Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
In a narrow passage between two buildings on High Street, San Fernando, 42-year-old Mervyn Baisden has built a bookstall that supplies second-hand schoolbooks to students across Trinidad.
Unable to afford new books as a child, Baisden remembers the feeling of not having, so if someone needs a book and cannot pay for it, he gives it away at a trade, or sometimes, for free.
Speaking to Guardian Media on Saturday, Baisden said he grew up using his brother’s books while attending San Fernando Boys’ RC and later Marabella Junior Secondary.
“I didn’t have new books growing up. I used hand-me-downs. Some people said I was cheating but to me, it was like having a tutor. The books gave me what I needed to get through school,” he said.
He noted that bookselling began as a small sidewalk setup and later he had a space at City Mall in San Fernando but after the mall burned down, he had nowhere to go.
“We used to sell outside, but I got locked up more than once. Then a family friend who owns this building gave me this space. We’ve been here since,” he said.
Books now line the walls of the passage, stacked four feet high. A tarpaulin keeps them dry. Baisden said all the books are organised from memory.
“Just tell me the name. I’ll pull it for you,” he said.
Each July and August, Baisden reopens for the back-to-school rush.
“We came out the day after school closed. Some people say we buy too many books, but we don’t see it as a loss. We see it as helping people,” he added.
The stall carries primary to CAPE-level books.
“We sell some primary books for $5 to $10, and secondary books from $50. If someone can’t afford a book, we still try to help. Bring your books, and if they’re good, we’ll trade or give you what you need,” he added.
Baisden expressed support for the Ministry of Education’s policy of not changing booklists.
“It’s a good move. It helps the less fortunate. Publishers want to change books to sell more, but using old books helps families. I grew up that way,” he said.
His customers come from across the country. Some donate books after exams. Others return for trades.
“We try to sell below half price. If a new book costs $100, we try to sell it for $70 or less,” Baisden said.
He keeps records of all books sold, so if a student returns saying it’s the wrong one, he will exchange it. “Even if they write their name in it, once it came from us, we’ll change it,” he added.
His stepmother, Laura Baisden, also helps, saying it is a family business.
“We sell only what’s in decent shape. Some have names written in them, but they’re still usable. We just want children to have what they need.”
Baisden also offers a WhatsApp number (293-4353) for those seeking books or wanting to donate.
“This is about giving back. We don’t turn anyone away. We don’t ask where you come from. If you need help, we help,” he added.
