On July 1, Tanya Chernyak, a former Scholastic book designer, and her husband, Patrick Preziosi, a small press and consignment manager at McNally Jackson, opened a bookshop in Red Hook. Red Hook Books will be a new place to “buy, read and make books.”
The couple and their dog, Ralphie, live in the neighborhood and have always dreamt of opening a bookshop, so when the right space on Coffey Street became available, they jumped on the opportunity.
Preziosi, who curates the book selection for the shop, prioritizes working with local publishers, including Brooklyn-based Archipelago Books, which translates world literature.
“As for book selection, a lot of it is sourced from my own collection, as well as that of similarly-minded friends,” Preziosi shares, “but I’m also inspired by people’s curiosity and openness.” The bookshop does accept book donations.
Not only do they sell a mix of new and used books, they’re hoping the shop will be a “third space” for the community to gather, create art, and, of course, discuss books.
Chernyak is focusing on programming for the shop, including coptic book binding classes (the earliest style of bookbinding from Egypt) and book clubs. Their first book club meeting will be held on August 13 at 7 p.m. and will cover Bullet Park by John Cheever.
The store will also host a Crafty Happy Hour with Good Crafternoon, a creative educational organization run by Red Hook resident Jessie Wayburn. Chernyak is also planning to launch a Plein Air Club this fall where participants will paint around the neighborhood.
Preziosi and Chernyak are hoping the space becomes the neighborhood “living room,” available to the community for any clubs and events that anyone can dream up.
Red Hook Books is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m at 123 Coffey Street.
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