Reposted a post by Altadena Library DistrictAltadena Library District (Facebook.com)

A top priority for the Altadena Libraries is to reach populations that are historically underserved and increase access to library services and resources. A multitude of issues can limit people from accessing literacy tools, so homegrown, community-driven initiatives like Little Free Libraries (LFL) are ideal channels through which to provide access to books and other literacy tools. Chris Aldrich is a steward of his own LFL #8424, and as a champion for Little Free Libraries in Altadena, he keeps books in his car to "pollinate" other libraries he sees. Talking with library staff, he noted that throughout the pandemic, he has been surprised and encouraged to see people walking to LFLs with their children and reading books on the spot, transforming LFLs from just quick pick-up locations to actual reading destinations.

After learning about the Altadena Zine Library, Chris decided to create a zine listing all Little Free Libraries in Altadena, both those officially registered with LittleFreeLibrary.org and not, with photos and locations for Altadenans to explore! As the Altadena Library District and the Friends of the Altadena Library work together to steward surplus book donations and as the District’s mobile library program gets rolling, library staff will draw on on Chris’ vast knowledge and passion about the Little Free Library movement to support the inventories of Altadena LFLs, reach underserved communities, and potentially even build new LFLs! #NationalLibraryWeek2021 #NationalLibraryWeekinAltadena

Photo clipped from the Altadena Libraries newsletter featuring a street view of the blue Little Free Library #8424 boxSnapshot of Chris Aldrich in a plaid shirt next to Tod Bol wearing a white shirt

PICTURED:
- Chris’ very own Little Free Library
- Chris (left) and founder of the Little Free Library movement Todd Bol (right)

I suspected they were going to do something, but just hadn’t seen it yet. The Altadena Libraries have featured me in their newsletter this past month for some of my Little Free Library work.

Altadena Library zines and “Books I’ve Loved in 2020”

I just put a handful of copies of Altadena Library‘s new zine Books I’ve Loved in 2020 into our Little Free Library for the neighborhood to enjoy. I’d gotten a preview copy a week ago and loved it.

In addition to our neighborhood LFL, you can find it at the local branches of the Altadena Library (they just re-opened for curbside pick up today) and at select Little Free Libraries around Altadena.

If you love zines, they’ve got a collection of others to check out. They’ve also been hosting a regular zine workshop on the third Saturday of the month. You should be able to pick up a zine kit for the next meeting, which I’m hoping to attend. Maybe I’ll put together a zine featuring some of our local neighborhood Little Free Libraries?

Checked into Altadena Public Library - Main
First person in line for the re-opening of the Altadena Libaries curbside pick up after they’ve been closed for a while due to the pandemic lockdown.

This also means I’ve managed to snag the Orion StarBlast 4.5″ Altazimuth Reflector Telescope! Their Library of Things options are fantastic and it’s great that they’re able to loan out so many useful items. I can’t wait to do some enhanced stargazing this week.

Orion Starblast 4.5" Altazimuth Reflector Tabletop Telescope on a small table with instruction manual next to large yellow hard carryingcase

I also picked up a copy of Encyclopedia Brown: Tracks them Down.

The library also donated a box full of children and YA titles and a dozen copies of their new Books I’ve Loved in 2020 zine to put into Little Free Library #8424.

fanned out display of five copies of the Altadena Library zine "Books I've loved in 2020"

Followed This Is Altadena (Podomatic)
Welcome to This Is Altadena, a podcast hosted by the Altadena Libraries, celebrating people's life experiences and stories, and the hidden histories of Altadena, California.
I just discovered “This Is Altadena” a podcast by the Altadena Library District. Adding it to my list of local Pasadena, South Pasadena, and Altadena area news sources.

To my knowledge this is the only local area podcast I’ve come across.