Our aims

A bookshop is more than a place to buy books. Here's what we're trying to do at 4 Queen Street.

Books get a second lifeEvery book on our second-hand shelves has already been read and loved by someone, and we want it read again. We buy, trade and resell books so they stay in circulation instead of gathering dust in a loft. Books we can't sell aren't thrown away: most go to our chosen charities, and PDSA gets the most of all. Even our shelves were handmade from recycled materials when we moved into our bigger premises in 2023.
Reading for everyoneWhatever you read and however much you read, there's a shelf here for you, from a first chapter book to a rare first edition. Romantasy and manga sit alongside Folio editions, Yorkshire history, horror, graphic novels and RPGs. Ask us anything: we'll happily help you find your next book, or a book for someone who says they don't read.
Affordable books, new and usedReading shouldn't be expensive. Our second-hand books are priced fairly, and new books sit alongside them so you can buy the latest release and an old favourite in one trip. Bring us the books you've finished with and we'll pay cash, or more in trade credit to spend in the shop.
Part of ScarboroughThe shop has sold books in Scarborough since 1981, and the Lofthouse name was on bookshops in Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby before that. We work with local businesses, authors and charities, and run events in the shop. If your charity, community group or project could use books, get in touch.

Friends of the shop

Who we work with

Charities we give to

Books we can't sell, and some we could, go to these charities so they can raise money or put them straight into people's hands.

PDSA Newborough, Scarborough PDSA is the UK's vet charity for pets whose owners can't afford treatment. It runs charity shops across the country, including one on Newborough in Scarborough. They are our number one: most of the books we can't sell go to them, and every one they sell helps pay for a sick or injured pet's care. Visit their website
The Rainbow Centre Castle Road, Scarborough A Scarborough charity for people who are homeless, vulnerable or in crisis. From Parish House on Castle Road it runs a food bank, a clothing bank, a café, a day centre and debt advice. We donate to them and are proud to support their work in our town. Visit their website
Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors Aberdeen Walk, Scarborough The local Age UK for Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale, an independent charity. It offers activities, events, support and advice for people over 50. Its charity shops in Eastfield, Falsgrave and Ramshill sell books among much else. Visit their website

Our Scarborough neighbours

Independent businesses and local people we work with. Pay them a visit.

Coast & County Scarborough A Scarborough letting agent and property manager. Coast & County look after lettings, block management and property development, from the Yorkshire coast to the Cheshire countryside. Visit their website
The Vintage Window St Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough Antiques, collectables and vintage finds on St Nicholas Cliff, a short walk from us. They sell in the shop and online, and buy medals, records, curios and whole collections. Well worth a browse after a visit to us. Visit their website
Antique & Collectors Centre 35 St Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough Scarborough's gold and silver buyers since 1965. They also deal in coins, banknotes, watches, medals, stamps, postcards and antiques, and give free valuations in the shop, by photo or by post. Visit their website
Mojo's Music Cafe 55 Victoria Road, Scarborough A friendly café on Victoria Road, known for its breakfasts, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. It hosts live and acoustic music sessions, so check what's on. Visit their Facebook page
Glenda Young Author Glenda Young writes north-east sagas and the Scarborough cosy crime mysteries, set at the Seaview Hotel, which were shortlisted for Best New Crime Series at the Dead Good Readers' Awards. She also writes official Coronation Street books. Look out for her books on our shelves. Visit their website

The book trade

The organisations behind every independent bookshop, ours included.

Gardners Eastbourne The UK's book wholesaler, based in Eastbourne, buying from publishers and supplying bookshops. Most of the new books we order in for you come through Gardners. Visit their website
The Booksellers Association UK and Ireland The membership body for bookshops in the UK and Ireland, covering more than 95% of them. It gives booksellers advice and services and campaigns for bookshops. We're members. Visit their website
National Book Tokens UK and Ireland The book gift card since 1932, spendable in bookshops across the UK and Ireland. You can spend National Book Tokens with us, and buy them in the shop as a gift. Visit their website

Run a Scarborough charity, group or business and want to work with us? Email books@mrslofthouse.co.uk or call in at 4 Queen Street, Scarborough YO11 1HA.