Chase De Vries picks out a textbook at the Perk Campus bookstore.

In the past, students at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston Campus were packed in like sardines when it came time to pick up their textbooks. But now thanks to a 1,600 square foot addition to the campus bookstore, the process is much easier. With the space to move around doubled, students now pull their own books from the shelves.

 “I like that it’s bigger,” said Perk sophomore Chase De Vries. “The old one was cramped.”

 Bookstore manager Tammie Weathers said she’s received nothing but positive response from everyone who’s been into see the changes.

“It’s wonderful to have so much more space,” said Weathers. “The students coming in seem to be impressed. We were too crowded with the old system. Now the students seem to help each other, and more can come in at a time.”

Normal Perk Campus bookstore hours are 7:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday’s. Weathers also said the bookstore will be open Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for homecoming.