Since January 7, wildfires have devastated communities throughout southern California. As of the writing of this post, the Palisades, Eaton, Hughes, Border 2, and Laguna fires are all still raging, causing over 200,000 Californians to face evacuation orders and burning over 16,000 structures. This destruction has hit certain towns incredibly hard, destroying people’s homes, businesses, and public facilities such as libraries.
In response, local organizations, businesses, and individuals have rallied to provide relief, offering everything from shelter to food and monetary donations to help restore the vitality of these communities. Amid this devastation, I’ve been particularly moved by the inspiring efforts of local libraries and booksellers to support their neighbors in need.
Libraries on the Front Lines
Several libraries in the region have had to shut their doors in response to the fires. The Palisades fire destroyed the Los Angeles Public Library’s (LAPL’s) Palisades Branch Library. Meanwhile, the ongoing Eaton fire has compelled the Altadena Main Library to shut its doors for employees and the public through the end of January.
Despite this, the Los Angeles County Library (LACL) and LAPL systems have become beacons of support for those affected by the fires. LACL and the Altadena Library District have launched the Connected Wellness campaign, which provides community members with personal Mi-Fi hotspots and wellness-related items such as diapers and menstrual products. Open LACL branches have also hosted FEMA representatives to assist the public with applying for aid.
Booksellers Step Up
In the past few weeks, many booksellers in the region have taken up the mantle of providing community care. Several bookstores such as The Last Bookstore in Studio City and Book Soup in West Hollywood opened their doors in the early days of the fires to displaced people to charge their devices and regroup.
Octavia’s Bookshelf in Altadena served as a noteworthy center for community relief in the first few weeks after the fire. After finding the shop had avoided any serious fire damage, the staff opened its doors to the Altadena community, taking books off the shelves and transforming the shop into a donation distribution center. As of late January, the store is directing those who wish to help to Altadena’s Displaced Black Families GoFundMe directory.
Underdog Books in Monrovia are currently distributing community care items such as food, water, masks, diapers, and other essentials. Children’s Books for Altadena is coordinating with several area booksellers to run a donation drive that collects books for children displaced by the fires.
What Can I Do?Right now, the fires are still raging in California. But even when they burn out, the people left in their wake will need help rebuilding and supporting those left most vulnerable. If you’re looking to make a difference, there are many ways to help. The ALA disaster relief fund is currently accepting donations to rebuild libraries damaged by the wildfires. The Library Foundation of Los Angeles is also gathering support funds for affected library staff and recovery funds for the Palisades Branch Library. LACL is also accepting monetary donations for Connected Wellness. Supporting these organizations will help restore vital resources and services, supporting Californians in this critical moment.
Written by Rachel Taub.