Little Free Libraries Converted into Little Free Food Pantries
Many of the Little Free Libraries in Glendale have been transformed into Little Free Food Pantries as part of the City of Glendale’s response to the current health crisis. The Glendale Library, Arts & Culture department has partnered with community organizations such as the Glendale Sunrise Rotary Club, Glendale Latino Association, Kiwanis Club of Glendale, Faith Center Glendale and the Salvation Army to stock the Little Free Food Pantries with nonperishable food items.
Library Director Gary Shaffer explained, "All library staff are working extremely hard to convert all of our offerings to ones which are available 24/7, online. Still we wanted to be there even more for our community. That's when one of my colleagues, Guillermo Garcia, a board member of the Glendale Latino Association, suggested we do this." Community members are encouraged to donate a nonperishable item at the Little Free Food Pantries or take an item if needed.
The Little Free Libraries were originally brought to Glendale through the efforts of library staff member Joe Olivares, who continues to take part in their current iteration as Little Free Food Pantries. They are replenished by library staff members Eric Gomez and Tony Cerda through community donations dropped off the Central Library and directly by community members from all over Glendale. If you would like to donate canned goods you may bring them to the Little Free Libraries or call 818-548-2021 to drop off donations to the Central Library.
Those wishing to use the Little Free Food Pantries are reminded to close the pantry door after use and wash their hands or apply hand sanitizer as soon as possible. Safety guidelines are also posted on the pantries. A quick video highlighting the Little Free Food Pantries can be found here.
Little Free Food Pantry locations include:
Glendale City Hall (near the front entrance), 613 E. Broadway.
Mayor’s Bicentennial Park, 1987 Loma Vista Drive.
Glorietta Park, 2801 N. Verdugo Road.
Montrose Park, 3529 Clifton Place.
Verdugo Park, 1621 Canada Blvd.
1300 block of Sonora Ave
1300 block of Truitt Street
1800 block of Lake Street
2200 block of Hollister Terrace
3100 block of Pontiac Street