Are you allowed to read books while working at a book store?

Question

Are you allowed to read books while working at a book store?

Answer 1

You either have to ask your boss or the other people you work with. At least look to see if the others do if you feel embarrassed asking. I worked in a bookstore for a couple of years, and in general we weren't allowed to read while at the register, because if we weren't ringing someone up, we were supposed to be shelving books, pulling books for return or straightening the books in "our section" ( we all had a section we were accountable for). I know different stores have different rules - some stores assign you either to the floor or the register, and if you have no customers while at the register, you were allowed to read. Best idea is to ask your direct supervisor so that you're clear with each other. Aside from that, from my experience, everyone read when things were slow and the boss wasn't around. Watch out for evil co-workers, though and learn the store dynamics before you "goof off" and make yourself vulnerable to someone who might cost you your job.

Answer 2

Absolutely no!!

Answer 3

The boss would be the best one to ask about that.

Bookstore or not, if I were the boss, I would not permit my employees to read books on the clock.  You are being paid to work, not to read.

Answer 4

It all depends on your boss and job. If you are working at a chain-store book store in a mall or public place rules may be stricter as to what is a no-no and what can be allowed while working.

Whereas if you are working at a less upscale book store rules and your boss may be less strict with what you are allowed to do.

A good idea is to talk to your boss about what is acceptable and inquire about reading on the job and what their opinion/rules are. It is the best way to find out what the job entails without getting fired for something you didn't know about.

Answer 5

Most likely no. I worked at Books-A-Million (a chain bookstore) and that was definitely a HUGE no-no! If it's an independent bookstore it might be ok, but you should definitely check first.

Answer 6

yeah i don't see why not as long as you are paying attention to your customers

Answer 7

i am sure you can as long as you help the customers when they need it.  you could just ask your boss if you're unsure.

Answer 8

No.  They generally aren't paying you to read, any more than they pay a bartender to drink when tending bar or paying a person in a bedding store to sleep.

Answer 9

Only in your break.. Otherwise you could ask can you eat cake when you worke in a bakery... only in your break and if you pay for it... in your worktime you are there to work not to read...