Augusta University marked the official opening of the Greenblatt Market on Oct. 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Robert B. Greenblatt, M.D. Library. The event featured remarks from AU President Russell T. Keen, First Lady Karen B. Keen, AU Libraries Dean Brad Warren, and 2025 Mr. Augusta Tyler Guy.
Students attending the event had an opportunity to sample products from the market and participate in activities such as spinning a prize wheel for items like clothing and commemorative cups. The library also distributed promotional materials to engage with students.
The Greenblatt Market began operating at the start of the fall semester and is located near the entrance off Laney-Walker Boulevard. It offers a variety of food, beverages, and essentials including Starbucks espresso drinks through a Serenade machine. Notably, it operates as an honor market using Mashgin’s AI-powered self-checkout system that identifies items placed on its scale.
Dean Brad Warren explained the rationale for placing the market within the library: “Since libraries see access to items as one of their main missions, it was fitting to place the market inside Greenblatt Library.” He added that this service supports students who may need meals or snacks while studying or want dinner options to take home.
Warren highlighted another advantage: “Since the market is open the same hours as the library, it ensures convenient access to meals at times when other options are not available.”
Feedback from patrons has been positive since its launch, prompting Sodexo to adjust inventory based on requests by offering products ranging from energy drinks and candy bars to sushi and laundry detergent.
Warren also noted: “The market is designed with not just the library in mind, but also student housing and supporting campus life.”
