Columbia University Medical Bookstore

More than 100 students, faculty, staff, and local community members stopped by the new Barnes & Noble campus store Friday for a grand opening celebration that featured live music, book readings, refreshments, and remarks. The event kicked off with selections from the “Music Man, ” a musical by Meredith Wilson, performed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons’ student theater group, the .

Attendees enjoyed complimentary Starbucks coffee and pizza from the store café while listening to ceremonial remarks and a book reading by David J. Hellerstein, MD, professor of clinical psychiatry. In addition to the entertainment and snacks, a few lucky attendees left with free Nooks, stethoscopes, and gift cards that were raffled off to mark the occasion. The celebration concluded with a Flamenco guitar performance by the musical duo Josué Pérez and Lisa Spraragen.

Lee Goldman, MD, the Harold and Margaret Hatch Professor of the University and dean of the faculties of health sciences and medicine, praised the success of the new bookstore, recognizing its part in the ongoing revitalization of the medical center campus. “This new bookstore represents a campus hub, ” said Dr. Goldman, “and as we continue to evolve our campus, I hope you will join me in reading together and eating together in such a wonderful space.”