A MotherSister Minute: Dare Books
I can’t count the number of times I’ve passed Dare Books on the way into BAM (right across the street) or Thomas Beisl (and New City before it, right next door) and thought, “Hmm, I wonder what they sell in that bookstore and how, in this age of bookstore closings, they’re hanging on?” A stroll with The Scamp during brunch forced me to slow down my hustle today, though, and this time I finally poked my head into the store.
I should’ve done it sooner. As Desmond A. Reid, the Jamaica-born owner who’s been a Brooklynite for more than 40 years, says, “I educate from the cradle to the grave.” Indeed, his shop has a full range of great books, including general fiction and nonfiction, a terrific selection of children’s books, materials for teachers and parents, and African, African-American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies.
Despite its central location at the very heart of what’s being dubbed the BAM Cultural District, Reid says the foot traffic isn’t what he expected when he opened the store, as people (including teachers with school groups) are usually rushing into BAM to catch their show and then rushing off afterwards. Instead, a cadre of loyal clients who prefer to touch and handle their books and buy them from someone they know have kept the store going for nearly 20 years.
OPENED: I began the business in April 1982, working from home, and then on Pacific between Flatbush and Fourth. I opened here in February 1989.
WHY IN FORT GREENE/CLINTON HILL: I thought being across from BAM would be advantageous.
BESTSELLING ITEM: Right now? The bestselling walk-in is Medical Apartheid.
MIKE’S COFFEE SHOP OR PRATT COFFEE SHOP: I haven’t eaten there. I don’t eat out a lot. I use Sally’s [on Flatbush]. I go to Brawta sometimes. Golden Krust, sometimes.
TIPS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The only recommendation I have is to make sure you have a lot of money. [laughs]
Dare Books & Educational Supplies is at 33 Lafayette Ave. (btw St. Felix Street and Ashland Place; 718/625-4651). Open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 6:30pm and Saturday from 11am to 6pm.