TURLOCK – (October 3, 2008) California State University, Stanislaus, making plans for an October 30 grand opening, will open its spacious new bookstore on Monday, October 6.
The $5.6 million University Bookstore, located next to the Student Union complex, features an impressive architectural design with an octagonal entry tower and basilican form. Lead architect Thomas Gordon Smith is a recognized international leader in contemporary developments of classical architecture.
The 12,000 square-foot building is twice the size of the current shop in the Student Union. In addition to the sections for books, supplies, and always popular CSU Stanislaus clothing and memorabilia items, the store will include a reading and lounge area. A coffee-dispensing machine and cold drinks will be available in the store.
“This building will be a gathering place as well as the University’s store for books, school supplies, clothing, and numerous other items boasting the CSU Stanislaus look,” President Hamid Shirvani said. “Bookstores are among the places people usually want to visit at a University, and this facility is one we can be proud of as an attractive, high profile building on the campus.”
Bookstore Manager Linda Cullens and her staff are making the move to the new location through the weekend. The store is closed Wednesday through Friday this week to accommodate the move.
Cullens indicated that with the additional space, the store has stocked an increased number of trade books and general reading material. The store will also stock items of interest to the general public, including children’s books, magazines, and periodicals.
The bookstore entryway includes sculptor Andrew Wilson Smith’s marble herms of ancient Greek poets side by side with images of California authors, celebrating literary connections between ancient Greece and California. A reading and lounge area is located at the front of the store. Current bookstore contractor Barnes & Noble Booksellers has participated in the design of the project and made a significant financial contribution toward the design and construction of the building.
The store’s official grand opening, scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 30 and open to the public, will include a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. featuring President Shirvani and Barnes & Noble executives. A number of store items will be discounted, and prizes will be given away.
