Limited space for shoppers, merchandise in bookstore

 So many books, apparel and supplies in such a small space!

Winston-Salem State's bookstore was first built to service 1,200 students.

Now with more than 6,000 students, the bookstore needs more space.

The bookstore is so compact that only a small number of students can go in at one time, while other students have to wait outside until the other people come out.

"I hate that we have to wait outside," said Sarah Byers, a senior elementary education major, from High Point.

"It's just a huge waste of time, and that is why I started to reserve my books online," Byers said.

The bookstore is 2,200 square feet.

It has approximately has 600 to 700 square feet for clothing, snacks, school supplies and entertainment items.   

Although the bookstore will not be moving to the new Student Activities Center, it will be expanding.

"The timing of an expansion is a difficult one to answer, as any renovations or relocations of the bookstore will be in conjunction with other possible changes to the building, said Trae T. Cotton, vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

"This means money that may be hard to identify in these difficult economic times."  

 "The bookstore was not a priority," said Theo Howard, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life.

"The students had a voice in deciding what was going to go in the new student union," Howard said.

"We needed room for commuter space, study space, and a food court because the cafeteria is too crowded," Howard said.

The Student Activities Center is under construction and is scheduled to be completed May 2013.