Octavia’s Bookshelf, the only Black-owned bookstore serving Pasadena and Altadena, has deepened its role as a community refuge in the aftermath of the devastating Altadena-area wildfires.
What began as a mutual aid hub offering essentials like water, food, and toiletries has now evolved into a center for emotional healing and resilience.
Store owner Nikki High recently posted a video on Instagram where she talked about the importance of addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
“Now we’re focusing on regulating our nervous systems, processing everything that happened, and doing that through journaling workshops and group support,” High said.
To further assist the community, Octavia’s Bookshelf has partnered with Los Angeles County Mental Health Services, which provides on-site support every Tuesday and Thursday.
These sessions offer guidance on topics like how to talk to children about the emotional impact of the disaster.
High acknowledges that recovery is an ongoing journey.
“We know that this is a marathon and not a race,” she stated.
For more information, visit octaviusbookshelf.com or follow @Octavius_Bookshelf on Instagram.
