We have a new bookstore at NC State, and I have heard many discussions, and even some heated debates, on the topic of which bookstore is best: the old or the new. Here’s my controversial opinion: the new bookstore that resides within Talley Student Union is clearly the superior bookstore.
Many aspects of the new bookstore give it an edge over the old. The most obvious improvement is that the new bookstore does not reside in a building that is continuously sinking deeper and deeper into the ground. This may seem like an unfair criticism of the old bookstore, as it has little to do with the bookstore itself, but what good is a bookstore when it is underground? The benefits of the new bookstore continue much further past the inevitable destruction of the old bookstore’s building.
One of the best benefits of the new bookstore is the convenience of the location. The parking alone is much better for Talley Student Union, as it is located right next to several streets that all contain parking places and next to Coliseum Deck. This means that there is not only more parking spaces available for students but also that all of the parking spaces are much closer.
This has always been a problem in the past for the old bookstore because the closest place you could park was Hillsborough Street, which has very limited parking and is, in brief terms, a pain. Not only is the parking for the new bookstore much more convenient, but those who prefer taking a bus will have an easier time as well. A few buses ran near the old bookstore, but they, like the parking, were limited. Now the new bookstore is conveniently located right next to the Carmichael Gym bus stop, which is a major destination for many of the buses on campus. It is much easier to get a ride there and catch a ride back to where you live.
The organization of the new bookstore is also a huge benefit. The new bookstore is much larger than the old one, which gives it a lot more space to work with. The old bookstore seemed to be cramped and wasn’t very spacious at all. The new bookstore has two floors both equal to the size of the original bookstore individually. The top and bottom floors are each separated into two different parts, with the more fun, fan-oriented items on the top floor and the more school/student-oriented items on the bottom floor. The whole store is expansive, and you never feel cramped.
Additionally, the new bookstore is more enjoyable than the old bookstore. It seems to have a specific design to it that goes well with the new buildings on campus and especially with Talley Student Union. Not only is it more intentionally designed and more enjoyable aesthetically, but it is also conveniently located next to all of the restaurants in Talley Student Union — it even has a Starbucks of its own, the only one on campus.
The new bookstore is obviously better than the old bookstore in many ways. It is a privilege to have such a great bookstore on our campus and is a fitting addition to the new student union.
