EASTHAMPTON – Keystone Mill is welcoming its first cafe, Big Bear Used Books and Cafe, which is set to open no later than Oct 1.

Veronica Frantz-Eggleston co-manages and co-owns it with her son Chandler Frantz and her husband Don Eggleston. She controls 51 percent of the business to qualify for a woman-owned business.

“It all started with our desire to save books from landfills. We then thought, ‘hey ... let’s share our passion for books and coffee with our community.’ We want it to be a safe, comfortable space for everyone to enjoy,” said Eggleston.

In a time where businesses are finding themselves shutting down, it is uplifting to see some open up. She said they have a great support system within the ownership and management of the Keystone Building.

“They have made some of the seemingly impossible things, possible. Also, a coffee shop on this side of town is desperately needed. We weighed the risks of opening during the pandemic and figured it was worth it,” said Eggleston.

She pointed out that they made this happen with their savings – no loans or debit or credit cards.

“This required significant family discussions and restructuring our household bills, but we felt this was important during these times. In case of another shutdown, it allows us to only worry about our lease payment, as opposed to a multitude of business bills,” she said.

The cafe will also have an online option for ordering coffee, pastry goods, and books. They also sell books online on Amazon as a third party. Eggleston said they are opening the online part soon for those who are not comfortable entering establishments. It also allows them to move to online ordering in case of another shutdown.

They have partnered with Esselon Coffee in Hadley to serve their roasts, tea, and cold beverages.

The cafe has also partnered with Union Street Bistro and Bakery to serve their baked goods. Later in the fall, the cafe will also be serving homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Customers who enter the bookstore will have to abide by the CDC protocols as well as the Easthampton Board of Health requirements. Everyone must wear a mask and social distance.

Due to the cafe being larger, they can allow up to 25 people at a time.

The space will also be sanitized to keep customers and themselves safe.

“We are a used book store, so I feel if we are wiping down books and the covers get a bit more worn, it is worth it for the peace of mind the cleaning provides,” said Eggleston.

Big Bear Used Books and Cafe will offer seating both inside the space and in the hallway of the building for those who may not be comfortable with sitting inside. There will be chairs throughout the bookstore to sit and read, a children’s corner, a piano, and a space to rent for book clubs. They will also be featuring local artists and local businesses.

Big Bear Used Books and Cafe, located in Unit 132 of the Keystone Mill at 122 Pleasant St., will be open Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.