A York bookshop has closed for three weeks as it prepares for its next chapter.
Oxfam Books Petergate closed after trading on Wednesday (6 March) for a refurbishment. It hopes to reopen on Tuesday, 26 March when it can showcase a new and improved shop.
Volunteers at the second-hand bookshop on Low Petergate will celebrate the reopening on Saturday, 30 March, and are inviting customers and donors to join the celebration.
Historic address
It is believed that the building was once used as accommodation for staff from York College for Girls which was located in the building opposite between 1908 and 1997.
Work has been due on the historic building for over three years, but funding has only just become available to ensure the vital work is carried out, to ensure the shop and its volunteers can continue to raise much needed funds well into the future.
Oxfam GB’s Trading arm raise vital funds for those living in poverty, both in the UK and around the world.
The Low Petergate shop alone contributed £91,604 towards Oxfam’s fundraising total in the last financial year.
Party time
The reopening celebration will take place in the shop from 9:30am until 5:30pm on Saturday 30th March.
There will be goodie bags for the first 20 customers through the door. Cakes will be available, and customers can explore the improved shop and browse the donated books.
Oxfam shop manager Nick Smith said:
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We are delighted that this work is being done, and can’t wait to be able to share our new look shop with our customers.
Our volunteers are integral to the running of our shop, and already create a wonderful atmosphere.
It is great that they will finally get to volunteer in a shop which is more comfortable and presentable.