We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Penny Lane Center's Book Nooks! These cozy, welcoming spaces have officially opened in our locations in AV, Commerce, North Hills and North Hollywood!
For years, I’ve had the joy of collecting children’s books that center around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). While they’ve brightened up my office, I realized it was time to put these powerful stories into the hands of our staff—so they can be used in the most meaningful way: with our clients.
Books offer a unique opportunity to normalize the challenges and celebrations our clients experience. Whether it’s stories about cultural pride, advocacy, LGBTQIA+ identities, multiracial families, or more—these books help children see themselves reflected in the pages. They serve as important conversation starters, allowing for deeper connections and moments of learning between staff and clients.
The Book Nook project was truly a team effort. Special thanks to Claudio Maluje and Sergio Hurtado for building and painting these beautiful spaces, Julie Chirino for the QR check in and out and to Kassie Carney, Yesenia Ruiz, Thea Von Zabern and Madeline Sacba for their help with the office launches. Their creativity and craftsmanship brought the Nooks to life.
Each launch has brought together staff from across departments to celebrate the intersection of DEIB and literacy. The events were made extra sweet with cookies, juice, and a heartwarming story time. During the readings, we explored how to incorporate these books into sessions and how they can support the emotional and social growth of our clients.
Accessing the Nooks is simple. Staff can visit, browse, and check out a book using QR codes located at each site. The same code is used for returning the books. We also encourage staff to check out books for their own enjoyment—read, learn, and discover what these stories have to offer.
We hope this is just the beginning. Plans are already in the works to expand the Book Nook initiative, bringing even more voices and stories into the hands of those who need them most.
The Nooks are now open—please stop by, explore, and help us celebrate this exciting launch. Let’s continue to build a culture of inclusion, empathy, and curiosity—one story at a time.
-Judy Grant, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos below!
At Penny Lane Centers, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth—a powerful and important holiday that marks the true end of slavery in the United States. While Juneteenth has only recently become an official holiday at PLC, we now commemorate it annually as part of our broader commitment to celebrating all people, their histories, traditions, and cultures.
Juneteenth marks the day—June 19, 1865—when the last enslaved people in the United States were finally freed. You might wonder: if the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, why did it take more than two years for all enslaved people to be freed? The answer lies in the fact that Texas was still under Confederate control, and many slaveholders ignored the Emancipation Proclamation to continue profiting from forced labor. It wasn’t until Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and issued General Order No. 3, that the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced and all enslaved individuals in the region were officially declared free.
Since that day, Juneteenth has been a time of celebration—recognizing the long-delayed but hard-fought freedom of African Americans. It is a day to honor liberation and progress, but also a solemn reminder of the horrors of slavery and the lasting trauma it has caused within our society and the African American community.
Penny Lane commemorates Juneteenth not only as a celebration of freedom, but also as an opportunity for reflection, education, and solidarity. We stand in remembrance and support of our African American clients, families, staff, and community. Observing Juneteenth is just one of the many ways we continue to uphold our values of equity, inclusivity, and respect for all.
At Penny Lane Centers, we believe in celebrating the diverse identities of the children, youth, and families we serve—not just during Pride Month, but every day. Our mission is grounded in acceptance, compassion, and equity. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected.
Pride Month is an opportunity to amplify that message. We celebrate Pride to uplift the voices of the LGBTQ+ community, honor the resilience of those who have fought for their rights, and continue building a future where all people are free to be their authentic selves. Pride reminds us that love, visibility, and community are powerful forces for healing and change.
This June, we’re proud to host and support a range of Pride-focused activities across Penny Lane Centers:
At Penny Lane, we don’t just celebrate Pride—we live it. We stand beside our LGBTQ+ youth and families, committed to creating spaces of acceptance, healing, and hope.
