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
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.
Checked intoDiscover Books Book Donation Center (in parking lot of Super A Foods)
This is a curious way to collect books. I’m curious who’s behind the effort. Maybe a place to get rid of Little Free Library back stock?
Just saw this on the way to the Altadena Library. Stopped to check it out and ended up adding it to the map. Picked up a copy of Bad Kitty Meets the Baby.
View of the library from across the street
Home made wooden library with wooden shingles on the side and black tar shingles on top amidst several political posters
a close up of the brown wooden library with a white trim door and large glass window
On my way home I discovered a new Little Free Library I had never seen before, so I stopped in and picked up a book. This one is much larger than most and had a huge selection of books.
Checking out their potter set up–they’re pretty serious and have several kilns as well as lots of space and several wheels. May have to take up a new hobby. Who knew this was hiding up here?
They’ve also got a small, makeshift little free library/book exchange inside their office space.
We’re deeply saddened to report that our Founder, Todd H. Bol, passed away Thursday, October 18.
Todd spent much of the last decade working towards his vision of a world where neighbors know each other by name, and everyone has access to books. He was heartene...
I had just a tiny amount of advance notice that this was coming, but didn’t expect the ultimate news so soon.
You’ll be missed terribly, but your impact on the world was supremely profound.