This is what we do

Once Upon a Time Bookshop is a small independent community bookshop in the heart of Alston, Cumbria. Books full three floors with gifts, crafts, vintage toys and other items. Our middle floor is a perfect area for children with books for all ages. Climbing up the original spiral staircase to the top floor for more books including YA and Non-fiction and local authors.

How we are keeping the business safe.

There are a number of signs, floor stickers and posters up around the shop reminding people to keep a distance of 2m where possible. We have a screen over the till and desk. Shop is deep cleaned everyday when open. We have online ordering and requesting with click and collect in place via our social media twitter and instagram and though the out website. We are slowing uploading items onto the website.
We are limiting the number of customers in shop to 5 or 6 or family group due to limited space. And had been advised by Booksellers Association to remove toys and sitting. Which will be back as soon as we are back to normal.

We have had builders working on the bay windows so have been closed on days that they are scheduled to work and have asked them to keep distancing while they work on the building.

What we expect from you?

We ask customers to use the provided hand sanitizer and wear a mask if possible. Please keep to the social distancing guidelines.