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Hundreds of community members packed the library grounds to celebrate its post-fire resurrection — and to see actor and literacy hero LaVar Burton, who brought a touch of “Reading Rainbow” magic to a town still recovering from the Eaton Fire.
State Assemblymember John Harabedian introduced Burton with an audience sing-along of the theme from “Reading Rainbow.”
“I can’t sing, but you all can!,” he said.
Burton, who played Giordi La Forge on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” (and wore that weird cool visor to see things), called Altadena a “very, very special place” and drew cheers as he read to a crowd of eager kids and grateful parents. “The American dream is alive and well in Altadena,” he said. “Today, tomorrow, and every day, where families are and helpers reign.”
Burton’s appearance wasn’t just nostalgic fan service. His message was steeped in healing, hope and heart — drawing inspiration from Fred Rogers and reminding attendees that “none of us live through this thing called life alone.”
LA County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger called the library the “center of this community,” reflecting on its role not just as a public institution, but a public balm. “We talk about rebuilding as it relates to brick and mortar,” she said. “But it’s also rebuilding the community — and the community is a people.”
As Barger described the day, “There were smiles, pizza, cotton candy and a whole lot of joy, ‘the breakfast of champions.’”
Library Director Nikki Winslow beamed as wide as the reopened library doors behind her.
“It feels glorious, honestly,” she said. “We’re such an important part of the Altadena community, a community hub… but we also see our responsibility as helping the town recover and rebuild.”
The fire temporarily closed the branch and scattered families across the area, but Saturday’s gathering offered a storybook page-turn. From new partnerships to classic library services, Winslow said the library’s mission now includes being “a place to get connected to whatever they need to be able to rebuild.”
PUSD Board Member Scott Harden summed it up simply: “Laughter, song, love of reading, love of education is back in Altadena, full and strong.”
He added, “It’s a sign of things to come — more joy and more happiness in the community as we recover.”
And in case there was any doubt that books still have star power, Burton closed his reading with, “I’ll see you next time, but you don’t have to take my word for it!”
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