Welcome | DIY Archiving | En Español
Welcome to CommUnity, a collaborative program that provides access to archival knowledge and resources at participating branch libraries across the greater Los Angeles area. Home to many different people from around the world with various lived experiences, LA holds many unique stories that shape our communities and city. Through public programming, services and pop-up events, Angelenos will have access to resources to begin archiving or preserve these stories; with the option to add to a growing participatory community archive at LAPL.
We invite you to begin or add to your archive by checking out an oral history kit, attending a workshop, or signing up to use the DIY scanning stations at the nearest participating branch.
What stories do you want to capture and preserve for future generations?
Programs & Workshops
- Attend a workshop for hands-on lessons about archiving basics, how to start an oral history project, and more!
- Sign up for an info session on how to digitize your materials
DIY Archiving & Oral History
- Check out an oral history kit or reserve a scanner to digitize your materials
- Instructions and guides available for all equipment
- More details on how to access these resources here.
Advisory Group
Mark Byrd, Compton Art & History Museum, Color Compton
Abigail Lopez-Byrd, Compton Art & History Museum, Color Compton
Stella Castillo, USC
Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Ed.D., Octavia E. Butler Scholar, 2019 Kennedy Center Citizen Artist
Dario Herrera, Clockshop
Astrid Kayembe, Black Image Center
Debra Scacco, Artist
Michelle Wamungu, PhD Student in Media Arts and Practice at USC
Shanice Watkins, USC
CommUnity Team
Aza Babayan, Program Manager
Kiara Walls, Community Archivist
This program is funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation through a Public Knowledge Grant in partnership with the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Public Library.
Graphic design by Firebrand Creative House. Images in banner collage from the Shades of L.A. Photo Collection
