Opened in the Summer of 1998, the Penn Bookstore combines the elements of a full-service academic bookstore with the amenities of a Barnes and Noble superstore. The Computer Connection is housed within the bookstore and carries hardware as well as a wide selection of peripherals, accessories and software.

Among the store's 130,000 titles are approximately 90,000 academic books, making it one of the most comprehensive academic bookstores in the country. It also features a large Faculty Authors section and extensive World News section. Throughout the store are murals and kiosks depicting the rich history and favorite images of Penn.