**Rebuilding After Tragedy: Gary Indiana’s Personal Library Lost in LA Wildfires**
The personal library of the late Gary Indiana, a renowned artist, novelist, and cultural critic, was tragically destroyed in the devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles in recent days. Indiana, who passed away last fall, had meticulously curated his collection of books, which were a testament to his intellectual curiosity and passion for the written word.
**Loss of a Literary Legacy**
Colm Tóibín, a writer for the London Review of Books, recounted the heartbreaking story of Indiana’s library. Following Indiana’s death, his extensive collection of books, some stacked three rows deep on his shelves, was carefully packed and transported from his sixth-floor apartment in the East Village to a house in Altadena, intended to be transformed into an artists’ residence. The library was meant to serve as the cornerstone of this creative space, embodying Indiana’s spirit and intellectual legacy.
**A Tragic Turn of Events**
Tragically, the arrival of Indiana’s library coincided with the onset of the Eaton fire, which ravaged the Altadena/Pasadena area. The fire, which was first reported on January 7, quickly spread, consuming over 10,000 acres within a day. Despite efforts to safeguard the precious collection, the flames engulfed the house where Indiana’s books were housed, destroying not only the physical space but also the memories and knowledge contained within those shelves.
**Impact of the Wildfires**
As the wildfires continued to rage, the toll on human life and property became increasingly devastating. Eleven lives were lost, with many more at risk as the fire continued to spread. Over 2,000 structures were destroyed, and hundreds more were damaged, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The community rallied together to support those affected by the wildfires, offering assistance and resources to help rebuild and recover from the aftermath.
**Preserving Indiana’s Legacy**
While Indiana’s personal library may have been lost to the flames, his intellectual contributions and writings from 1976 to 2005 are preserved in New York University’s Fales Library and Special Collections. Despite the physical loss of his books, Indiana’s legacy lives on through his work and the impact he had on the literary world.
In times of tragedy, it is essential to remember the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and supporting those who have suffered loss. The story of Gary Indiana’s personal library serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of knowledge and creativity.
