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Store Hours Contact Us Shipping and Handling Return Policy About Us
Brown Bookstore Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
If there is an impending storm or inclement weather, please call us at 401-863-3168. There will be a message regarding delayed openings, early closings, or closures if needed.
Contact the Brown Bookstore
Street Address:
Brown Bookstore
244 Thayer Street
Providence, RI 02912
Brown University Address:
Box 1878, Brown Office Building
Shipping Address:
Brown Bookstore
71 Olive Street
Providence, RI 02912
Phone: 401-863-3168
Fax: 401-863-2233
Web: www.shopbrown.com
Textbooks
Phone: 401-863-2270
Fax: 401-863-7094
Email: [email protected]
General Books
Phone: 401-863-3168
Fax: 401-863-2233
Email: [email protected]
Campus Shop
- Online Orders are normally processed Monday through Friday, usually the next business day.
- eGift Cards will be sent out within 1-2 business days.
Online/Phone Orders Phone: 401-863-2099
(Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, or leave us a message)
Campus Shop Phone: 401-863-2487
Office, School & Dorm Supplies Phone: 401-863-2336
Fax: 401-863-2233
Email: [email protected]
Technology Center
Phone: 401-863-7289
Fax: 401-863-7229
Email: [email protected]
Business Office
Phone: 401-863-1749
Fax: 401-863-2233
Email: [email protected]
Special Services
Brown Bookstore Student Charge Accounts:
For information on opening a bookstore charge account, please contact the bookstore business office:
Phone: 401-863-3167
Fax: 401-863-2233
Email: [email protected]
Brown Bear Bucks (Declining Balance) Accounts:
The Brown Bear Bucks Card declining balance account can be used by Brown Faculty, Staff, and Students to make purchases at the Brown Bookstore, Campus Shop, Technology Center, College Hill Café, and University Dining Services as well as to pay fees at the Rockefeller Library and The Brown Card Office.
To open an account, complete a Brown Card Declining Balance Account Application/Deposit Slip and mail it with a check made payable to Brown University for the intended amount to:
Brown University Cashier's Office
Box 1911
Providence, RI 02912
Deposits may be made in person at:
Cashier's Office, Brown Office Building, 164 Angell Street - 2nd floor
Looking for a specific book? To check availibility:
General/Trade Books Special Order Online Form
Our customer service staff can check stock and advise you on availability. If the book is in stock we are happy to put it on hold for you, ship it to you, or provide local delivery (restrictions apply). If it is on order, we can contact you when your book arrives.
Special orders take a little longer and may require a deposit. However, many titles may already be on order or available from a distributor in 3-7 days.
Brown Bookstore Book Club Card:
Buy a book over $10 at the store and get a stamp on your Book Club Card. 8 stamps = 40% off your next book purchase at the Brown University Bookstore (some exclusions apply).
Computer Service & Repair:
Apple Authorized Service Center, Safeware Authorized Servicer, all makes and models serviced
Shipping & Handling
- Shipping within the United States only
- Exception: Diploma Frames & Custom Regalia may be shipped to Canada (additional fee).
Campus Shop Apparel & Gifts
Contact: [email protected], 401-863-2099
Orders will be shipped the most efficient way, either FedEx Ground or USPS Priority Mail.
- If a PO Box is given, order will be shipped USPS.
- APO addresses are shipped USPS.
Campus Shop Shipping & Handling Fees
- Shipping options: Choose 'Ground Shipping - Apparel & Gifts' - shipping fee automatically calculated based on order total. Orders usually ship the next business day.
- If ordering all lightweight items shipping may be adjusted down to a lower level; lowest possible = $6.95.
- If ordering Campus Shop merchandise and General Book(s), only option will be 'Ground Shipping - Apparel & Gifts + Book(s), but will be calculated the same way as Campus Shop.
- up to $7.50 = $6.95
- $7.51 to $25.00 = $9.95
- $25.01 to $75.00 = $11.95
- $75.01 to $150.00 = $16.95
- $150.01 and up = $19.95
- Orders shipped to AK, HI, or PR $2.00 additional S&H; Will be shipped USPS Priority Mail.
Please note: Estimated total will include all items in shopping cart. Merchandise with shipping included or no shipping, such as Diploma Frames or Gift Cards, is not counted toward order total once option is chosen.
Delivery Time
General order processing can take up to 48hrs.
Friday afternoon and weekend orders will not ship out until Monday.
- FedEx Ground - varies depending on where the package is shipped.
- USPS - 2 to 5 day delivery time; extra day(s) to AK, HI, and PR.
Tracking Numbers
- A tracking number will be emailed to you after your order has been processed for shipping.
Express Shipping
Express Shipping is available upon request.
- Add a message in ORDER COMMENTS during checkout and/or contact us directly at 401-863-2099.
- If placing an OVERNIGHT express order after 12pm be sure to contact us by phone to ensure your order will be speedily processed.
- Express order shipping and handling has to be priced individually once requested.
- Overnight delivery is not available on the weekends.
Express Shipping
Express Shipping Options available on request.
- FedEx - Overnight or 2nd Day FedEx
- USPS - Express (overnight to most locations)
- UPS - Next Day Air, 2nd Day, or 3-Day UPS
Shipping Exceptions - Campus Shop Merchandise
- Academic Regalia is shipped directly from the manufacturer.
- Manufacturer's shipping and handling is $15.95 for purchased regalia.
- Purchased Regalia: Allow 6 weeks for delivery as it is custom-made.
- Announcements are shipped directly from the manufacturer.
- Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
- Contact Balfour at 800-433-0296 if there is any problem with your announcement order.
- Chairs - $75.00 if shipped to nearby state; $125 for all other states; $75 for pick-up in store ; $45.00 for personalized chair.
- Decals, Lanyards & Stickers (only) - $4.00 shipping and handling; mailed via 1st Class Mail.
- Please add a note in Order Comments is you want decals/stickers mailed.
- Diploma Frames are shipped directly from the manufacturer.
- Flat shipping fee of $20.95 within USA; Int'l shipping to be determined.
- Please allow 5-6 weeks for delivery
- Contact Church Hill at 800-477-9005 if damaged or defective.
- Gift Certificates (only) - No shipping and handling fee; email or pickup at store.
- LAMOU™ End Tables - Ship directly from manufacturer; please allow 5-6 weeks for delivery.
- Personalized Chairs - $45.00 shipping and handling; please allow 5-6 weeks for delivery.
- Personalization is $25.00 per line; 32 characters max per line; 2 lines max.
Promo Codes: Applies to stated merchandise only that is in stock; Does not apply to merchandise already discounted, on sale, or clearance priced; Discounts do not combine; Online orders only--choose Pickup at Store if you're in the area.
General/Trade Books Shipping & Handling
Contact: [email protected], 401-863-3168
There are 2 options for Book Shipping, Standard or Priority:
- Book-Standard $6.00 - 5-7 days for delivery, ships USPS Media Mail.
- Book-Priority $8.00 - 2-3 days for delivery, ships USPS Priority Mail.
- $1.00 additional for each book to same address for either shipping option.
- $1.00 additional handling fee for heavier/larger books.
Please Note: Campus Shop shipping fees, based on order total, apply if ordering General Book(s) and Campus Shop merchandise.
Technology Center Shipping & Handling
Contact: [email protected], 401-863-7289
- Technology Center merchandise is shipped FedEx Ground.
- Delivery time is 5-7 days on average.
- Special order & out of stock products can take an extra 2-5 days.
- Laptops = $46.00
- iPads = $20.00
Textbooks & Medical Reference Shipping & Handling
Contact: [email protected], 401-863-2270
- Textbooks and Medical Reference books will be shipped USPS or UPS.
- 1st Textbook/Medical Reference = $8.00; $1.00 more for each additional book.
Return Policy
Course Materials
- All refunds require the original receipt and will be refunded to the original form of payment.
- A full refund will be provided for Course Materials returned through shopping period.
- Course Materials purchased after shopping period must be returned within 2 business days of purchase for a full refund.
- Summer and short-term courses must be returned by the second day of classes.
- Course materials must be in original purchase condition or they will be refunded as used books. Textbook packages must be returned with all components, unused.
- Access codes and other online materials must be unopened/inactivated and returned by the end of the shopping period.
Redshelf E-Book/Digital Returns Policy
Refunds (for Individual End Users) are dependent upon the type of product purchased and can vary by publisher; please review the refund policy by product type.
- eBooks – Purchases of eBooks are generally refundable within 14 days of the first day of access, or thirty (30) days after the purchase is made, whichever occurs first. However, no refund is possible if more than 10% of the product has been viewed and/or if any page(s) of the product has been printed.
- Courseware – Access Code / Courseware purchases are refundable within fourteen (14) days after the purchase is made.
General Merchandise
- All other merchandise unopened, in original condition and returned within 10 days of purchase may be exchanged or refunded to the original form of payment.
- Original receipt (or packing slip if purchased online) is required for all refunds.
Non-Refundable
- Course materials purchased during the last week of classes or final exams
- Course packs and custom publishing
- Computer hardware and software
- Gift cards
- Shipping and handling fees for online purchases
Online Orders Must Be Picked Up Within 10 Business Days. Orders not picked up will be cancelled and refunded.
Receipts are required for refund.
About the Brown Bookstore
Thank you for your interest in the Brown Bookstore. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers through the effective delivery of quality book and other academic and collegiate retail services.
Background
The Brown Bookstore has been located at 244 Thayer Street, on the corner of Angell & Thayer, since the opening of the Brown Office Building in 1970. The Bookstore is an anchor store to the Thayer Street retail district on College Hill in Providences historic East Side. The Bookstore attracts students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, area residents and professionals. The Bookstore is known for its general and academic book selections, and quality Brown gifts and apparel, cards, stationery, supply and computer products, also for its friendly atmosphere and good service. Self-operated by Brown University, the Brown Bookstore is proud of its status as an independent university and community focused bookstore.
Textbooks
Course book services, our core academic service, requires continuous use of electronic data transfers, and close partnerships with faculty, academic staff, publishers, distributors and used book wholesalers in order to meet faculty and student expectations and academic requirements. Used books constitute 30% of course book sales, reflecting an emphasis at the Brown Bookstore to reduce textbook costs to students. Faculty need for customized course materials places an emphasis on bookstore and publisher partnerships to provide reasonable and effective copyright clearance, flexible packaging of intellectual property on campus. The Bookstore is linked closely with Brown's graphic services, academic departments, library, computing information, registrar and financial aid at Brown to provide effective and unified approaches to information, copyright and printing services.
General Books
The Brown Bookstore has strong traditions as an independent university bookseller. Book stocks include a diverse front-list and back-list of titles, reflecting the wide range of academic, professional and the general book interests of the Brown community and area residents. Breadth of customer book interests requires special ordering services and good relations with the gamut of academic and trade publishers and book distributor services. Knowledge of distributor and publisher order response is critical to meeting customer expectations including special orders - a major focus of the staff.
Campus Shop
The Campus Shop carries a wide variety of Brown imprinted apparel, gifts, and supplies. Some of our featured apparel vendors are Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Columbia, 47 Brand, Champion, Gear, and a full line Under Armour shop. We also carry everything from blankets, jewelry, golf products, clocks, and other home furnishings to mugs, glassware, pennants, banners, flags, and magnets. For home or work, we have padfolios, pens, notecards, and more.
Dorm, Office & School Supplies
We have a wide selection of school, office, and art supplies on the mezzanine (2nd) level. For the dorm, we carry some of the basic necessities such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, and other HBA items and products. At the beginning of the school year, we have basic dorm supplies such as sheets, towels, and bed risers. Our Bed, Bath, and Beyond Pop-Up Shop is also open at the beginning of the school year with many of the dorm essentials you will need available in the bookstore.
We participate in the BiG program; Just look for the BiG logo in the bookstore. By purchasing sustainable items and adopting green living habits, you can reduce your personal impact and help Brown achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 42% below 2007 levels by 2020. Making even small changes to what you purchase for your room can make a BiG difference!
Technology Center – Computers, Software, Peripherals, Accessories, Service & Repair
The Brown Bookstore Technology Center is home to all the technology needs of the Brown community. It features a display of current Apple Mac and iPad demo devices, as well as Microsoft Surface and Lenovo PCs. There is also a large selection of current computer accessories, and a variety of consumer electronics including headphones, speakers, cases, and backpacks.
It also maintains a convenient on-campus Apple authorized service, repair and consultation center, providing service for all brands. It is staffed by MCSE Engineers, Dell Certified Techs, Network+ Certified engineers, and A+ certified technicians. Repairs are quick and convenient with a typical turnaround time of 1 to 3 days.
Brown Bookstore Delivers
Local Delivery Options
- Delivery to customers in Providence on and off-campus (excluding residence halls).
- Orders over $25.00 are free of delivery charge; Otherwise $3.00 delivery charge. Local Delivery requests may be made in the bookstore, by phone, or online.
- Call in your order or request Local Delivery when shopping in the bookstore.
- If ordering online, choose 'Local Delivery-Prov.' during checkout as your Shipping Option.
- Delivery should be made within one business day of receiving in-store or phone request; online orders will be delivered within one business day of processing order.
Local Delivery Restrictions
- Brown University prohibits the bookstore from delivering to residence halls.
- Requests processed Monday through Friday; Weekend requests will be processed on Monday.
- Customer will be called prior to delivery to see if anyone is home to accept delivery, unless leave at door is requested/confirmed.
Contact Information
- For General Books - Trade Customer Service: 401-863-3168 or [email protected]
- For Medical Reference - Textbooks: [email protected]
- Order Online: Campus Shop, General Books, Technology Center
- Technology Center: 401-863-7289 or [email protected]
Look for the red Brown Bookstore Delivery Van around town!