PROJECT TYPE: SPATIAL DESIGN / TOTAL RAISED: $875 / AMOUNT DONATED TO CAUSE: $875
PROJECT TYPE: SPATIAL DESIGN
TOTAL RAISED: $875
AMOUNT DONATED TO CAUSE: $875
THE CONTEXT
In the wake of bans on education across America, access to books has been more important than ever. Little Free Library LA was a response to the ongoing rejection of diverse books in schools and a solution to address book deserts in low-income areas of Los Angeles.
THE CONCEPT
In our research, we identified South El Monte as an area that was considered a book desert, given that it is Los Angeles’s third poorest city as of 2024. Our goal was to bring books to the younger generations, spanning genres like banned books, children’s fiction, and bilingual texts.
THE CONCEPT
In our research, we identified South El Monte as an area that was considered a book desert, given that it is Los Angeles’s third poorest city as of 2024. Our goal was to bring books to the younger generations, spanning genres like banned books, children’s fiction, and bilingual texts.
THE PROCESS
We drew inspiration from the idea of young learning and growth through literature. When we connected with our partners at El Monte CLP, they informed us that there were several parks in which we could install the library and began to use plant motifs to symbolize growth, and the fantasy worlds that books brought to life.
THE PROCESS
We drew inspiration from the idea of young learning and growth through literature. When we connected with our partners at El Monte CLP, they informed us that there were several parks in which we could install the library and began to use plant motifs to symbolize growth, and the fantasy worlds that books brought to life.
THE RESULTS
We raised $875 in total to buy a library kit that is built from durable wood made to last for generations. Part of the funds were used to buy high-quality exterior paints that would be both vibrant and long-lasting. In addition, we hosted a small book donation campaign and used the remaining funds to stock the library spanning all genres, including kids' fiction, banned books, and bilingual books given the demographic of South El Monte.
THE RESULTS
We raised $875 in total to buy a library kit that is built from durable wood made to last for generations. Part of the funds were used to buy high-quality exterior paints that would be both vibrant and long-lasting. In addition, we hosted a small book donation campaign and used the remaining funds to stock the library spanning all genres, including kids' fiction, banned books, and bilingual books given the demographic of South El Monte.
THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY
We collaborated with El Monte Coalition of Latino Professionals to work with the city to get our little library installed. On September 7, 2025, it went up in New Temple Park, found at 1450 Lidcombe Ave in South El Monte.
THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY
We collaborated with El Monte Coalition of Latino Professionals to work with the city to get our little library installed. On September 7, 2025, it went up in New Temple Park, found at 1450 Lidcombe Ave in South El Monte.
