THE DUSTY BOOKSHELF
AT THE CO-OP

It all started IN 1898 when…

this bookstore was built as a hub for college students. In those days, K-State was Kansas State Agricultural College, the Wildcats were Aggies, and the dirt streets of Aggieville were traced by trolley tracks. And young folks like Ray Pollom worked here among the shelves, helping students select books, course materials, and supplies. When the school decided to close it, the students banded together to buy the business and reopen it as the the Co-op Bookstore.

In the 1940s, Pollom himself took over the place and added the iconic limestone. Though the building would later house men's clothing (remember Woody’s?), the original moniker and bookstore identity would forever be etched over the front doors.

When family, friends, and customers moved books in from down the street in 1991, The Dusty Bookshelf brought the building full circle. For over 25 years, students, professors, and the rest of the community again found their books on the corner of Manhattan & Moro. Together, we’ve recycled hundreds of thousands of books here and made just as many great friends and memories.

But on March 2, 2017, a fire during renovations nearly bookended this building’s history. We were devastated. We were tired. Somehow, though, thanks to sturdy brick walls and two years of constant, sweet encouragement from a loving community of Dusty friends — here and around the country — we’re back. Here’s to the next chapter.