Six months after the Eaton Fire destroyed nearly 60 percent of residential structures in Altadena, the community’s library continues its monthly Open Mic Night tradition with deeper meaning for residents rebuilding their lives.
The Altadena Library will host the event Monday, August 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Barbara J. Pearson Community Room.
“Come share your music, story, or latest spoken word poem! We’ll spend the evening cheering on our neighbors’ work. All ages and genres welcome,” reads the library’s invitation.
Since reopening after the January fire, the library at 600 E. Mariposa Street in Altadena has served as a recovery hub, hosting Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration representatives.
“We want the library District to be a symbol of hope and recovery for our community,” said Nikki Winslow, District Director.
For many residents, the library’s survival feels miraculous.
“Thank God for the library. We don’t have our normal places, routines, parks, so we’re grateful,” said local resident Emma Scott.
Katie Clark, a Board of Library Trustee, added: “It’s miraculous that this library and our other branch library in Altadena survived, really in the midst of so much devastation.”
The room is named after Barbara J. Pearson, who led the library for nine years until her death in 2013.
The monthly tradition, held on the first Monday of each month, continues the library district’s mission that “brings people and ideas together.”
“Open Mic Night” will run on Monday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., in Altadena. For more call (626) 798-0833 or visit https://www.altadenalibrary.org/programs?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D182066401. Tickets: Free.
