Los Rios Campuses to Close Bookstores for Streamlined Operations
The Los Rios Community College District will implement major changes to its bookstore services, impacting students at Cosumnes River College and Folsom Lake College. Starting July 1, 2026, both campuses will close their bookstores.
Closure of Bookstores at CRC and FLC
Students at Cosumnes River College (CRC) and Folsom Lake College (FLC) will need to find alternative sources for textbooks, testing supplies, and school merchandise. Gabe Ross, the chief strategy and communications officer for Los Rios, announced these closures.
Remaining Bookstores
After these closures, only the bookstores at American River College (ARC) and Sacramento City College (SCC) will remain operational. These institutions are expected to manage the increase in traffic from the affected campuses.
Shift to Online Resources
The decision to close the bookstores is linked to changes in student preferences. Many students are now opting for online classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, faculty members are increasingly using free online resources. This shift has led to declining revenues for physical bookstores, making their continued operation unsustainable.
New Vendor Proposals
Los Rios is actively seeking proposals from vendors who specialize in college bookstore management. The goal is to create a new model emphasizing the remaining in-person bookstores at ARC and SCC. These locations will also facilitate online ordering for students across all campuses.
- American River College and Sacramento City College will maintain operational bookstores.
- Students from CRC and FLC must explore other vendors for their materials.
- Online shopping options will be available for all students.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Regarding the physical spaces currently occupied by CRC’s “Hawk’s Nest” and FLC’s “Falcon’s Roost,” both colleges are investigating ways to repurpose these areas. The aim is to develop new facilities that will provide enhanced benefits for students.
Though ARC’s bookstore management has not publicly commented on the upcoming changes, Kaitlyn Colignon, ARC’s Public Information Officer, expressed confidence in addressing the needs of both ARC students and those from other campuses within Los Rios.
Conclusion
The closure of the bookstores at Cosumnes River College and Folsom Lake College reflects a broader shift towards a digital-focused education model in the Los Rios Community College District. Students will still have access to essential resources through the operational bookstores at ARC and SCC, as well as through online platforms.
