Thursday, July 17, 2025

Altadena Library Hosts Therapeutic Storytelling Event to Aid Fire Recovery

Courtesy of Families in Schools via Facebook

The Altadena Library District will host “Bringing Comfort Through Stories,” a therapeutic storytelling event designed to support community healing after the Eaton Fire that devastated Altadena. Scheduled for July 19 at 3 p.m., the event leverages storytelling as a healing tool for a community experiencing profound loss.

“We want the library District to be a symbol of hope and recovery for our community,” said Nikki Winslow, District Director of the Altadena Library District, which reopened in March after a two-month closure due to the fire.

The Eaton Fire destroyed nearly 60% of residential structures in Altadena. In response, initiatives like “Altadena Rising” have emerged as platforms for healing through storytelling.

“What began as an emergency response to document fire damage has evolved into something more meaningful – a platform for community healing. We recognize that sharing stories is a crucial first step in processing loss and grief,” according to the Altadena Rising volunteer documentation team.

The event draws on bibliotherapy principles, a creative arts therapy that uses storytelling to support mental health. Research shows this approach increases empathy and interpersonal skills, with particular benefits for trauma recovery.

“Stories and storytelling are ancient and powerful tools for making meaning of our lives, processing deep emotion, and reminding us of our shared humanity,” notes research published in the School Library Journal.

Since reopening, the library has supported the community through various partnerships. “We’ve partnered with many local organizations, including a fundraising campaign with LA County Library to provide free hotspots to our community,” Winslow said, adding that they’ve also helped staff Care Camps and hosted programs at Pasadena Library branches.

Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena. For more call (626) 798-0833 or visit https://www.altadenalibrary.org/programs/.