CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) – In a time when many bookstores are closing up, a newly refurbished book superstore has opened in Camden — with a Starbucks coffee shop inside for good measure.

It’s meant to serve not just the college crowd, officials say, but neighbors as well.

Truth be told, this bookstore has been open for several years as a joint venture of Camden County College, Rowan University, and Rutgers University.

But now it’s a Barnes and Noble store.  The chain spent $350,000 to spruce the place up, and the schools kicked in $200,000 more.

It’s a worthy investment along the Cooper Street corridor, in the eyes of Camden mayor Dana Redd.

“When I visit places like Philadelphia and am seated next to Mayor Mike Nutter, I talk about what we’re doing here in the City of Camden and how we’re raising Camden’s image,” she says with pride.

In addition, the bookstore chain has committed $5,000 a year to scholarships for students.

Look for more retail expansion once new dorms on the Rutgers campus open next year (see related story).

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060