2016

EDYE BROAD

Philanthropist

LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES

I grew up three blocks away from a public library in Detroit. My mother took my sister and me at least once a week. Mom always checked out four books for us because that’s how many you could check out at a time. At that rate, I read every single book in the children’s section by the time I was about five.

That left the grown-up section. I wanted every novel I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, kids weren’t allowed in the grown-up section unless they had their own library card; to apply for one, you had to be able to write your name in cursive. I wanted a library card in the worst way. I practiced and practiced my signature. Meanwhile, my mom would sneak me novels. You can bet I read pretty much every novel they had after I finally learned how to write cursive.

These days, Eli calls me the biggest book buyer in the country. And while I’m fortunate to be able to buy the books I want to read, I still love the library, and I visit about once every two months. There’s such an overwhelming sense of possibility when you walk into a building full of books.

An event years ago at the Central Public Library in downtown Los Angeles brought to my attention all the resources students, particularly those who are homeless, need when they come to the library after school. Libraries no longer simply loan books. They are a refuge for students who need computers, tutors, help with college applications and financial aid, headphones, snacks—everything a home might offer.

Through our foundation we were able to help make sure young people at the library had some of the resources they needed to learn and thrive. We created Student Zones at thirty-four Los Angeles library branches, where children can get homework help and much more. In just a year, one hundred thousand students came to the zones. I think my mom would be proud that we have been able to help so many find a welcoming place at the library.