A new independent second-hand bookshop in Loftus, North Yorkshire, is offering visitors a novel experience: the opportunity to become a guest bookseller for a short period of time. Read and Rabbit, situated near the North York Moors and the Yorkshire coastline, allows guests to stay in a flat above the shop for a minimum of three nights and optionally work shifts selling books and engaging with customers.
Owned by Marta Eleniak, Read and Rabbit is the first establishment of its kind in England, following a similar but more established model at The Open Book in Wigtown, Scotland. Since its opening in 2014, The Open Book has become a popular destination for book enthusiasts worldwide and now maintains a waiting list of two years for guest booksellers. Eleniak provides instructions and support for visitors who want to assist in running the shop, although an in-person induction is also available.
During shifts, guest booksellers serve a mix of local residents and tourists, engaging with customers over book recommendations and local life. The shop has drawn support from the community through donations, favors, and shared resources. Eleniak highlights the social role of Read and Rabbit as more than a retail space, emphasizing its value as a community hub and a means to combat loneliness. Speaking of the conversations generated through the bookshop, she describes them as sometimes therapeutic and deeply rewarding.
Financial support for Read and Rabbit includes a £4,000 grant from the North York Moors National Park Authority. The funding is intended to enhance visitor experiences and stimulate the local economy, enabling improvements such as new decorations, bookshelves, and lighting.
Beyond the shop, the area around Loftus offers scenic and less crowded coastal landscapes compared to other nearby parts of Yorkshire. The stretch from Staithes to Saltburn-on-Sea features golden sands and quiet walking paths, including access to the secluded Cattersty Sands. Visitors can also explore Staithes, a historic seaside town known for its cobbled streets and fishing tradition.
Local amenities complement the visitor experience, with establishments like the Cod and Lobster pub in Staithes serving fresh seafood in a venue with deep historical roots dating back to 1823. For those staying at Read and Rabbit, the nearby Willow Cake Shop offers award-winning baked goods, often selling out quickly.
By combining bookselling with tourism and local engagement, Read and Rabbit provides a distinctive cultural experience, blending literary passion with community connection in the heart of North Yorkshire.