Pacific Palisades, January 9, 2026
Rohan Mukhopadhyay, a 14-year-old resident of Pacific Palisades, has launched ‘Reading Among Ruins,’ a nonprofit distributing free books to schools affected by the Palisades Fire. After losing his home in the wildfire, he transformed his garage into a distribution hub, aiming to rebuild libraries and support affected children. The initiative has delivered nearly 3,000 books, showcasing community resilience amidst adversity and inspiring other local efforts to support educational resources.
Pacific Palisades, CA
Teen’s Nonprofit Provides Free Books to Schools Affected by Palisades Fire
Pacific Palisades resident Rohan Mukhopadhyay, 14, has founded “Reading Among Ruins,” a nonprofit organization that distributes free books to schools, children, and teens impacted by the Palisades Fire.
Mission and Operations
After sustaining significant personal loss in the January 2025 wildfire that destroyed his home and extensive personal library, Mukhopadhyay embarked on a mission to support his community. He converted his garage into an office to store, catalog, and distribute donated books. This initiative is committed to rebuilding libraries and providing valuable reading materials to those affected by the fire.
Community Impact
Since its launch, “Reading Among Ruins” has successfully distributed nearly 3,000 books, significantly replenishing the libraries of schools in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Such grassroots efforts showcase the power of community resilience and highlight the spirit of giving that can flourish in times of hardship, as evidenced by the positive feedback from survivors like Piper Green, who have praised Mukhopadhyay’s commitment.
Background on the Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire, commencing on January 7, 2025, in the Santa Monica Mountains, stands as one of California’s most devastating wildfires. It resulted in 12 fatalities, over four injuries, and the destruction of an astounding 6,837 structures. Homes, schools, and libraries were among the critical infrastructures lost, emphasizing the urgent need for community rebuilding efforts.
Additional Community Efforts
In alignment with Mukhopadhyay’s efforts, other initiatives have also sprung up to aid recovery. For instance, Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica is actively fundraising to repurchase library books that were lost in four schools impacted by the fire. This demonstrates a broader community effort to restore educational resources and foster a culture of reading.
Key Takeaways and Community Involvement
The establishment of “Reading Among Ruins” not only underscores the importance of individual initiative in addressing community challenges, but it also highlights how such grassroots movements can thrive amidst regulatory frameworks that support charitable endeavors. Encouraging local businesses and community members to contribute can amplify efforts like Mukhopadhyay’s, leading to significant positive outcomes for local schools and foster engagement in the regional economy.
As Los Angeles navigates these challenging times, supporting initiatives like “Reading Among Ruins” not only helps individuals affected by the fire but also reinforces the fabric of our community and emphasizes the importance of resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
FAQ
What is “Reading Among Ruins”?
“Reading Among Ruins” is a nonprofit organization founded by 14-year-old Rohan Mukhopadhyay, dedicated to providing free books to schools, children, and teens affected by the Palisades Fire.
How many books has “Reading Among Ruins” distributed?
Since its inception, “Reading Among Ruins” has distributed nearly 3,000 books, replenishing school libraries in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
What was the impact of the Palisades Fire?
The Palisades Fire, which began on January 7, 2025, resulted in 12 fatalities, over 4 injuries, and the destruction of 6,837 structures, including homes, schools, and libraries.
How can I support “Reading Among Ruins”?
To support “Reading Among Ruins,” consider donating books or funds to help rebuild libraries and provide reading materials to those affected by the fire.
What other initiatives are helping rebuild libraries after the fire?
Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica is raising funds to repurchase library books destroyed in four Palisades schools, aiding in the rebuilding of educational resources.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nonprofit Organization | “Reading Among Ruins” provides free books to schools and individuals affected by the Palisades Fire. |
| Founder | Rohan Mukhopadhyay, a 14-year-old resident of Pacific Palisades. |
| Books Distributed | Nearly 3,000 books have been distributed to replenish school libraries in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. |
| Impact of Palisades Fire | The fire resulted in 12 fatalities, over 4 injuries, and the destruction of 6,837 structures, including homes, schools, and libraries. |
| Community Support | Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica is raising funds to repurchase library books destroyed in four Palisades schools. |
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