She stayed with this concept for five years and then transitioned into a children's book store. Originally, in 1999, Dawn used the space next door to her home as a literacy center. " Today, she continues to donate to shelters and to give books to local day care centers. "Since this was a gift to me, I had to give back. " Partially funded with a loan from the City, Dawn made it into a duplex. She paid $5000 for what she described as just a shell with no roof. On February 28th, 1982, Dawn "won" the brownstone where she resides - in the first New York City lottery. "Right next door to the shop, Dawn owns the brownstone where children's books are wall-to-wall including the bathrooms. "Since I opened, I have always felt that I must have a reason for my customer to want to shop in my store. Dawn told me that she is constantly on the lookout for things that are not sold in the big chains. The shelves are filled with dolls, stuffed animals, puzzles, craft kits, bath toys and a selection for babies. There is also a wonderful section of non-book items. From board books, to picture books, beginning readers and chapter books, there is something for every child at Grandma's - with a strong representation of both current and classic multi-cultural titles. Dawn and her pleasant staff never seem to mind and parents, in turn, are respectful of their child's play. Kids are encouraged to play, to look through the books, and little ones are enthralled by being able to take the mini shopping cart and fill it up with different items that they can reach and take for a whirl through the space. Being a grandmother of three, myself, was enough to make me want to venture in, but having also owned my own children's book store, I was absolutely thrilled to look through every inch of space in this welcoming, well-curated collection of items for children of all ages. There was nothing to indicate that tucked away, just off Lenox Avenue, I was about to come upon this incredible Harlem hidden gem. "Discovering this children's educational toy and book shop, was totally unexpected. Without a doubt, Dawn has earned the beloved title of "Grandmother of the neighborhood. During my visits, on several occasions, it seemed that the entire neighborhood was dropping by simply to receive a warm hug from Dawn Harris-Martine, and possibly sticking around a bit longer to entertain their little ones, or share some local gossip with the owner of this remarkable staple on 120th Street. People do not only stop into Grandma's Place to pick up a gift for a birthday party, or something special for their own child.
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