When the Auraria Campus Bookstore asked focus groups of students and faculty last spring how they viewed their campus bookstore shopping experience, what they heard surprised them. "We got very candid responses," says Cheryl Carter, marketing manager for Student Auxiliary Services. "It was time consuming to locate books."

Bookstore staff decided it was time for an overhaul. The newly redesigned bookstore is now divided into three specific sections, to correspond to each institution on campus. "Each school is unique, and we could better meet the needs of each individual school with individual sections," says Carter. Each section has its own cash register now, but Carter is quick to add that "if there's a line people can always go to any other cash register." The redesign also boasts wider aisles, to ease traffic flow.

So far the redesign seems to be a hit. "It was a successful early-semester rush for us," says Store Manager Jerie Bray. "The students are embracing our new layout."

The bookstore is also implementing a "Book Club Café," which will meet monthly at the Daily Grind Coffee Shop. "We wanted to allow avid readers a chance to come, share their common interest and have active literary debate," says Carter. The bookstore will offer a discount on the book club selections. Carter views the book club as a potential way to get additional exposure for campus authors, as well.

The bookstore will hold a Grand Reopening Ceremony on Monday, Sept. 19. Events include a VIP tour at 10:30 and a fashion show at 11. Light refreshments will be served all day, and several drawings for prizes—including electronic games and equipment—will be held.