Palo Alto’s bookstore is under new management with Follett Bookstores, whose contract started on February 28.

Texas Bookstores, which was the previously contracted bookstore for the past eight years, did not match Follett’s proposal. The new management will be serving all Alamo Community College District schools.

Many students are under the impression that the bookstore is closed,but it is open to studentswho wish to buy or sell books.

The bookstore will not relocate, but some changes will be made. One notable change will be the overall appearance of the store. Visual enhancements will create a roomier, more inviting feel, although the size of the building will not change. They will, however, take out the rug, install wooden floors and more shelving for supplies as well as books.

Remodeling will begin in early June and last through July.

Tracey Turpin, who is the District Director of the bookstores and overall point person, said the layout would be similar to that of the Incarnate Word University bookstore.

As far as book prices go, no changes will be made. Textbook prices will be in the same range as Texas Bookstores. Follett Bookstores has four book companies that bid the same range and offer the books at 25 percent over the manufacturer’s price, so no matter what proposal was accepted, the prices would have been the same. Turpin said that Follett will start marketing their buy back books as well as their used books. Follett has a sister bookstore where they get the used books at wholesale prices.

Sylvia Salazar, head cashier of the bookstore, said, “ Follett will buy used books before they buy new books so prices can be fair.”

Salazar would also like to let students know that the best time to sell back books is at the end of each semester, but Follett does buy back books all year round.

Cheryl Le Gras, Director of Student Activities, said, “Students and faculty will be able to look for books online.” These stores will not be linked online, but Follett owns more than 600 bookstores across the country.

The employees who worked for Texas Bookstore were given the option to go into a new contract with Follett. All of the employees stayed except for the store manager, who decided to move back into his previous field of banking. There is no store manager at this point, but Turpin has assumed those duties until a new manager can be hired.

Follett Bookstore’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:45 a.m to 4:30 p.m. In the summer, hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.