Keeping Reedies Supplied

Meet the bookstore team in the latest of our department profile series.

The lower level of the Gray College Center is home to Reed's bookstore, where you'll find the team that works to keep Reedies well-read, organized, clothed in warm Reed merch—and desks well-stocked with snacks. We talked with Justin Duff  (course book and trade materials buyer), Jessica Valeske (director of bookstore and auxilliary services), Jason Schrack (assistant director, auxilliary services), Andrew Warnecke (general merchandise buyer), and Gyorgy Foxall (lead cashier) to find out more about what they do. 

What does your department do/who do you serve?

The Reed bookstore serves the entire Reed community from prospective students to alumni, current students, staff, and faculty. We sell all required and recommended course materials, office/school supplies, Reed-branded clothing and gifts, health and beauty products, and all the tasty snacks and drinks! 

Do you have any office pets? What are their names?

Yes! Indie, a very sweet dog who often tags along to shifts with her student; and Habibi, everyone’s favorite neighborhood cat who loves to sneak into the bookstore on a rainy day to fall asleep in one of our chairs.

How is your department supporting students and the Reed community? What is that impact?

One of the things we take very seriously is sourcing books and other course materials at the lowest cost possible for students and having them available by the first day of classes. Faculty support us by submitting their requisitions early. This helps students have everything they need, when they need it, at the lowest cost we can offer!

What is one thing you want students to know?

 There are two things, really. First, that we are a not-for-profit store. Our mission is to be a resource for students and provide items at the lowest cost possible. Second, we take student suggestions seriously! We love to hear what you want and do our best to carry those items whenever we can.

What is your department’s favorite event on campus?

Orientation! We love the chance to meet all the incoming students and their families as they arrive on campus eager to pick up their Reed swag and HUM110 preorders (“Wait, these are ALL for one class???”). Everyone is so excited! And maybe a tiny bit nervous too.

Tags: Campus Life, Institutional