The Los Angeles Police Department opened its 18th Little Free Library at its West Valley Station Thursday.
City Councilwoman Nury Martinez is helping stock the free lending library. She announced a monthlong book drive Wednesday. New and slightly used books can be dropped off until Nov. 30 at donation bins at City Hall and at Martinez’s district offices in Van Nuys, 9300 Laurel Canyon Blvd., and Sun Valley, 14410 Sylvan St.
The idea is to “encourage families living in low-income communities to make books and stories a part of their family,” she said. “Unfortunately, communities like mine are disproportionately affected by the achievement gap, but I hope this book drive will not only result in books for the Little Libraries but also a love of reading for local families.”
Officer Heidi Stoecklein, the police department’s Little Libraries coordinator, said people check out about 2,400 books per week at sister locations. The LAPD’s West Valley Station is at 19020 Vanowen St. The nonprofits A Chance for Children and Water Buffalo Club helped establish the free library.
—City News Service