Happy Holidays!
 
This year's book tree--now featured in Teen Central at Central Library--was made by one of our interns. All of these books were donated by book publishers and SCIBA. Most of the books will be given to shelters, educators, book clubs, and other community literacy programs.
 
On behalf of Pasadena Public Library and Teen Advisory Board, happy holidays!
 
Our holiday hours are: 
Tuesday, December 24 -- open until 5pm
Wednesday, December 25 -- closed
Tuesday, December 31 -- open until 5pm
Wednesday, January 1 -- closed
Sunday, January 19 -- closed
Monday, January 20 -- closed
 
Features
Minds in Motion photos
PCDA's annual Minds in Motion art show was a hit! See photos on our blog:  http://pasadena-library.net/teens/2019/minds-in-motion-2019/
Teen Events @ Pasadena Library
LEGO Robotics
Saturday, January 18, 2-4pm
Pasadena Central Library, Studio on 4th
Work in teams building and programming robots. For ages 9-14. REGISTER ONLINE at pasadena.evanced.info/signup
Safe Routes to Schools
Wednesday, January 22, 5:00 pm
Pasadena Central Library, Studio on 4th
For teens and parents, this presentation will include: • Discussion about the Safe Routes to School Program in the City of Pasadena • Benefits of using Active Transportation • How to create a healthier and sustainable environment for students in City of Pasadena by using other modes of transportation. Presented by Day One.
ADVOCACY
Youth Network
Wednesday, Feb 5, 4:00-5:30pm
Pasadena Central Library, Studio on 4th
Teens: we need your voice! Discuss topics of interest to youth in the community. Great for anyone who wants to gain leadership skills, public speaking, and cares about community improvement. For teens only. To sign up, email Jane Gov at jgov@cityofpasadena.net
GAMES & HOBBIES
Switch Hour
Tuesday, Jan 7, 4:00pm
Santa Catalina Branch Library
Stop by for an afternoon of gaming with the Nintendo Switch. For teens only.
Teen Game Days
Friday, Jan 10, 4pm
Pasadena Central Library, Teen Central
Join us for video games or board games. We have a Nintendo Switch and Xbox One X. Must play well with others. For ages 12-18. Sign up at http://pasadena.evanced.info/signup
Teen Anime Club
Tuesday, Jan 21, 4:00pm
Santa Catalina Branch Library
Stop by to watch the latest anime!
Video Game Club
Mondays, 3:30-5:30pm
Hastings Branch Library
The Ultimate Smash experience is here! With multiple setups of Smash Ultimate, light snacks, and plenty of people to interact with, you’re sure to fi nd the perfect balance of fun and competition! Take on new rivals here weekly and learn advanced tricks from all of our veteran members! Drop by and be part of the experience! For ages 14+
Pressing Arts II: Carving and Design
Saturday, Jan 25, 1:30-4pm
La Pintoresca Branch Library
Learn how to sketch, transfer images, carve and print using various printmaking techniques. Practice design on paper and textiles through printing blocks. All materials provided. For students in grades 6-12 (approx. ages 11-18). To sign up, call 626-744-7268
Sew it Begins - Infinity Scarves
Saturday, Jan 25, 2-5pm
Hastings Branch Library
Bring a yard of fabric and learn to sew your own infinity scarf! Bring your own sewing machine if you have one, or use one of the library’s machines. Pre-registration and basic sewing machine knowledge are required. For ages 13+. To sign up, call (626) 744-7262.
MENTAL HEALTH
Peer Mentoring for Young Adults
Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 pm
Pasadena Central Library, Teen Central, 4th Floor Conference Room
Going through a tough time? Need help finding your own place, clothing, food, a job, or just need someone to talk to? We might be able to help! Drop in and connect with us. Sponsored by Pasadena Public Health and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
SCHOOL & LIFE SKILLS
Homework Help for grades K-8th
Tuesdays, 4-6pm
Pasadena Central Library, Children's Room
Our volunteers provide drop-in homework help for students up to 8th grade
Homework Help for grades K-10th 
Mondays-Thursdays, 3-5:30pm
La Pintoresca Branch Library (1355 N Raymond Ave)
More events for teens around town
Teen Pride Book Club
Wednesday, January 15, 4pm
Altadena Library (600 E. Mariposa Street)
Welcome to the new teen book club in Altadena! This club is devoted to YA books that explore the full spectrum of gender and sexuality. All teens are welcome to join this group, and we maintain it as a safe and respectful space for everyone.
PUSD College and Career Academies Showcase Night
Wednesday, January 15, 5:30-7pm
McKinley School Gym (325 S Oak Knoll Ave)
PUSD's College & Career Department hosts the annual Academy Information and Showcase night. All nine high school academies, the Early-College Program, and the IB programme will be on-site with students, business partners, projects, and teachers to share all of the amazing opportunities available for PUSD students.
Stars Community Summit
Saturday, February 1, 9am-12pm
The Chapel of Lake Avenue Church (393 N. Lake Ave.)
Stars' Community Summit will be a city-wide convening of staff, volunteers and stakeholders around the crisis of closing the achievement gap of the students we serve. Our keynote speaker will be Lybroan James of STEMulate Learning. They have embarked on a mission to promote and develop the love of math as the foundation for student success in the STEM/STEAM fields. Their experience in providing inquiry-based, culturally relevant and life-affirming instruction has helped students and instructors transform a fear of math into a love of the subject, which has recently dramatically increased the standardized test scores of students of color within the Riverside School District. This is sure to be a training relevant to everyone who works with youth and we hope you can make it!
News You Can Use
College and Financial Aid
Online guide with resources to help you with college applications, apply for financial aid, and testing resources.
 
Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Online guide with a number of resources for youth who may be in-between homes or in unstable housing situations.
 
 
Featured Teen Book Review
Dance of Thieves
by Mary E. Pearson
Review by Jasmine Sov, age 13
 
Mary E. Pearson’s fantasy/sci-fi novel Dance of Thieves follows reformed thief, Kazi, and outlaw leader, Jase, as they meet under not-very-convenient circumstances, fall in love, and save the kingdom, one betrayal at a time. Oh, and did I mention that they fall in love?  ... [READ THE FULL REVIEW ON THE TEENS BLOG]
Volunteer Corner
Here are some volunteer opportunities for youth
 
Teen Zine
Curious to know how our volunteers put together the Teen Zine? Click HERE to see a poster of the 16 steps.
 
Teen Advisory Board
Library's TAB is recruiting! Plan and implement services and programs like the annual murder mystery, summer party, and kids events. Represent the library in our Youth Network. 
Youth Council
The Pasadena Youth Council (PYC) advises the Human Services Commission on issues of importance to the youth of Pasadena.