The Old Library Bookshop

I have come across this odious man twice, and will not go back to Hawes until I learn that he has gone for good. He seems to be some sort of hero to some people but I can assure you that he is just gratuitously offenisve and gives booksellers and the town of Hawes a bad name. I have bought many secondhand books over many decades but walked out of his shop on both occasions because of his grossly offensive attitudes. I hope that reports that he may be leaving are true. If he is replaced by someone who has basic manners they will find I am a willing customer.

Still owes me my 50p back from 1994

From 'The Westmorland Gazette', January 4th 2017, 'Hawes market town bookseller has been criticised by a parish council for behaviour it claims is "bringing the town into disrepute". Steve Bloom, owner of Bloomindales, based in Hawes Market House, has been accused of being bad mannered to customers who refuse to pay his 50p entry charge.
Chairman of Hawes Parish Council Cllr John Blackie said members want the bookseller to change his attitude to customers – or to leave the town.
Cllr Blackie added: “The bookseller is a discredit to the good reputation of the town, he is letting the Market House trustees down time and again.” '
I think this also proves Bloom is a disgrace to the secondhand book trade.
Some people seem to think being offensive is clever; a very sad reflection on our society.

We've been here a few times, bought a Smith's CD on our last visit. The owner isn't your usual book seller, but he's not Genghis Khan either. There is lots of interesting stuff there, it's worth a browse.
We were not asked for 50p but he did ask us if we had bought anything from him before, which we thought was a bit unusual.

If you don't like it, shop elsewhere. If Mr Bloom is happy with the level of business he achieves, then there is no problem. People need to get out more if this is their most important issue to complain about. Same goes for the council. I hope all this fuss has a positive effect on his business, we need more interesting high street shops, and this one certainly fits the bill. Good luck Mr Bloom.