Barnes & Noble/Bucknell Bookstore FAQs

When will the bookstore be open?
The bookstore is scheduled to open by August 2010. So far, construction is on schedule.

What will be in the bookstore?
The bookstore will include a large inventory of books, magazines, emblematic sportswear and more as well as a café and spaces for literary and artistic performances.

Why is the bookstore moving downtown?
Moving the bookstore downtown is part of the continuing effort to strengthen connections between Bucknell and Lewisburg and support economic development in the borough. The move will also free up space in the Elaine Langone Center on campus for other uses.

How will the competition affect local business?
Based on the results of Barnes & Noble bookstores in other communities, it is expected that the bookstore will bring additional foot traffic to downtown and increase business for other vendors.

Will the bookstore be open to the general public?
Yes, all customers are welcome.

What will the bookstore’s hours of operation be?
The bookstore will be open seven days a week, with extended hours that will be announced by the time bookstore construction is completed.

Is the bookstore going to promote downtown?
Bookstore advertising will reference its location in Lewisburg. The bookstore will also include spaces for literary and artistic performances and community meetings that will help draw people downtown. The bookstore will also feature information displays about downtown and campus events and happenings.

Will Barnes and Noble really care about the community?
Barnes & Noble has proven to be a strong community partner in other university communities of all sizes across the country. Bucknell and leadership in Lewisburg will be working closely with bookstore representatives to ensure that the bookstore can maximize its potential to benefit the community.

Where will bookstore customers park?
Bookstore customers may park along Market Street or in any of the several downtown municipal parking lots. A study of downtown parking shows that ample parking exists to support the bookstore.

Will the bookstore pay taxes?
Bucknell, as the bookstore owner, will pay local property taxes just like any other commercial property owner on Market Street.

How much is it costing Lewisburg to renovate the bookstore?
The renovation is being paid for primarily through state grants for economic development in Pennsylvania’s small towns, with a portion being paid for by Bucknell. Lewisburg is paying none of the bookstore’s costs.

Why did my tax dollars support this project?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided grants that are paying a portion of the renovation costs as part of the state’s commitment to invest in the future of the state’s small towns. These dollars would have gone to other projects elsewhere if they had not been used in Lewisburg.

Who owns the building?
Bucknell owns the building, and Barnes & Noble will manage the bookstore.

Check out the Bookstore Construction