The new University Bookstore in the Gateway Project will offer students a place to get the textbooks they need for class, the gear to show off their Rocket pride, and other essentials in a new space open to the entire community.
The University Bookstore, a division of Auxiliary Services that is operated by Barnes & Noble Booksellers, will be the anchor of the much-anticipated new development on the corner of Dorr Street and Secor Road.
“The first floor of the bookstore will offer a Starbucks café, popular books, and a children’s area along with University of Toledo clothing and gift items. The second floor will be devoted to textbooks and medical reference and equipment, as well as school supplies,” said Joy Gramling, director of auxiliary services.
The current locations on Main Campus and Health Science Campus will begin moving in June to prepare for the July 9 opening.
Both bookstores will be open, with limited items available until Friday, June 29, when the stores will close to allow for the move to the Gateway. The one-week closures of the bookstores have been planned during the time that offered the least impact on students and employees, as all summer terms will be under way before June 29.
“We share the University community’s excitement about the new bookstore and the entire Gateway project. We look forward to serving the students and community from the new location and appreciate everyone’s patience as we make this transition,” said Colleen Strayer, general manager of the University Bookstore.
The Health Science Campus will host a satellite office with a kiosk where students can order and pick up their books if they are not able to visit the new Gateway location.
The grand opening celebration of the bookstore is being planned for Monday, July 9, with a series of events the first week to invite families from the greater Toledo community to check out the store.
In addition to the Barnes & Noble bookstore, the Gateway Project will include Gradkowski’s Sports Grille, Jimmy John’s, Great Clips, YogurtU and other retailers. The upper floors are Lofts at Gateway apartments for UT students. The 48 units will house 112 students in two- and four-bedroom modern, fully furnished apartments.
