Commission hears update: Graciel Ortiz Little Libraries installed and stocked by donations; four units pending purchase

Commission staff updated the Huntington Park Health and Education Commission on the Graciel Ortiz Little Library Program, reporting that five Little Library units are installed and currently stocked through community book donations, and that the purchase of the final four units is pending because they are out of stock from the vendor.

A staff member said, “They’re fully operational,” and noted that Jose and communications staff member Stephanie inspected the libraries last week to confirm they were stocked. Staff told commissioners the donation stream has kept the libraries supplied for the near term and that the communications department included a flyer in the city newsletter about donation options.

Staff said when inventory for the remaining units becomes available the city will purchase them and present the full purchase to the commission. Commissioners requested additional social-media promotion once inventory runs low and asked staff to coordinate with schools when the academic year resumes to encourage donations and participation.

Clarifying details provided at the meeting included: five installed Little Library locations are in the commission packet; four additional libraries remain on order but were listed as out of stock by the vendor; current book donations are sufficient to keep libraries stocked for “a couple of months,” per staff. The commission discussed budgeting for future purchases and maintenance during planning for the year’s events.