New textbook store opens near campus

Even during a recession, college students have to deal with the reality of paying high prices for text books each semester. Now, with Kj's Textbooks, students at Cosumnes River College have a cheaper alternative to buying books at the on campus Hawks Nest bookstore. "We guarantee to beat prices," said Jessica Bracy, manager of Kj's. "So if there's one we miss, show us and we'll beat it on the spot. A quick check of prices for 3 standard textbooks for general education classes found the guarantee to be factual, with the difference in the textbook prices being as low as $5 and as high as $28. The store is organized to use with CRC courses and features labels that resemble the ones at the Hawks Nest, in which the books are divided by classes and professor names. "Our store is laid out for CRC," Bracy said. "We still get, and accept business from other schools." Buybacks, a process in which bookstores buy back textbooks from students after the students are done with them, are also promised to be at a higher percentage than on campus. "Typically buybacks are on a percentage and we are aware our percentages are higher," Bracy said. When buyback prices were compared by The Connection, Bracey's statement was confirmed. This was due, for the most part, to the Hawks Nest buyback process. While Hawks Nest employees refused to be interviewed the Connection did obtain handouts that explain their buyback policies. During the semester the Hawks Nest only buys back books that are requested by a wholesaler, and at a lower percentage than during their end of semester "retail buyback." During finals the Hawks nest buys books back from students at prices that could reach "up to 50 percent of list prices," according to the handout. Due to the policy of the Hawks Nest, only one of the books used as an example were eligible for buy back at this time for a price of $25. The same book was priced for a buyback at Kj's for $38.75, which is also higher than 50 percent of list price for the book. "We do buybacks all year round," Bracy said. "(The price) varies depending on what we have in stock." EOPS students will not currently be able to capitalize on the lower prices at Kj's. "We don't accept EOPS yet," Bracy said. "It's a complicated process." Kj's is closed during the weekends throughout the semester but open 7 days a week during semester breaks when business is increased. The Hawks Nest has an increasing selection of various supplies, a section that Kj's currently lacks. "We're still building," said Bracy. "We are looking to add supplies to our selection in the near future as business increases." Kj's Textbooks is located in the Foods Co shopping center on the corner of Bruceville Rd and West Stockton Blvd and can be reached at (916) 688-7473.