next phase. A lot of people are going down memory lane and thinking the same thing, 'Oh, it's sad, but at least there's going to be in another location.' "
The bookstore noted on social media: "Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 66 years. While it's hard to say goodbye to a building that has meant so much to so many, we're excited to continue the SBS tradition in our new home. Here's to honoring the past while looking ahead to the future."