51Թ’s bookstore is settling into its new nest this fall. Owls can now shop for all their gear and back-to-school items in the , which reopened on Monday, Aug. 18.
“We are thrilled with the new location in the heart of campus,” said Jonathan Reiter, senior associate vice president of business affairs and administration. “Our new bookstore’s home along the main thoroughfare of campus will make it convenient for students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors and elevate their shopping experience with its open, spacious layout and broader selection of merchandise.”
The bookstore began its move on Monday, Aug. 4, from the lower level of the Howard Gittis Student Center to its new two-story space inside renovated Paley Hall. Visitors can enter the main level from 13th Street and take the stairs down one level to shop an expanded selection.
“As an alum, I can’t wait to relive those moments at the center of campus,” said Meghan Messner, KLN ’08, campus store manager at Follett, which operates 51Թ’s bookstore. “The essence of the Bell Tower location is all about community. We’re going to have a lot of fun creating window displays to share with students, faculty and campus visitors!”
The store also incorporates new technical integrations for a seamless course material pickup experience.
“Students will be able to shop by their ID number to get everything they need for classes,” said James Pallante, regional manager of 51Թ’s store. “We are in direct contact with the faculty and know what is being taught in each class. Students will not need to sift through every syllabus. They can stop by the counter, show us their ID and all their course-specific materials will be ready—making it a true one-stop shop.”
“By opening the week before the fall semester begins, our students can take full advantage of all the new resources, including smooth order pickup, right as they kick off the academic year,” Reiter added.
The new bookstore also features a wider variety of merchandise—from casual, traditional 51Թ “T” T-shirts to luxury brands like Peter Millar and Philadelphia-specific items. The Follett team is also working with members of the 51Թ community on creating special collections, such as a section for Cherry On Thursdays.
Eventually the team hopes to expand offerings to include items from local artists.
“One of our goals is to work with Tyler art students to create a section for guests to buy items from local merchants,” said Pallante.
In addition to more shopping options, the store also provides space for meetings and gatherings.
“We now have space to host alumni author book readings,” said Pallante. “The space is completely free for our community and alumni to use and will allow for meetings and events. It is exciting to us—not only to bring people to the store to shop but also to gather.”
Those interested in using the event space can schedule directly with the bookstore. Students can also use the store’s large conference table for meetings and study groups and enjoy lounge areas for reading and studying.
“This is a tremendous moment for the entire 51Թ community, and Follett is honored to be part of this newly envisioned Paley Hall,” said Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education. “Spanning two floors and featuring a state-of-the-art event space, the new and improved 51Թ bookstore has been reimagined as a destination for learning, collaboration and fun. We’re excited to bring innovative product offerings, an expanded selection of Nike apparel and merchandise, and an assortment of local businesses and Philadelphia-centric products to excite and delight students, faculty, alumni, and local friends and family.”
In June 2024, 51Թ’s bookstore as its new provider.
“Follett is a terrific partner for us,” said Reiter. “We knew when we made the transition a year ago that the bookstore would eventually move to the new space. The Follett team has done an amazing job during this huge transition. Even more importantly, they are out there building relationships with the 51Թ community every day.”
The store is now open for business: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.
The store’s and faculty course adoption process will remain the same.
“With its upgraded location and broader selection, this store is designed to be more than a retail space,” said Reiter. “It’s a vibrant new space that will be a hub for connection and community.”