The Los Angeles Lakers have teamed up with Libby, the library reading app, to renovate the children’s and teen areas of the Los Angeles Public Library’s Westchester-Loyola Village Branch. The refreshed hubs are engaging and accessible learning spaces for local kids to come together and discover a love for books and reading.
Lakers Legend and Hall of Famer James Worthy read to students ahead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday morning to open the newly updated spaces to the public. With guidance from Heart of America, Libby and the Lakers transformed the spaces to include wall decals, fresh paint, basketball-themed furniture and more.
Libraries are where stories begin—on the page and in our communities,” said Jason Tyrrell, EVP of Content at OverDrive, the company behind Libby. “At Libby, we’re passionate about connecting readers of all ages to the books they love. Teaming up with the Lakers to reimagine these spaces means more than a fresh coat of paint. It’s about creating a place where kids feel inspired, welcome and empowered to explore the world through reading.”
This initiative is the first chapter in three planned Lakers and Libby community library renovations. Through these efforts, the Lakers and Libby aim to engage and inspire young people by creating welcoming spaces that foster a love for reading.
“Encouraging kids and making a positive impact in Los Angeles is a top priority for the Lakers, and we are thrilled to bring this effort to life with Libby,” Los Angeles Lakers Director of Community Relations Mathew Makovec said. “Reading should be exciting and accessible for young readers, sparking a lifelong love of books that empowers them to win in life.”
Libby is an Official Sponsor of the Los Angeles Lakers, helping to make reading more accessible to Lakers fans through initiatives including book recommendations on the Lakers’ LinkedIn, support for the Lakers Literacy League, book giveaways and reading events for students across Los Angeles
