News and Events
February 2022

Meet the Staff: Daniel O’Brien

Daniel O'Brien smiles in sunglasses.

Say hello to Daniel O’Brien, 826DC’s new Store Coordinator! On Saturdays, you’ll find Daniel running our Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co. storefront.

The 826DC team is delighted to be working with Daniel. A writer and a former seventh-grade English teacher, he brings his enthusiasm for our mission into everything that he does here. We can’t wait for you to meet him!

In the meantime, check out this Q&A to get to know Daniel a little better:


Name: Daniel O’Brien
Job Title: 826DC Coordinator
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Glastonbury, CT


What drew you to 826DC? 

I’ve been a fan of everything to do with 826 for years! The way I see it, anything that jogs imaginations is a good thing. I’m glad to be part of a team bringing a little magic to someone’s day. 

If you were a magician, what would be your signature magic trick?

Making coffee disappear! 

Growing up, what was your favorite book?

This is a hard one for me; there are just so many formative books that I associate with different times in my life! That said, I keep a soft spot in my heart for Harold and the Purple Crayon

What inspired you to get involved with this kind of work, and why do you think it’s so important?

In my own life, books were always portals to complicated, interesting, accessibly beautiful versions of the world I was living in. I now attribute much of my curiosity and ability to empathize to the time I spent (and continue to spend) reading. Having worked in education for a decade, I’ve had the lucky opportunity to see students light up when they find themselves or their interests present in a story. 826DC creates an environment where this act of discovery can happen for the rising generation of DC’s storytellers, ultimately making the city even more curious and empathetic.