Temple University Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its New Campus Bookstore at Paley Hall

Temple University Unveils New State-of-the-Art Bookstore

Temple University, a cornerstone of higher education in Philadelphia, along with Follett Higher Education, the largest campus retailer in North America, has marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its newly redesigned campus bookstore at Paley Hall. This modern facility not only serves the educational needs of students and faculty but also acts as a community hub for learning and collaboration.

A New Beginning in a New Space

The newly opened Temple University Bookstore, which became accessible to the public on August 18, 2025, is a part of Paley Hall, which boasts cutting-edge, sustainable architectural design. The hall is LEED-certified, indicating its commitment to sustainable practices, and is the first building on Temple's campus to pursue WELL certification. This certification emphasizes the health and wellness of the occupants through optimal indoor environments, ventilation, and natural light, fostering not only an enriching educational experience but also promoting the well-being of all who use the space.

Spanning across 26,000 square feet of retail space, the bookstore is meticulously designed to offer an expanded selection of products and services tailored to meet the needs of Temple's diverse community. This includes a wide array of academic materials, Nike apparel, and a curated selection of goods from local Philadelphia businesses, promising to engage students, faculty, and visitors alike with options that resonate with the local culture.

Creating Connections and Celebrating Community

According to Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education, this new bookstore represents a pivotal moment for the Temple community. "This is a tremendous moment for the entire Temple University community, and Follett is honored to be part of this newly envisioned Paley Hall," Kolady stated. The focus is not merely on retail but on crafting an inviting space for community building. The bookstore features an innovative event space designed for learning activities, workshops, and collaborative projects, making it a vibrant nucleus where students and faculty can connect.

Senior Associate Vice President of Business Affairs and Administration, Jonathan Reiter, highlighted the bookstore's transition as a thoughtful opportunity to enhance community bonds. He mentioned, "With its upgraded location and broader selection, this store is designed to be more than a retail space; it's a vibrant new hub for connection and community."

A Commitment to Student Success

Follett Higher Education brings over 150 years of invaluable experience in the education sector, having partnered with more than 1,000 campuses across North America. Their expertise aims to facilitate a cohesive and engaging retail experience for students. At the Temple University Bookstore, the focus on student success is palpable, as there are plans for featuring products from local artists, as well as exclusive collections. This initiative serves to support local entrepreneurship while enriching the campus culture.

The new bookstore is not just a retail outlet but a beacon of school pride and spirit. As Kolady notes, Follett’s vision is to create spaces that evoke pride, excitement, and achievement. This new installment within Paley Hall is expected to encapsulate that very essence.

Visitors to the bookstore can conveniently access it via 13th Street, where they will find an expansive collection on both floors that caters to their academic and recreational needs. Follett's collaboration with the university is anticipated to elevate the student experience significantly, driving engagement and fostering a sense of community.

Conclusion

The Temple University Bookstore at Paley Hall stands as a testament to the university's commitment to providing an enriched learning environment while promoting an interconnected academic community. As it opens its doors to the wider Temple circle and the Philadelphia community, it is set to play a vital role in enhancing student life, cultivating relationships, and celebrating shared achievements. For more details about the offerings available, you can visit Temple University Bookstore's website.