College of Charleston Bookstore: What to Expect When You Visit

The College of Charleston Bookstore is located on campus and sells textbooks, course materials, clothing, and gifts

The College of Charleston Bookstore operates on the main campus in downtown Charleston at 66 George Street, inside the Addlestone Library building. The store carries textbooks and required course materials for current students, along with College of Charleston apparel, school supplies, snacks, and gift items. It functions as both a textbook vendor and a general merchandise shop serving the campus community.

The bookstore is run by Follett, a national textbook and college retail company that manages inventory and pricing. This means the store follows standard practices for textbook buyback, rental options, and course material ordering that you'll find at most college bookstores across the country.

Key Takeaways

• The bookstore is located at 66 George Street inside Addlestone Library on the College of Charleston campus.
• You can purchase new and used textbooks, rent textbooks for the semester, or sell back books you no longer need.
• The store stocks College of Charleston branded clothing, school supplies, snacks, and gifts in addition to course materials.
• Hours and specific services may vary by semester, so checking the Follett website or calling ahead is useful before your visit.

Textbook Options: New, Used, and Rental

The bookstore offers textbooks in multiple formats to fit different budgets and needs. You can buy new textbooks at full price, purchase used copies at a discount, or rent textbooks for the semester if you don't plan to keep them. Rental is often the cheapest option if you only need the book for one class and won't refer to it later.

To find your course materials before you arrive, you can search by course number or ISBN on the Follett website. This lets you see what's available, compare prices between new and used copies, and sometimes order online for pickup or shipping. Some students order early in the semester to ensure the book is in stock, especially for popular courses where inventory runs low quickly.

Selling Back Textbooks

If you've finished a course and no longer need the textbook, the bookstore will buy it back during designated buyback periods. The buyback price depends on whether the book is still being used at the college, its condition, and current market demand. Books in good condition that are still required for upcoming courses typically bring higher prices than older editions or books no longer in use.

Buyback happens at the end of each semester and sometimes during the semester as well. You can bring books in person to the store or check the Follett website to see if they're accepting mail-in buybacks. Having your receipt or proof of purchase can speed up the process, though it's not always required.

College of Charleston Apparel and Campus Merchandise

Beyond textbooks, the bookstore stocks clothing and accessories branded with the College of Charleston name and logo. You'll find t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other items popular with students and alumni. The selection changes seasonally, and inventory may be limited for certain sizes or styles, especially during peak shopping times like the start of the semester or before graduation.

The store also carries school supplies—notebooks, pens, folders, and other basics—as well as snacks and drinks. If you're looking for a specific College of Charleston item as a gift or for yourself, calling ahead to confirm they have it in stock can save you a trip.

Hours, Location, and Contact Information

The bookstore is located at 66 George Street, inside Addlestone Library on the main campus in downtown Charleston. Hours vary by semester and may change around holidays or during exam periods. The store typically operates during standard business hours on weekdays and may have limited weekend hours during the semester.

To confirm current hours, find contact information, or check on specific items before you visit, you can reach out through the Follett website or call the store directly. Having the course number or ISBN ready when you contact them will help staff locate your materials quickly.

Online Ordering and Shipping Options

If you can't visit in person, you can order textbooks and merchandise online through the Follett website and have them shipped to your address. Shipping times vary depending on the item and how quickly it's in stock. Some students choose online ordering to avoid crowds at the start of the semester, while others prefer to see the book in person before buying.

Online orders may also give you access to price comparisons and the ability to check whether used copies are available before you commit to a purchase. Returns and exchanges typically follow the same policies whether you buy in person or online, so reviewing those terms before checkout is worth your time.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

When you visit the bookstore, bring your course schedule or the course numbers and section numbers for your classes. This helps staff locate the correct textbooks—sometimes the same course has different required books depending on the section or professor. If you know your ISBN numbers, those work even faster.

Bring a valid payment method: cash, debit card, or credit card. If you're a College of Charleston student, you may be able to charge textbooks to your student account, though policies vary. Asking about payment options when you arrive or calling ahead can clarify what the store accepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy textbooks online and pick them up at the store?

Yes, the Follett website allows you to order online and select in-store pickup as your delivery method. This is useful if you want to confirm the book is in stock before making the trip or if you prefer to see it before paying. Pickup times vary, so check the estimated ready date when you order.

What's the difference between renting and buying a textbook?

Rental costs less than buying but you must return the book by the end of the semester in good condition or pay a damage fee. Buying means you own the book and can keep it, sell it back, or resell it elsewhere. Rental makes sense if you won't use the book after the course ends; buying makes sense if you want to keep it for reference or resale.

How much will I get if I sell my textbook back?

Buyback prices depend on whether the book is still required, its condition, and market demand. You'll typically get 25 to 50 percent of the original price for a book in good condition that's still in use. The bookstore can give you an exact quote when you bring the book in or through their online buyback tool.

Do I need my receipt to sell a book back?

A receipt helps speed up the process, but it's not always required. The bookstore can look up your purchase if you have your student ID or the book's ISBN. Having the receipt on hand makes the transaction faster, especially during busy buyback periods.

What if my textbook isn't in stock?

The bookstore can order it for you, though delivery may take several days to a week depending on the publisher and how quickly it ships. You can also check the Follett website to see if it's available for online order with shipping to your address. Ordering early in the semester gives you the best chance of getting the book before classes start.