Empowering Minds & Building Community Through the Whittier Public Library
About Us
The Whittier Public Library Foundation exists to ensure our libraries have the vital resources they need to grow, evolve, and serve. Through generous community support and ongoing fundraising efforts, the Foundation bridges the gap between public funding and the Library’s full potential—advancing knowledge, inspiring lifelong learning, and responding to the changing needs of Whittier’s diverse community.
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of the Whittier Public Library Foundation and help us keep the story going with our next chapter
Upcoming Events
From culinary gatherings like Booktoberfest and Spring Tea to inspiring Guests at the Eileen Bigelow Speaker Series and Whittier Reads, the Foundation provides programs and events for everyone to enjoy.
Want to experience the fun? Click below to learn when, where, and how.
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Comedian & Author Zarna Garg is Coming to Whittier! 👩🏾
Join us in conversation with Zarna Garg, author of New York Times Bestseller ’This American Woman’ 📘
🗓️ Thursday, May 7 - 6:00PM
📍 Whittier Central Library, 7344 Washington Ave. (562) 567-9900
🎟️ Free tickets available at Whittier Central Library and Whittwood Branch Library
Want more from your experience? Purchase a MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE✨ ($40 - $50)
🍷Wine & Cheese Reception before event
✅Reserved Seat
📘Copy of her book!
***Tickets Limited***
Package available for purchase on our website:
🔗WhittierPLF.org
#whittierpubliclibrary #zarnagarg #thisamericanwoman #whittierca #whittier
Could you be a Hotshot? 🔥
IHC Superintendent Matt Aoki warns - the intensity of fighting wildfires is not for the faint of heart. 💪🏾
Want the chance to meet a real life hotshot?
🎟️Grab your tickets to hear Jordan Thomas talk about his year working under Matt Aoki 🪓
📍Whittier Central Library
🗓️Thursday, April 16
🔗WhittierPLF.org
🎤 5:00 PM – Author Talk with Jordan Thomas
✅ Free | Limited tickets available
🍜 7:00 PM – Reception & Dinner with the Author
🎟️ Ticket purchase required | Limited availability
We can’t wait to see you there!
#whittierpubliclibrary #whenitallburns #lospadreshotshots #hotshots #firefighter
Matt Aoki, the Los Padres Hotshot Superintendent, didn’t chase the top spot.
He just didn’t leave. 🔥
💪Since the 90’s, Superintendent Aoki has trained hundreds of firefighters now deployed across the country.
⏳And now, with 2 years left until retirement, he’s finally stepping away—and into the summers he never got to have ☀️🌊🏄🏾
Full interview now on YouTube ▶️
🔗YouTube.com/@WhittierPLF
🎟️Grab your Tickets to this year’s AUTHOR TALK / DINNER -
🗓️Thursday, April 16 - 5:00pm
🔗WhittierPLF.org
Directed & Edited by
Jack Martin
Produced by
Jack Martin & Arjan Sudick
#whenitallburns #lospadreshotshots #hotshots #firefighters #whittierpubliclibrary
Superintendent Matthew Aoki sits down with the WPL Foundation for an exclusive, first-time interview 🎙️
View the full video at our website
▶️WhittierPLF.org/Whittier-Reads-2026/
Since the 90s, Superintendent Aoki has been battling the world’s largest wildfires as a Los Padres Hotshot🔥
His expertise, wisdom, and steadfast leadership are a highlight of Jordan Thomas’ book WHEN IT ALL BURNS 📙
📆Mark your Calendars for an April full of events inspired by Jordan Thomas’ book
🎟️Grab your tickets for the Author Talk & Dinner
TALK 👉🏼 Thurs, April 16 - 5:00pm
DINNER 👉🏼 Thurs, April 16 - 7:00pm
SPECIAL THANKS TO - Matt Aoki, Officer Andrew Madsen, the US Forest Service, Chris Fourtner, and all the firefighters who keep us safe 🚒🧑🏻🚒
#whittierpubliclibrary #whittierca #whenitallburns #lospadreshotshots #whittierreads
Grab your tickets to this year’s Whittier Reads Author Talk & Dinner! 🥙
🔥We’re thrilled to welcome Jordan Thomas, author of When It All Burns, for a special Whittier Reads event on Thursday, April 16 at the Whittier Central Library!
Join us for an evening of conversation, inspiration, and community:
🎤 5:00 PM – Author Talk with Jordan Thomas
✅ Free | Limited tickets available
🍽️ 7:00 PM – Reception & Dinner with the Author
🎟️ Ticket purchase required | Limited availability
🗓️ Mark your calendars and don’t miss this unforgettable event!
🎟️ Tickets available now:
🔗 whittierplf.org/dinner-with-author/
📍 Or stop by the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) or Whittwood Branch Library (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.) to purchase in person.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Join us for fun and engaging kid’s programs inspired by this year’s Whittier Reads!
🗓️ Thursday, April 2 - Fire Safety Storytime + Touch a Truck 🚒
📍Whittwood Branch • 3:30 p.m
🎟️ Free Ticket (avail at Whittwood)
* Ages 4+
🗓️ Tuesday, April 7 - Little Listeners Storytime: Firehouse Tales ⛑️
📍Central Library • 10:30 a.m.
* Ages 0–5 with a caregiver
🗓️Wednesday, April 22 - Prepare with Pedro ❤️🩹
📍Central Library • 3:00 p.m.
🎟️ Call to Sign-up (562) 567-9900
* Ages: 4-7 (K-2)
#whittierreads #whittierreads2026 #whittierca #whittierpubliclibrary #libraryfun
Whittier Reads is officially here! 🪓📆
Mark your calendars for a month of exciting programs and events inspired by Jordan Thomas’ book WHEN IT ALL BURNS🔥
🗓️ Monday, April 6 -
An Evening with Brian Fies, author of A Fire Story — in-person & Live on Zoom 🗣️
📍Central Library • 6:00 p.m
🎟️ Free Ticket (avail at both libraries)
🗓️Thursday, April 9 - The REEL Club Documentary: Wilder Than Wild: Fire, Forests, and the Future 🎥
📍Central Library • 6:00 p.m
🎟️ Free w/ Ticket (avail at both libraries)
🗓️ Wednesday, April 15 - Wednesday Night Book Group-When It All Burns (*Author not present) 📚
📍Central Library • 6:00 p.m
🔥🔥🔥Thursday, April 16 - Whittier Reads 2026: Author Talk with Jordan Thomas 🗣️
📍Central Library • 5:00 p.m
🎟️ Free w/ Ticket (avail at both libraries)
🔥🔥🔥Thursday, April 16 - Author Reception & Dinner 🍛
📍Central Library • 7:00 p.m
💰$80 ($70 WPLF Members)
🗓️Monday, April 20 - Hot Shot Talk w/ Doug Moore 🧑🚒
📍Central Library • 6:00 p.m
🎟️ Free w/ Ticket (avail at both libraries)
🗓️Tuesday, April 21 - Be Red Cross Ready: Wildfire Safety ❤️🩹
📍Central Library • 6:00 p.m
🎟️ Free w/ Ticket (avail at both libraries)
Thursday, April 23 - The REEL Club Documentary: Elemental 🎥
📍Whittwood Branch • 6:00 p.m
🎟️ Free w/ Ticket (avail at both libraries)
#whenitallburns #whittierpubliclibrary #whittierreads #whittierca #hotshots
Libraries are where you immediately belong 🤗✨🏠
New York Times Bestseller and Whittier local Stacey Lee was our special guest at this year’s Membership Appreciation Night! 🍜
She shared secrets to her writing process, reflected on her childhood visiting the @whittierpubliclibrary, and shed wisdom on what the future of storytelling looks like 🔮
She even gave our Members exclusive early access to her newest book! 📖
📘HEIRESS OF NOWHERE, a historical gothic mystery set in 1918, is available now!
▶️Watch the full video on our YouTube
#whittierca #heiressofnowhere #authorsofinsta #authorslife #whittierpubliclibrary
Mark your calendars, we’re only 3 weeks away!📙
The Whittier Public Library and the Whittier Public Library Foundation present a series of programs based on When it All Burns by Jordan Thomas throughout April 2026.
🔥 Join us for a FREE Author Talk with Jordan Thomas!
🗓️ Thursday, April 16th at 5:00 PM
Tickets are available at both library locations.
🎟️ Tickets for the Author Reception and Dinner on Thursday, April 16th at 7:00 PM, are on sale now online, and in person at both libraries:
🔗whittierplf.org/dinner-with-author/
📙The book is available for checkout or purchase ($20) at both library locations
🎗️ If you would like to become a sponsor of this year’s Whittier Reads:
🔗whittierplf.org/whittier-reads-sponsorship/
#whitterreads #whittierpubliclibrary #wplf #whenitallburns #lospadreshotshots
The next chapter starts now! 📖✨
🦁 Join us — and former Library Director Paymaneh Maghsoudi — in welcoming our new Interim Library Director Jacqueline “Jac” Sanchez!
✨Having worked alongside Paymaneh for more than a decade, Jac steps into this role with years of experience, genuine love for the library, and the uplifting spirit our community knows so well.
Here’s to turning the page! 📚📖💫
#whittierplf #whittierpubliclibrary #loveyourlibrary #turnthepage #leothelion
Get your copy today! 📖👀
📙”When It All Burns” by Jordan Thomas is available for checkout or purchase ($20) at both library locations
🔥The book follows author Jordan Thomas’ single, brutal six month fire season with the Los Padres Hotshots—the special forces of America’s firefighters.
✏️Whittier Reads programs are coming in April so keep your calendar open - schedule coming soon!
‼️ Whittier Reads is an annual citywide literary event that encourages members of the Whittier community to read the same book at the same time and then discuss it in book groups and participate in special programs which are offered at our Libraries. 🎉 AKA, a City Wide giant book club!
👏 The Whittier Public Library Foundation has been sponsoring this community-wide program from its inception in 2004.
#whenitallburns #whittierpubliclibrary #whittierca #whittierreads #whittierpubliclibraryfoundation
The library is a place for learning, imagination… and yes, a little laughter too. 🤍
Thank you to our amazing librarians for keeping us (mostly) on track. 📖👀
Come read, explore, and make memories with us today!📚✨
#whittierpubliclibrary #whittierplf #whittierca #melissavillaseñor #puppetsofinstagram
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