Key Highlights
- Cosumnes River College and Folsom Lake College are closing their physical bookstores starting July 1, 2026.
- The move is part of a broader shift towards online resources and free materials provided by faculty.
- American River College and Sacramento City College will continue to offer in-person bookstore services.
- Los Rios Community College District plans to implement new proposals for college bookstores, focusing on the two largest campuses.
New Era of Campus Bookstores in Los Rios
The Los Rios Community College District is set to see significant changes as it prepares for the future with a strategic realignment of its physical resources. From July 1, 2026, Cosumnes River College (CRC) and Folsom Lake College (FLC) will close their in-person bookstores, marking a shift towards more digital learning environments.
Why the Closure?
Gabe Ross, Los Rios’ chief strategy and communications officer, explains that the decision to close the CRC and FLC bookstores is driven by several factors. “Since the COVID pandemic, our students are opting more and more for online classes,” he says. Additionally, there has been an aggressive shift towards free online resources provided by many faculty members at Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD) campuses. This combination has made it increasingly difficult for physical bookstores to maintain profitability.
Future of Bookstore Operations
In response to these challenges, the LRCCD is seeking new proposals from vendors that can offer a more sustainable model. Ross highlights that American River College (ARC) and Sacramento City College (SCC) will continue to serve as primary bookstores for Los Rios students, with online order options available across all campuses.
“ARC and SCC are the two largest colleges in our district, and they are also centrally located,” Ross explains. “All LRCCD students will have access to these bookstores, ensuring that student needs are met without compromising on convenience.” The move is expected to streamline operations and potentially reduce costs while still providing essential resources.
Repurposing Campus Spaces
With the closures of CRC and FLC bookstores, there remains the question of what will become of these spaces. Ross notes that both colleges are working with their communities to find innovative ways to repurpose the soon-to-be unoccupied areas. “We want to ensure that these spaces continue to benefit our students in some form,” he says.
ARC’s Public Information Officer, Kaitlyn Colignon, expressed confidence in the transition process, stating, “We anticipate that we will be able to support both ARC students and students across Los Rios who may need to visit an in-person bookstore without issue.” This outlook suggests a collaborative approach among the district’s institutions to manage the changes smoothly.
Implications for Students
The closing of bookstores at CRC and FLC will likely impact students’ purchasing habits. Instead of relying on campus stores, they may need to explore alternative sources such as online retailers or local bookstores. This shift could also encourage more digital learning resources, which some educators believe can enhance the student experience.
However, it remains to be seen how this change will affect those who prefer in-person shopping and immediate access to materials. The LRCCD’s focus on maintaining accessible services through online platforms may mitigate these concerns but could also introduce challenges for students who struggle with technology or prefer traditional methods of purchasing books.
Looking Ahead
The LRCCD’s plan is a part of a broader trend in higher education towards greater digitalization and cost-saving measures. While the closure of bookstores may be seen as a logistical change, it reflects a significant shift in how colleges are preparing for an increasingly digitized future.
As the district moves forward with its new proposals, stakeholders will need to closely monitor the implementation process to ensure that student needs continue to be met effectively. The coming months and years will reveal whether this strategic move will ultimately benefit students and institutions alike.
Los Rios Community College District is taking a significant step towards modernizing its resources, but the impact on students and campus communities remains to be fully realized. As this transition unfolds, it will be crucial for all parties involved to collaborate closely to ensure that the changes meet the needs of today’s learners.
