Downey teen on mission to build micro libraries
Sam Sarofeem Jr. at Tuesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. (Photo by Eric Pierce)
DOWNEY — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at Wilderness Park for the park’s newest addition: a free little library.
The library was constructed and installed (with city permission) by Downey teen Sam Sarofeem Jr., 18, as part of his Eagle Scout project.
As of this week, Sarofeem has built and constructed nine micro libraries. Six are located at Downey parks, including Dennis the Menace, Discovery, Golden, Apollo, Furman, and now Wilderness.
Sarofeem also installed libraries at Warren and Downey high schools, and at a private residence.
Downey Mayor Claudia M. Frometa attended Tuesday’s ceremony and praised Sarofeem for providing “a great service to others.”
“One of the things that makes Downey the special community that it is, is precisely this,” Frometa said. “I’m excited to help push this through so that in every park in the city of Downey we have one of these little libraries, and children and families and seniors, as they visit our parks, they can stop at the little libraries -- leave one, take one -- and be able to continue literacy and adventure in our city.
“What a great role model you are to so many young men and young ladies who want to serve their community.”
Downey Mayor Claudia M. Frometa addresses Sam Sarofeem Jr. (Photo by Eric Pierce)
Also in attendance was Mayor Pro Tem Blanca Pacheco. She thanked Sarofeem for his community involvement going back to his days at Doty Middle School.
“What a great and fabulous idea of having these little libraries at our parks,” said Pacheco. “It is an opportunity for everyone to grab a book, to read, to read to their children, so this is an added benefit to our Downey parks and to our city of Downey.”
Sarofeem said he was inspired to build the little libraries to help children who may not have access to reading material.
“Books should and will always have a special place in our culture and heritage,” said Sarofeem. “I want to encourage the youth of Downey to make reading books a habit and hope people use these little libraries as free access to literacy.”
About two dozen people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Sam’s parents, Lupe and Sam Sarofeem Sr., and his sister, Sarah Sarofeem.
“This experience has left a lasting impression on me,” Sarofeem said. “I’ve learned valuable lessons, spent quality time with wonderful people and was able to make a small contribution to our community.”
The micro library is currently stocked with children’s books. Residents are invited to take a book and restock the library at their leisure.
