Manhattan Beach philanthropist and former substitute teacher Janet Jones brought her message of kindness and inclusion to the Pacific Elementary School library during Kindness for Kids Book Day, a community-wide celebration centered on the power of empathy, respect and everyday compassion.

Designed to inspire the youngest generation of readers, the event encouraged students to recognize how small gestures—smiling at a stranger, helping a classmate or including someone new—can create a ripple effect that strengthens an entire community.

The day featured a rotating lineup of volunteer guest readers from across the Manhattan Beach community, including City Council members and volunteers from the Neptunian Woman’s Club. Mayor Joe Franklin opened the event by introducing City Council members David Lesser and Steve Charelian as the first readers of the day. Throughout the morning and afternoon, classes cycled through the library to hear stories focused on kindness, inclusion and responsibility, while Neptunian Woman’s Club volunteers continued reading sessions later into the day. Pacific Principal Amanda Vavao and school librarian Suzette Molinos helped organize and coordinate the event.

Although the collection is housed in Manhattan Beach, it is available to families across all 86 branches of the LA County Library system. Library card holders can reserve titles and have them delivered directly to their preferred branch, expanding access to kindness-centered literature throughout Los Angeles County.

Jones, founder of the initiative, hopes to expand Kindness for Kids Book Day to additional Manhattan Beach elementary schools next year, continuing her mission of fostering compassion and connection through reading.