Two Los Rios Campuses to Close Bookstores
The Los Rios Community College District is set to undergo significant changes in its bookstore services. Starting July 1, 2026, Cosumnes River College (CRC) and Folsom Lake College (FLC) will close their bookstores. Students at these campuses will need to find alternative sources for textbooks, testing supplies, and school merchandise.
Future of Los Rios Bookstores
Gabe Ross, the chief strategy and communications officer for Los Rios, confirmed the closures. After the transition, only the bookstores at American River College (ARC) and Sacramento City College (SCC) will remain operational. These institutions are expected to accommodate any increased foot traffic from the closures.
Shift to Online Resources
This decision is largely influenced by a shift in student preferences. According to Ross, many students are opting for online classes post-COVID-19. Additionally, numerous faculty members are increasingly utilizing free online resources. This trend has contributed to declining revenues at the physical bookstores, making it unsustainable to operate all four locations.
New Proposal for Bookstore Structure
Los Rios is now seeking proposals from vendors that specialize in college bookstores. The aim is to create a new model that will emphasize the two remaining in-person bookstores at ARC and SCC. These locations will also offer online ordering for students across all campuses.
- American River College and Sacramento City College will have operational bookstores.
- Students from CRC and FLC will need to seek other vendors for their materials.
- Online shopping options will be made available for all students.
Community Engagement and Space Utilization
As for the physical spaces where CRC’s “Hawk’s Nest” and FLC’s “Falcon’s Roost” are located, both colleges are exploring ways to repurpose these areas. The goal is to create new facilities that will benefit students.
Although ARC’s bookstore management has not commented on the upcoming changes, Kaitlyn Colignon, ARC’s Public Information Officer, expressed confidence. She stated that they anticipate being able to serve both ARC students and those from across Los Rios effectively.
Conclusion
The closures of the bookstores at Cosumnes River College and Folsom Lake College signal a shift towards a more digital-focused education model within the Los Rios Community College District. Students will still have access to necessary resources through the remaining bookstores and online platforms.
