Bibliophile Darlene Bell-Alexander has parlayed her love for books and her business acumen into Ms. Permello's Reading Room. After several years as a successful attorney in the corporate arena, this wife and mother of four decided it was time to do something more to give back to the community in which she was born and raised.

The seeds for such a Reading Room were planted years before by Darlene's mother, Gerri Rivers, who instilled in her children a strong educational and work ethic. Some of Darlene's earliest and most cherished childhood memories are of those spending time with her mother while learning to read. With the support of her father, local businessman, Wilbur B. Bell, Darlene secured a location in the heart of Perrine to give birth to her dream.

Her hard work and tenacity has built the inaugural collection of over 1,000 books, which were donated from schools, community service organizations and ordinary citizens who wanted to be a part of this remarkable effort.

The name for the Reading Room is inspired by Ms. Permello Bell, Darlene's paternal grandmother, who was Perrine's first commercial babysitter in the 1940's and 50's. She used to watch children for $1.00 a week, while their parents worked in the fields. For that price, she would give the children three full meals and wash the diapers.

Darlene honors her entrepreneurial and compassionate spirit by finding ways to help and inspire the children of Perrine.