Written by Olivia Gillespie – Foundation Intern, Spring 2021

(CLINTON, N.C.) – In October of last year, the remodeling of the Bookstore began here at Sampson Community College. The purpose of the remodel was to accommodate the new social distancing procedures that have been put into place. There were many of SCC’s own that helped throughout the entire process of renovating the Bookstore. The remodel was finished in December of 2020 and now the Bookstore is operating once again.

The renovations on the Bookstore started after SCC received COVID-19 relief money. Expanding the Bookstore was at the top of list in order to keep up with social distancing requirements and to help with the increased amount of orders that will begin after the establishment of a new website. The Bookstore is currently creating a new website that will allow students to place orders online.

Marvin Rondon, Acting Dean of Student Services shared “The Bookstore has been prepared to help restructure the experience for students by reorganizing the books by course and being able to place orders online. Now, more students can enter the Bookstore, being helped to get their textbooks faster, and having extra time to get their supplies. Long lines of students waiting to get their books and supplies are history.”

There were many people that were involved with the actual renovation of the Bookstore. Division Chair of Construction, Industrial, Agricultural, Public Service and Information Technologies, Barney Grady played a role in the remodel. Director of Facility Services, Ryan Rutherford and Maintenance Worker, Kenny Lynch were also a major part in the renovations.

Students that were part of the Construction classes here at SCC last semester also helped with the Bookstore remodel. These students were able to get a hands-on experience of what it is like to have a construction project. Throughout the project the students learned the lesson of having to adapt to changes that might occur once you start the demolishing process of a construction project.

“The Bookstore renovation project was a great opportunity for our Construction classes last semester. The students had the opportunity to works hands on in a construction remodel scenario, which they typically do not get the chance to do in our labs. The project gave the students experience in commercial type framing, sheetrock, interior trim and cabinetry. ” Building Construction Technology Instructor, Dustin Hatcher stated.

After the remodel, the Bookstore now has many new changes and features. These changes and features will help SCC students when coming in to buy their required books or supplies for classes and for anyone to purchase SCC apparel.

When asked about the new changes within the Bookstore, Summer Goodman, Bookstore Manager replied, “We took a wall down and expanded the area. We have gotten new registers, a new display, and a new slat wall. We have a lot more space to put out more products and for people to have extra room to move around.”

Currently, the Bookstore at Sampson Community College is open Monday through Friday: Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am until 11:30 am. Drop by the Bookstore to see the new renovations that have taken place!

About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options, and early college education.