The bookstore has long been a staple of campus life at Redeemer University. This summer, it’s been revitalized with a new name and brand that links to the wider mission of the university, making it unique to Redeemer while still appealing to a larger community interested in merchandise and literature from the Reformed tradition. 

The store’s new name is 21Five, a reference to Revelation 21:5: “He who is seated at the throne said, ‘I am making all things new.’” This is fitting for an institution where faculty are engaged in teaching, research and learning that reflects a Christian worldview. Faculty publications are at the heart of the store’s new ethos, and out of that flows an education that prepares students to be Kingdom-centred innovators. The logo itself is a testament to this. Alongside sporting colours that align with Redeemer’s main brand, the arrangement of the numbers and letters stand out without devaluing its connection to the university. For internal audiences, it’s also a fun play on words since 21Five is the place for “all things Redeemer.” 

Faculty publications are at the heart of the store’s new ethos, and out of that flows an education that prepares students to be Kingdom-centred innovators.

“As a university store, we’re the place to find textbooks but also items such as apparel, diploma frames and giftware,” says manager Kristel Forcier. “At the same time, we’re also a Christian bookstore where our customers can purchase Bibles, Bible studies, devotionals, books on Christian living and Christian storybooks for children. This will help us build relationships with local churches and schools by giving them a place to buy books and other products for their students and congregants.” 

In keeping with this, an online store has been launched for those who are unable to buy things in person. A notable service it provides is Books on Beds, which will allow students to have their textbooks for the upcoming semester delivered right to their dorms before they move in. 

“Starting at a new school is overwhelming, and we wanted to offer something to ease that stress a little bit,” says Forcier. 

The physical store also underwent renovations to become more of a community hub on campus. Significant changes include a comfortable sitting area, a sliding door that allows the store to spill out into the hallways and commons and a reconfigured storage area as well as new flooring, paint and lighting. While the online store can be accessed starting August 3, the physical store will welcome customers once Ontario reopens and Redeemer can have outside visitors. When this happens, the hope is to host additional events like book and poetry readings and low-key music performances. In both the physical store and online, a particular emphasis will be on maintaining an inventory of books written by Redeemer faculty and steeped in the rich knowledge of the Reformed Christian worldview. 

“At a university anchored in the Reformed Christian tradition, 21Five will reflect the depth and riches of Reformed Christian theology and philosophy as well as scholarship from a Reformed Christian perspective across many disciplines.”

“At a university anchored in the Reformed Christian tradition, 21Five will reflect the depth and riches of Reformed Christian theology and philosophy as well as scholarship from a Reformed Christian perspective across many disciplines,” says Dr. David Zietsma, interim president. “The rebrand and relaunch of the campus bookstore will help drive Redeemer’s unique mission forward, supporting efforts to bring Christ’s lordship to all areas of life and preparing students to bring the love and hope of Christ to wherever they are called. Whether it’s through Redeemer apparel or books exploring various issues and topics from a Reformed Chrisitan perspective, we are excited that 21Five will benefit the wider Christian community even as it blesses students and faculty.” 

While you wait to visit 21Five in person, browse or place an order in the online store. You can also keep up with renovation updates and learn about new products by following @21FiveBookstore on Instagram.