The USC Department of Public Safety has established a Little Free Library — where residents can share books — at University Gardens near the University Park Campus. It’s the first to be set in a housing development.
DPS Chief John Thomas began the program following his conversation with a young boy who requested books for his birthday.
Thomas recalled seeing such libraries at Los Angeles Police Department stations and, with the help of Community Relations officer Elizabeth Currena and USC alumni, they were able to open the library on the boy’s birthday.
“The unveiling marks the first of its kind, with more to come,” said Thomas, who added that USC students will have an opportunity to tutor or read books to children at the library.
Participants from Kinder2College, an early literacy program at USC, and LAPD officials were among the library’s visitors on Jan. 31.
The Little Free Library was made possible by A Chance For Children and the Water Buffalo Club.