Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Tihopu.
Hi Lynn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Culver City, CA and have lived all over from Lancaster, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Palmdale, etc. I am a Culver City High School, West Los Angeles and CSUN graduate. I come from a family of four children (Therese, Brigitte, James, Lynn). We didn’t have a lot as far as entertainment and so my mom, (Marie Bernadette, affectionately known as, “Bernie” to her friends) would always take us to the library to pick out books to read and entertain ourselves. We tragically lost her in 1981 on the 405 freeway when her car was crashed into by a distracted driver. I was very young at the time and just remember that she always had a lot of books that she would read and letters that she would write. For many years I wanted to create something in her memory that gives back to others and helps others because that is something that I always remember her doing. If you were hungry, she would feed you. If you were homeless, she’d offer you shelter. If you didn’t have a ride to get somewhere, she’d give you a ride. She was a very selfless and compassionate person. This is how many Tahitian people are and is part of our culture. Every time I pick up a book, it reminds me of her and so I created, Bernie’s Book Exchange. My husband, Victor, is a part time artist and he gave Bernie’s Book Exchange it’s “Starry Night” look after the Vicent Van Gogh painting. We don’t sell any books; we just do an exchange. People bring us their books, and they take one of ours. We mostly run out of children’s books a lot because they are our best customers. We first opened in July 2023 so that we can bring our little rural community together and get people off their devices and start reading again. Sometimes I put little games or prizes in between the books, so the kids run to the little library hoping to find a prize and a book. We have started providing kids with book report templates to complete their first book reports in which they learn about concepts like what is a plot, characters, what is an illustrator, etc. and picking out words that they don’t recognize to increase their vocabulary. In exchange for doing their work, they get to pick out prizes. It makes it all worthwhile to see the expression on their faces when they get to pick out their prizes. I get a lot of hugs that way. And those hugs are what keep Bernie’s Book Exchange going strong.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our experience has really been positive in the community. The books are screened on a regular basis, and any political rhetoric is taken out. We keep our titles mainstream, but we do also offer banned books for reading as well. The children’s section has age-appropriate books that are monitored on a frequent basis. Not many people know that titles like: Captain Underpants, Where the Wild Things Are, Freckleface Strawberry and The Giving Tree are banned books and they really shouldn’t be. The one big challenge we had so far was Hurricane Helene. Although we were in the direct path of Helene, we cut down about eight trees prior to Helene which really saved us. The exchange had been reinforced prior to Helene by my husband, but we did lose some books here and there. We cleaned up, we restocked and came back stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally, I’ve worn many hats. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old. My first job was at a video store that used to be located on Culver Blvd called, “Video Treasure Chest” in Culver City, CA. We would go to Sorrento’s and Tito’s Tacos for lunch from Culver City High School. I currently work in IT as an analyst and am also a Cybersecurity/AI Master’s student. When I am not running the exchange, I am also a volunteer for my local church and The Center for African American History. People at church don’t always remember my name but they know me as “The Lady with The Flower in Her Hair” (it’s a Polynesian thing). What sets me apart from others? I don’t just give to charitable causes, I actually roll up my selves and perform the work behind many of these causes, but I don’t advertise that and don’t make it a photo opportunity at each event. It’s just something that is in my culture and in my DNA. I live with my son and husband in Aiken, South Carolina since 2021.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk taking is sort of a daily thing in life I believe. You aren’t learning anything if you live inside a bubble. I am always trying to learn more, do more. I came out to the East Coast to get out of my comfort zone and learn a different way of life and how and why people do some of the things that they do. The East Coast is very different from us in the West. Right down to their thought process and the foods they eat. I’m learning to slow down a little though as I try to win my battle over breast cancer. You’ll definitely find out how strong you are and exactly who your real friends/family are once you get a health scare.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.berniesbookexchange.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berniesbookexchange/
