Bards Alley Bookshop — Local services in Vienna

So... We go to this book store probably every couple mos. We've spent hundreds there, at least. I totally understand the need to wear masks and I always comply with such rules. Today, I happened to go in with my two boys and my husband. One of my sons has autism. The lady at the counter was very short with him. Apparently he had let his mask down too low on his face. She told him to put in on fully with a nasty attitude. I then responded by saying, I'm sorry, he has a disability, he didn't know.' - To which she says nothing. I then asked her if she heard me and she said she did in a nasty way. It was awkward and hurtful. While I understand and respect the rules (we always come in masked), what i don't understand is this employee's lack of respect for my son, me, and my family. During this time, it's important to be kind and for store employees to forget that and be rude, particularly to a child with a disability and then his mother, is unnecessary. Here's a surprise: We won't be back! We have no problem taking our business elsewhere. Bye-bye Bard's!

Edited to add: In response to owner's comment... It doesn't not cost a lot to be kind. Additionally, she was rude to my son, rude to me, and again, I did inform her of his disability and when I asked if she'd heard me, she replied yes. Hire maybe some individuals with some people skills! And maybe get...

I’ve tried to support this bookstore whenever I’m in the area. It’s super cute and warm inside and the young, seasonal booksellers are really kind. However, the few times I’ve come in the employees that I assume work there most of the time are not as warm as the environment the store exudes. There were moments where I’ve visited, made eye contact with an employee first coming in, said hello, and was not greeted in return. That’s fine, but when they proceed to help every other customer that comes in except yourself it starts to feel exclusive. I get that Vienna is going to cater to a mostly white audience, but when you observe that you’re the only POC in the store and are not being treated with the same service, it tends to leave a bad taste in one’s mouth. I hope they can practice what some of the books that they sell teach in the future—...

This is what Church Street in Vienna should be about - a place you can drop in, find what you want , chat with the owners and operators and meet your friends. The book selection is a nice mix of current and classic works. They manage to find the most upbeat of the independent publications as well as some things that make you question your own point of view. Great children’s book section with funny and thoughtful picture books and nice selection of teen books. They even manage to have a great sci-fi section. Oh, and almost forgot to mention the day my daughter found 5 science related books she wanted to read. Great place to find a gift and something to read...