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Popular bookstore chain to open second Stanislaus County location. Here’s when

Book lovers in Stanislaus County can soon turn the page to something new.

Barnes & Noble is opening another location in the county, according to a recent Facebook post from the city of Turlock.

“This new bookstore will be a great addition to our community,” Turlock city officials said in the Friday, Jan. 23, post.

Here’s when and where the new store will open:

What is Barnes & Noble?

Barnes & Noble was founded in 1971 by Leonard Riggio, who bought the original Barnes & Noble bookstore in New York City.

The company is the largest bookstore chain in the United States, with about 600 locations nationwide, including one in Modesto, according to its website.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers on McHenry Avenue in Modesto, Calif.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers on McHenry Avenue in Modesto, Calif. Modesto Bee file

What does Barnes & Noble sell?

The retailer carries a wide selection of books, including new releases, bestsellers and exclusive editions.

Shoppers can browse genres ranging from fiction and nonfiction to manga and children’s books.

In addition to selling books, Barnes & Noble offers audiobooks, stationery, toys, games, vinyl records and a variety of gifts — including Lego sets, board games, educational toys and puzzles.

Where will new Stanislaus County bookstore open?

According to an Instagram post from the city of Turlock, the new Barnes & Noble will open its doors at 2693 Countryside Drive in Turlock.

The store will move into the former Forever 21 space, which closed in early 2025.

A few displays of coloring books for grown-ups sit in the Barnes & Noble Booksellers store on McHenry Avenue in Modesto.
A few displays of coloring books for grown-ups sit in the Barnes & Noble Booksellers store on McHenry Avenue in Modesto. Deke Farrow jfarrow@modbee.com

When will the new Barnes & Noble open in Turlock?

As of Tuesday, Jan. 27, an official opening date had not been announced.

However, Barnes & Noble said in a recent Instagram post that the new Turlock store is expected to open in spring 2026.

Where is the nearest Barnes & Noble?

Until then, readers can visit the only other Barnes & Noble in Stanislaus County.

The Modesto location is inside the Promenade Shopping Center, 3501 McHenry Ave., Suite E, in Modesto.

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.

This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 11:33 AM.

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Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
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