LeVar Burton brought joy to Altadena, California.

"Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high!" These beloved words spark joy in so many hearts, coming from a timeless theme song that has inspired countless individuals to celebrate the magic of reading.

Pictures by Monica Valentine

LeVar Burton, whose remarkable performances as Kunta Kinte in "Roots" and Lieutenant Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: Generations" have left a lasting impression, His most noteworthy performance was the host of the children's television show 'Reding Rainbow'; in my opinion is the guiding spirit of this incredible educational adventure. This show doesn’t just entertain; it empowers people to dive into the limitless world of books, making a profound difference in literacy and imagination.

The devastation of the Eaton Canyon Fires swept through Altadena, California, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. Over the past months, a few businesses and facilities have been reopening. The Altadena Library is one of the few facilities that reopened its doors after the fires. It was going through a renovation in mid-April 2024 but completely shut its doors during the fires. March 4, 2025, was the re-grand opening as locals and people outside the city enjoyed the celebration with food, drinks, live music, and booths giving away gifts.

Burton received a wave of applause as he stepped onto the stage to read a story from his new book, "The Rhino Who Swallowed the Storm." He explained, "It emphasizes that we all need help throughout life."

Some individuals received copies of his book. Reading alongside Burton allowed some adults to reminisce about their childhoods spent watching him on the TV screen and enjoying story time.

After the showcase, I had an opportunity to meet Burton and got an interview.

My question was, "What do you believe parents should do to help children read more in this generation"?

Burton: Get them involved. Get the children involved in activities, whether it is their school, organization, or one-on one time; it will help to get children involved in reading, and advance their education.

The Altadena Library is now open. For information about their hours and activities, visit their website: https://www.altadenalibrary.org/