Friday, March 21, 2025

LeVar Burton Beams Into the Altadena Library Saturday for Community Celebration

Special event marks reopening after Eaton Fire closure

The Altadena Library District will welcome the community back to its Main Library with a special reopening celebration on Saturday, March 22, following a temporary closure due to the Eaton Fire. The event, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature a reading by actor and author LeVar Burton, support for local businesses, music, and family-friendly activities.

“We’ve been partnering with local agencies and organizations to support our community,” said Nikki Winslow, District Director. “Now that we’ve reopened Main, we can provide much-needed resources directly to Altadenans. Our libraries are gathering places for people to come back together and connect with friends and neighbors. We want to be a symbol of hope and recovery for our community as it rebuilds.”

Burton will read his children’s book, “The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm,” at 11 a.m., which offers an important message for families to talk about trauma and healing. He has also donated copies of the book for an entire grade of Altadena students.

“I wrote Rhino in an effort to help children deal with life’s tragedies and attendant trauma in an age-appropriate manner,” said Burton. “I believe its message, that together we can weather any storm, is perfect for the Altadena community right now.”

The celebration highlights the resilience of Altadena’s local businesses, featuring free food from vendors and restaurants impacted by the fire, including Prime Pizza, El Patron, and Lark Cake Shop. Local musicians Jake Troth and White Denim’s James Petralli will provide entertainment.

Troth, a multi-platinum singer-songwriter who moved to Altadena days before the Eaton Fire, lost most of his archive and writings on January 7. He hopes to help aspiring songwriters express themselves through song during the rebuilding process. Troth has worked with artists such as Lizzo, Backstreet Boys, Kehlani, and Kyle. His latest release “Manor” is streamable everywhere now via UP&At’EM.

Petralli, whose child attends Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary School in the heart of West Altadena and the Eaton Fire burn zone, is excited to bring joy to his community alongside Burton. James Petralli / White Denim is an American rock band having recently released their 12th album, 12.

Activities such as arts & crafts and face painting will be available for families. Support + Feed, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit working to combat food insecurity and the climate crisis by providing plant-based meals and resources, will be providing meals to the event, continuing their vital work in the Altadena community following the Eaton Fire.

The WME Foundation made the event possible and is also supporting the Pasadena Educational Foundation to benefit Altadena schools. Donations to the PEF Eaton Fire Response Fund provide critical support for both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts for Altadena students and their families.

“WME is proud to support the reopening of the Altadena Library, a vital public space, alongside our client LeVar Burton following the Eaton Fire, while providing financial support to Altadena schools through the Pasadena Educational Foundation,” said Dakota Ortiz, VP of Impact, Inclusion & Advocacy at WME. “This event is part of our broader commitment to the Altadena community, leveraging our resources and collaborating with clients to support residents during a difficult time.”

Tomm Polos, a professional on-camera host, professor, and founding director of Creator Arts at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, will serve as the emcee for the event. He has hosted at Tribeca Film Festival, the Final Four, and emceed for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Altadena Library District has been providing library services and resources to the community since 1926. The District said it is working to support Altadenans and local organizations every way it can.

To find out more about the District, visit: www.AltadenaLibrary.org.