After a recent, nonscientific survey of 66 Longwood University students conducted by The Rotunda, over 75 percent of the students had visited the new bookstore location. Students voiced mixed reviews over the new location in terms of potential students, accessibility with handicap patrons, layout of the store and the Barnes and Noble cafe.
Half of the students surveyed indicated they preferred the old location, while another 31.8 percent said they like the new location better and the remaining 18.2 percent had no preference.
The parking situation raised some concerns toward the new location.
Madi Bird, a nursing major junior who preferred the old building, said, “(There’s) barely any parking at the new location,”
Bird also brought up the effect the move will have on Longwood ambassador-led campus tours.
“A lot of tours ended at the bookstore to encourage people to buy items,” Bird said. “Now, I don't know if the new bookstore will get as much attention.”
Another prevailing concern was handicap access.
Graphic and animation design sophomore Alyssa Barrell said, “I don't like how much of the book section they cut out in the new building, and it's not as easily accessible for handicapped people."
The layout and design of the store received positive feedback from students surveyed but concerns with the distance prevailed.
“Because I live in the (Longwood) Landings, it was more convenient for me for it to be in the Landings,” said psychology senior Charlotte Lackey. “But I love the new layout and space for the new one.”
Another piece of feedback is the organization of the bookstore has improved.
Graphic design junior Mariah Brodbeck said, “I think the new location is more spacious and organized."
Students were split on whether the store's convenience for Longwood students was improved.
“The old location was better for Longwood students, but the new one is better for everyone in town because it's more central,” said liberal studies freshman Braden Butka.
The atmosphere and study space received positive feedback from students as well.
Criminal justice junior Ben Lambert said, “The (Barnes and Noble Cafe) Starbucks portion seems larger, and I love the new layout of the student section. Overall more homey and friendly."
About half of students surveyed didn't think the move was necessary, just over a quarter said they weren’t sure and the remaining students said the move was necessary.
Several said while it wasn’t necessary for the bookstore to move, the relocation wasn't a huge problem.
Butka said, “The new location is beautiful, and I can't say I'm disappointed with their choice to move."
“I think the new store will appeal to Farmville citizens more due to the centralized location downtown,” said liberal studies senior Katelyn Sorrells. “But is more of an inconvenience to Longwood students if they need to run to grab a blue book or something quickly, especially if you are a freshman without a vehicle.”
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