When it opened in 2000, Brownstone Books was the first bookstore in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in over 30 years. Created in a conscious effort to bring people in the community together, the bookstore is now a vibrant local center.
Brownstone Books is owned and operated by Crystal and Walston Bobb-Semple, who returned to Bedford-Stuyvesant from San Francisco to create a business that would contribute to their local community. Aided by a grant from the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the Bobb-Semple's designed their store to showcase local talent and encourage community participation.
Their large well-lighted store, which replaced a rundown laundromat, carries authors, titles, and topics reflecting the interests of local African American, Caribbean and African residents, and sells the crafts of local artisans. Up-and-coming and well-established authors from the African Diaspora such as Nikki Giovanni and former Bedford-Stuyvesant resident Paule Marshall, frequently hold readings and book signings at the store. All in all, Brownstone organizes between 50 and 60 community-related events each year.
On the Web
Anonymous Nominator
Nominated through the Central Brooklyn Community Focus Project.
Links:
[1] http://placematters.net/node/1071
[2] http://www.brownstonebooks.com
[3] http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fplacematters.net%2Fnode%2F1071&linkname=Brownstone%20Books%20%28former%29
[4] http://placematters.net/printmail/1071
[5] http://placematters.net/print/1071
[6] http://placematters.net/ESRImap/index.html#Brownstone%20Books%20%28former%29
[7] http://placematters.net/place_tags/61
[8] http://placematters.net/place_tags/51
[9] http://placematters.net/place_tags/52
[10] http://placematters.net/place_tags/80
[11] http://placematters.net/place_tags/85
[12] http://placematters.net/nominate