The Light with Raymond Tyler
Educator Darren Palmer has started the latest chapter in his life by making a direct investment in the community with the opening of L’ouverture Books and Gifts, in the heart of Pleasantville.
Palmer worked as an assistant principal and principal in public education since 2004 prior to opening the store. Upon retiring in June of 2022, Palmer decided his next move would be to bring his love of reading to the community.
The store, located at 6 Old Turnpike Road, is named after the great Haitian general, Toussaint L’ouverture. It’s full of natural sunlight and a wonderful selection of diverse reading material.
For comic book fans there are graphic novels featuring all the popular characters from Black Panther, to Spiderman and The Hulk. I found myself marveling at the vintage magazine rack, where you can buy magazines that are 20 years old or more.
L’ouverture has a great selection of children’s books that includes biographies of people like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and “Class Act,” the sequel to bestseller “New Kid.”
When I asked Palmer about a book for my 14-year-old niece, he showed me the compelling “Growing Up X,” by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kim McLarin, a book by the daughter of Malcolm X discussing her experience coming of age without her father.
L’ouverture Books and Gifts offers books of all kinds by authors of every background. You will find books that share ideas from black, white, old, young, men and women, and almost every religious or idealistic background. Palmer opened L’ouverture to be a place where people can share ideas.
You will also find a wide array of art, postcards, some non-perishable food items, rich and aromatic coffees and teas, even a statue or two.
L’ouverture is open Monday-Saturday, but through the magic of the internet, you can shop any time, any day by visiting www.Louverturebooks.com
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
