MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — After nearly 20 years of serving Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) students, Textbook Brokersis closing its Murfreesboro location at 1321 Greenland Drive, signaling the end of an era.

Founded in 2005, Textbook Brokers quickly became a staple for MTSU students by offering cost-effective alternatives to the university bookstore. Services included textbook rentals, e-book access, buybacks, and the sale of MTSU-branded apparel and gear. Over the years, the store carved out a niche by providing personalized service and competitive pricing in an industry increasingly dominated by large retailers and digital platforms.

The closure comes amid sweeping changes across the textbook industry, where shifts toward digital content, open educational resources, and direct publisher access have reshaped how students acquire learning materials. Coupled with the consolidation of university bookstore contracts and the rising popularity of online textbook rental services, many independent bookstores have struggled to remain viable.

Textbook Brokers locations in other cities, such as Greensboro and Winston-Salem, have already shuttered physical storefronts and moved to online-only operations, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional retail models in the education space.