LORETTO — The Saint Francis University campus bookstore seems set to close after employees were notified in December that their services won’t be needed once the current contract with Barnes & Noble Education expires in May.

The bookstore, located in the lower level of the John F. Kennedy Student Center, has been managed by Barnes & Noble Education for about 14 years, according to Assistant Manager Kylie Lamb.

Just before Christmas break, Lamb and other bookstore employees were told they “wouldn’t be needed here anymore” as university officials have reportedly decided not to renew the contract.

“That was a good punch in the gut,” Lamb said, adding she has worked at the bookstore for 19 years.

University officials haven’t disclosed further information about the future of the bookstore or its employees, Lamb said, noting Monday was the first day back from Christmas vacation for university employees.

The first day of spring semester courses for students is Monday, Jan. 12, according to the university’s academic calendar.

“From what I hear, there’s not going to be (a bookstore). It’s going to be possibly digital books and then what becomes of the clothing and everything else, they haven’t even mentioned that,” Lamb said.

The university will likely release additional information within the coming weeks, Lamb said.

Attempts to reach Erin McCloskey, the university’s vice president of communications and marketing, were not successful.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.