This summer, Pasadena Public Library is offering children and teens free books and craft kits at various locations throughout the City where free lunch is served. By pairing reading and libraries with food access, we are able to provide the youth of our community with two major ingredients they need to succeed in school and beyond - healthy food and literacy.
The generous partners we are working with are:
Boys and Girls Club
Friends in Deed
Foothill Unity Center
PUSD schools
City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department - various Park locations
We've began visiting sites in June and will continue to do so through August. It's been a wonderful way to connect with families and share the deliciousness of reading.
The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library in partnership with the California Library Association and supported with funds from the State of California.
Blood Pressure Kits
A healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80. The higher a person's blood pressure is, the more forcefully blood is pumping through the blood vessels. As the workload increases, the force and friction of high blood pressure damages the delicate tissues inside the arteries.
Over time and left untreated, high blood pressure - also referred to as hypertension - can lead to life-threatening problems, including heart attack and stroke.
Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure. Using a blood pressure monitoring device is a good way to screen for this silent disease.
Monitoring your blood pressure is easier than you think, and the good news is now you can borrow a blood pressure kit for free from your Pasadena Public Library, thanks to our collaboration with the American Heart Association Los Angeles and Huntington® Health, An Affiliate of Cedars Sinai. Kits will be available for check-out at Hastings and La Pintoresca branch libraries on Monday, July 18.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
Summer Reading
Join in the fun of Pasadena Public Library's 2022 Summer Reading Read Beyond the Beaten Path | June 4 - July 30
For all ages.
How it works
Visit any Pasadena Public Library site to sign up - it's quick and easy.
Once you're signed up, you'll receive a Read Beyond the Beaten Path activity booklet to start your summer reading and learning journey. You'll also get a free book to keep, just for joining (while supplies last).
Complete different activities and keep track of them.
Receive prizes when you complete five, 10 and 20 activity milestones.
Have fun connecting with your library and community!
Prefer to participate online? Sign up here and join in the fun.
Want more details? Visit our summer reading guide. For a full listing of all the programs we have at the Library this summer, visit our events calendar.
Sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.
Special Summer Performances & Programs
For ages 3-12
Wednesday, July 13
4 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Juggler Michael Rayner
Michael Rayner astounds the audience with wacky juggling and more. You never know what Michael will juggle or balance next in this show of hilarious tricks and stunts!
Thursday, July 14
10:30 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Preschool Fun with Ken Frawley
Join us for a fun-filled presentation with puppets and songs perfect for preschoolers! For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Saturday, July 23
2 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Magic with Zany Zoe
Zany Zoe has loved magic ever since she was little, learning from her famous magician and illusionist grandfather in Nicaragua. Come see her magical tricks in her show full of zaniness, funny feats and lots of magical audience interaction.
Wednesday, July 27
10:30 a.m. Allendale Branch Library Please note: If Allendale is closed for maintenance, this program will be held at Hill Avenue Branch Library.
The Arty Loon Show!
Magician and more Arty Loon will keep you mesmerized with hilarious antics that include tons of audience participation! Balloons, magic, juggling and puppetry are packed into one show sure to leave you laughing. The whole family will enjoy watching, participating and learning in this fun-filled imaginative adventure.
One City, One Story
One City, One Story Summer 2022 Stealing Home by Eric Nusbaum
Join us as we celebrate our One City, One Story selection with special baseball programs in July highlighting Pasadena's famed baseball great, Jackie Robinson, the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and major league rebels.
Tuesday, July 12
5 p.m. Zoom
Kostya Kennedy: True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson
This is an unconventional biography, focusing on four transformative years in Jackie Robinson's athletic and public life: 1946, his first year playing in the essentially all-white minor leagues for the Montreal Royals; 1949, when he won the Most Valuable Player Award in his third season as a Brooklyn Dodger; 1956, his final season in major league baseball, when he played valiantly despite his increasing health struggles; and 1972, the year of his untimely death. Through it all, Robinson remained true to the effort and the mission, true to his convictions and contradictions. To attend, sign up with the link below.
Peter Drier: Baseball Rebels and Major League Rebels
Enjoy a captivating history of the baseball reformers and revolutionaries who challenged their sport and society - and in turn helped change America. Baseball Rebels: The Players, People, and Social Movements That Shook Up the Game and Changed America and Major League Rebels: Baseball Battles over Workers' Rights and American Empire tell their inspiring stories.To attend, sign up with the link below.
Fred Claire: My 30 Years in Dodger Blue and Extra Innings: Fred Claire's Journey to City of Hope and Finding a World Championship Team
In his book, My 30 Years in Dodger Blue, Claire takes you through his 30 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. From the 1988 championship victory to the turmoil of the 1998 Fox purchase, Claire reveals his personal perspective on the events that made headlines, as well as those that didn't. While Extra Innings recalls Claire's remarkable baseball career, it also recounts the miraculous story of his cancer fight at City of Hope. To attend, sign up with the link below.
Books Available! Our 2022 One City, One Story selection, Stealing Home by Eric Nusbaum, is available upon registering for the Pasadena Public Library Summer Reading Program. It's free for you to pick up, read and keep or pass along to a friend or neighbor to enjoy. Books are available while supplies last at any of our Pasadena Public Library branches. LIMIT - one copy per library cardholder.
California State Park Passes
Check out a free state park vehicle day-use pass at your local Pasadena Public Library. Passes are available to all library card users. If you don't have a library card, visit your local branch to get one. The library card and park pass are free!
The California State Library Parks Pass can be checked out for up to 14 days and is valid at over 200 participating state park units for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway-licensed motorcycle.
Getting into the outdoors is the perfect way to connect with nature, family and friends but it is important to do so responsibly. Please protect yourself and your family by learning about the park you are visiting before heading out, wearing appropriate clothing, staying prepared by bringing the essentials like enough food and water, and knowing your comfort level to avoid injuries.
California State Library Park Passes are provided in partnership with the First Partner's Office and the California State Library.
Monday, July 11
5 p.m. Zoom
Imagine Your California State Park in a Poem
Have you checked out a California State Library Park Pass for your family? Are you visiting some of the 200 California state parks that are free with the pass? Capture that experience and special memory (real or imagined) in a poem. Pasadena Rose Poets Gerda Govine and Carla Sameth will guide you as you write your own poem inspired by your visit to California state parks. Be sure to ask Carla about her amazing experiences working in and discovering our national parks, as well as ideas for your own California state park visits. To attend this presentation, sign with the link below.
Nick Ortiz, Pasadena Park Safety Specialist from Pasadena to Mt. Whitney Join us as Nick Ortiz, a Pasadena park ranger, shares stories of his hiking adventures through California, from Pasadena to Mt. Whitney, lessons he has learned from being in nature, helpful tips and lots of tales from his times on the trail. To attend this presentation, sign up with the link below.
A Visit to the Jack London State Park Join author and poet Iris Jamahl Dunkle live from Jack London State Park located near Glen Ellen on the eastern slope of Sonoma Mountain for a tour of this historic park. The site was once the home and ranch of the man and the legend, Jack London, famed for his literary accomplishments as well as his dramatic exploits. To attend, sign up with the link below.
POD PPL Join us for discussions about culture, history, stories, music and more on the PPL Podcast! Check out the latest episode on Spotify or by clicking here.
Episode 9 premieres Wednesday, July 20 | noon | Spotify
Episode 10 premieres Wednesday, Aug. 17 | noon | Spotify
Authors & their Journeys Series
Thursday, July 14
4 p.m. Linda Vista Branch Library
Susana Porras: To Compostela and Beyond! A Poet's Chronicle of the Camino De Santiago Author and poet Susana Porras discusses the myriad of experiences she and her 73-year-old father encountered on their pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago as well as her experiences walking the Camino. She will also share the poetry she wrote while on her journey and the inspiration behind it.
Saturday, July 30
1-5 p.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Doctor Poets & Other Healers: Covid-19 in Their Own Words with Poems & Personal Essays In this anthology, 26 poets and essayists —physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, private caregivers, holistic practitioners, medical school students and a hospital chaplain — share their personal experiences tending to patients, dealing with loss, uncertainty, grief and isolation, and surviving in a world turned topsy-turvy by a once-in-a-century pandemic. All found their way through resilience, selflessness and the eternal flame of hope.
August Exhibit
Around the World with Dolls Dorothy Rusch, a longtime patron of the Pasadena libraries, loved reading, people and collecting dolls from around the world. In celebration of her homegoing (1920-2021), her daughters are sharing her doll collection in this exhibit in honor of their beloved mother. View the exhibit at the Hastings Branch Library August 1 - 31.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Adults
Ages 18+
Beyond the Book | PPL's Book Groups
Our book groups are now being offered in-person and virtually, two different formats that allow you to keep in contact with your fellow book lovers as you discuss new books together.
Need a copy of the book? Place a hold on a physical copy using our Library catalog and pick it up at any of our branch libraries. You can also download an eBook version using your Pasadena Public Library card one of two ways: via Cloud Library or via Overdrive.
Mondays
10 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Great Literature Discussion Group Join us for a weekly hour-long discussion on great works of literature. Call (626) 744-7266 for the upcoming reading schedule.
Monday, July 11
3 - 4 p.m. Zoom
iBook Club "New Adult" readers in their 20s and 30s, including participants using speech-generating devices. Sign up for the July iBook Club with the link below.
Pasadena Readers Will discuss Death in Venice by Thomas Mann in July.
Saturday, July 23
10:30 a.m. Allendale Branch Library
Allendale Book Discussion Group Will discuss Believing by Anita Hill in July.
Tuesday, Aug. 2
5 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Book Chit Chat Call branch for book selection, (626) 744-7262.
Monday, Aug. 8
3 - 4 p.m. Zoom
iBook Club "New Adult" readers in their 20s and 30s, including participants using speech-generating devices. Sign up for the August iBook Club with the link below.
Medium Art Show – Paint Party! Paint your own summer-themed work of art and display it though the month of August at Santa Catalina Library. For absolute beginners to all levels of experience.
Pasadena Grows Join us for a discussion of plants, gardening tips and more!
Health & Fitness
Thursday, July 14
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Free Health Screening
Registered nurses from Huntington® Health, An Affiliate of Cedars Sinai provide free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, referrals and health education. A two-hour (minimum) fasting time period is required before blood glucose testing.
Saturday, July 16
10:30 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Zumba
Join us at the library for Zumba, a great way to lose weight, tone up, increase cardio strength,
improve coordination, gain self-esteem and feel happy! Beginners are welcome. For ages 18+.
Tuesday, July 19
10:00 a.m. Hastings Branch Library
Free Health Screening
Registered nurses from Huntington® Health, An Affiliate of Cedars Sinai provide free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, referrals and health education. A two-hour (minimum) fasting time period is required before blood glucose testing.
Saturday, July 30
10:30 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Zumba
Join us at the library for Zumba, a great way to lose weight, tone up, increase cardio strength,
improve coordination, gain self-esteem and feel happy! Beginners are welcome. For ages 18+.
Thursday, Aug. 11
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Free Health Screening
Registered nurses from Huntington® Health, An Affiliate of Cedars Sinai provide free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, referrals and health education. A two-hour (minimum) fasting time period is required before blood glucose testing.
Saturday, Aug. 13
10:30 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Zumba
Join us at the library for Zumba, a great way to lose weight, tone up, increase cardio strength,
improve coordination, gain self-esteem and feel happy! Beginners are welcome. For ages 18+.
Thursday, Aug. 11
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Free Health Screening
Registered nurses from Huntington® Health, An Affiliate of Cedars Sinai provide free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, referrals and health education. A two-hour (minimum) fasting time period is required before blood glucose testing.
Tuesday, Aug. 16
10:00 a.m. Hastings Branch Library
Free Health Screening
Registered nurses from Huntington® Health, An Affiliate of Cedars Sinai provide free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, referrals and health education. A two-hour (minimum) fasting time period is required before blood glucose testing.
Saturday, Aug. 27
10:30 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Zumba
Join us at the library for Zumba, a great way to lose weight, tone up, increase cardio strength,
improve coordination, gain self-esteem and feel happy! Beginners are welcome. For ages 18+.
Saturday, Aug. 27
1 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Medicare & MediCal 101
Get to know the basics of Medicare/Medi-Cal, including what's covered, how and when to apply, how to choose a plan and more.
Language
Thursdays
2:30 - 4 p.m. Zoom
Spanish Conversation Group
Want to practice and improve your spoken Spanish? Join our conversational Spanish group now on Zoom! Volunteers and attendees help you to make personal progress and provide lots of practice speaking in Spanish. For all adults of any Spanish speaking level.
Afternoon Games Fun for all ages! Enjoy educational games, bring your own snacks, family and friends!
Thursdays
3:30 p.m. Villa Parke Branch Library
Family Fun Films Join us for a movie the whole family can enjoy. For movie title, call (626) 744-6510.
Thursday, July 7
2:30 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Santa Cat Crafternoons Drop-in every Thursday afternoon and create a different craft activity each week. This week's craft is summer wreaths!
Monday, July 11
3 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Live Classical Music Research has shown that classical music inspires, provides structure and calms the mind. Join us for an afternoon of music and relaxation provided by local LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts) students. For all ages.
Thursday, July 14
2:30 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Santa Cat Crafternoons Drop-in every Thursday afternoon and create a different craft activity each week. This week's craft is sun prints!
Friday, July 15
3 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Beautiful Bean Mini-Mosaics Start your weekend off right! Stay cool with us and make fun mini-mosaics with beans and air-drying clay.
Thursday, July 21
2:30 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Santa Cat Crafternoons Drop-in every Thursday afternoon and create a different craft activity each week. This week's craft is paper beads!
Thursday, July 28
2:30 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Santa Cat Crafternoons Drop-in every Thursday afternoon and create a different craft activity each week. This week's craft is fuse beads magnets!
Saturday, Aug. 6
11:30 a.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Family Yoga
Experience Hatha yoga with Merry Birchfield. Together, children and their caregivers will learn techniques designed to help them relax and find focus.
Saturday, Aug. 6
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Pop-Up Card! You don't have to be a paper engineer to make pop-up cards! Do you want to send a holiday card or just let someone know you're thinking about them? Come join us to make fun, personalized cards for any event!
Saturday, Aug. 6
3 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Star Wars Craft Day Join us for Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. Games, movies, trivia, prizes and art. All ages welcome. Sign up by calling (626) 744-7268 or with the link below.
Color & Chill It's not too late to celebrate Coloring Book Day! Whatever your age – come in, relax, and color your heart out.
Thursday, Aug. 25
3:30 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Birthday Bash We're having a birthday party just because! Join in the fun, decorate a party hat, make some noise, and enjoy birthday games and activities.
Friday, Aug. 26
2 - 5 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
National Dog Day Picture Day Say woof! Bring your canine best friend for a portrait sitting for National Dog Day. Dogs must be on a leash.
Early Learners
For age 0-5 and their caregiver unless specified
Health & Fitness
Mondays
10:30 a.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Read & Play Enjoy a short family storytime followed by self-guided play activities. For ages 0-5.
Fridays
10:30 a.m. - noon Villa Parke Branch Library
Play and Learn Bring your kids to have fun learning through educational games, music, coloring, interacting with other kids and making new friends. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Early Literacy Storytimes
Branch storytimes may be held indoors and outdoors. Masks are recommended for children ages two and up and adults. Hand sanitizers will be available.
Tuesdays
10:30 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Infant Toddler Storytime Storytime is a fun way to introduce your little ones to language and learning! Join us for an indoor, 20-minute storytime with books, songs, rhymes and fun! For ages 0-2 and their caregivers.
Tuesdays
10:30 a.m. Villa Parke Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Wednesdays
10:30 a.m. Allendale Branch Library
Infant Toddler Storytime Storytime is a fun way to introduce your little ones to language and learning! Join us for an indoor, 20-minute storytime with books, songs, rhymes and fun! For ages 0-2 and their caregivers.
Wednesdays
10:30 a.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Wednesdays
11 a.m. San Rafael Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Wednesdays With the exception on July 13 & 27, and Aug. 3
4 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Spanish Storytime Join us for Spanish-language storytime.
Thursdays
10:30 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Thursdays
10:30 a.m. Linda Vista Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Thursdays
10:30 a.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
STEAM Storytime Learn about and explore the world through stories, songs, fingerplays, dancing and crafts.
Thursday, July 7
10:30 a.m. San Rafael Branch Library
Signs 'n Storytime (American Sign Language) Join us for a fun storytime featuring a few American Sign Language (ASL) signs to learn and a craft. For ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Wednesday, July 13
3:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Family Storytime Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and fun! For ages 3+ and their caregivers.
Saturday, July 16
10:30 a.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Preschool Explorers Preschool learners and their caregivers explore the science of the Human Body with stories and hands-on activities. For ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
Saturday, July 16
10:30 a.m. Hill Avenue Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Saturday, July 16
2:30 p.m. Linda Vista Branch Library
Family Storytime Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and fun! For ages 3+ and their caregivers.
Saturday, July 23
10:30 a.m. Hill Avenue Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Wednesday, July 27
3:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Family Storytime Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and fun! For ages 3+ and their caregivers.
Friday, July 29
4 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Chocolate Storytime Join us for an afternoon of storytelling and village building, featuring stories authored by and/or about African Americans, read by Dr. Ayesha Randall.
Saturday, Aug. 13
10:30 a.m. Hill Avenue Branch Library
Preschool Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of fun with books and more in this weekly storytime! Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Wednesday, Aug. 17
3:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Family Storytime Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and fun! For ages 3+ and their caregivers.
Friday, Aug. 26
4 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Chocolate Storytime Join us for an afternoon of storytelling and village building, featuring stories authored by and/or about African Americans, read by Dr. Ayesha Randall.
Saturday, Aug. 27
10:30 a.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Preschool Explorers Preschool learners and their caregivers explore art with stories and hands-on activities. For ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
Wednesday, Aug. 31
3:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Family Storytime Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and fun! For ages 3+ and their caregivers.
Library Kids
For age 5-12
Stories on Demand
Books & More
YouTube
Telling Tales with Nick Smith Pasadena Media and Pasadena Public Library have partnered to bring you "Telling Tales," a collection of traditional folktales told by library staffer and storyteller Nick Smith. Find these stories and more on the Library's YouTube channel. Perfect for school-age kids and their families. Available 24/7 on demand. Presented in partnership with Pasadena Media.
Creative Arts
Thursday, July 7
4:30 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Phoebe's Ukulele Workshop Learn or develop your ukulele skills under the tutelage of Phoebe. Ukuleles provided and checked out during the four-week session. Masks recommended. For ages 8-12. Call (626) 744-7268 to sign-up.
Thursday, July 14
4:30 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Phoebe's Ukulele Workshop Learn or develop your ukulele skills under the tutelage of Phoebe. Ukuleles provided and checked out during the four-week session. Masks recommended. For ages 8-12. Call (626) 744-7268 to sign-up.
Wednesday, July 20
3:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Art with Jeanette - Design a Travel Poster Summer is a time to think about traveling to new, faraway places or just re-discovering the pleasures of your own backyard. Join art teacher Mrs. Jeanette to design a poster of a favorite place you've been to or dream of visiting someday! For ages 7-12.
Thursday, July 21
4:30 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Phoebe's Ukulele Workshop Learn or develop your ukulele skills under the tutelage of Phoebe. Ukuleles provided and checked out during the four-week session. Masks recommended. For ages 8-12. Call (626) 744-7268 to sign-up.
Thursday, July 28
4:30 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
Phoebe's Ukulele Workshop Learn or develop your ukulele skills under the tutelage of Phoebe. Ukuleles provided and checked out during the four-week session. Masks recommended. For ages 8-12.
Monday - Saturday, Aug. 8-13
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hill Avenue Branch Library
Back to School DIY Deco Days If you reserved a take & make kit for back-to-school, or if you have your own pencil box or binder you'd like to customize to start the school year off with your own personalized style, bring it in to Hill Avenue this week. Incorporate your own DIY style to add some pizzazz! Decorating supplies available to use, until clean-up time.
STEAM
Thursday, Aug. 18
3:30 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Potato POWERRRRRR! Let's light up some LED lights and maybe even get enough power for a clock! It's experiment time with potatoes!
Tweens
For age 9-12 unless specified
CREATIVE ARTS
Friday, July 8
2 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
From Waste to Wonder: Recycled Art Masterpieces
Become a recyclable art maker! Using recycled materials and craft supplies, create new works of art.The program will culminate in an art show on Aug. 5 and an art exhibit at La Pintoresca Branch Library throughout August. For ages 10-14. To attend sign-up by calling (626) 744-7268 or click the link below. Register for each workshop separately.
Become a recyclable art maker! Using recycled materials and craft supplies, create new works of art.The program will culminate in an art show on Aug. 5 and an art exhibit at La Pintoresca Branch Library throughout August. For ages 10-14. To attend sign-up by calling (626) 744-7268 or click the link below. Register for each workshop separately.
What's Your Story? Share your personal experience and exercise your imagination through the written word. Join this creative writing workshop and express yourself in short story or poetry format that will be published in a 'zine and displayed at the library. You provide the imagination and we provide the instruction. For ages 11-14. To attend sign-up by calling (626) 744-7268.
Friday, July 22
2 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library
From Waste to Wonder: Recycled Art Masterpieces
Become a recyclable art maker! Using recycled materials and craft supplies, create new works of art.The program will culminate in an art show on Aug. 5 and an art exhibit at La Pintoresca Branch Library throughout August. For ages 10-14. To attend sign-up by calling (626) 744-7268 or click the link below. Register for each workshop separately.
Become a recyclable art maker! Using recycled materials and craft supplies, create new works of art.The program will culminate in an art show on Aug. 5 and an art exhibit at La Pintoresca Branch Library throughout August. For ages 10-14. To attend sign-up by calling (626) 744-7268 or click the link below. Register for each workshop separately.
Become a recyclable art maker! Using recycled materials and craft supplies, create new works of art.The program will culminate in an art show on Aug. 5 and an art exhibit at La Pintoresca Branch Library throughout August. For ages 10-14. To attend sign-up by calling (626) 744-7268 or click the link below. Register for each workshop separately.
Retro Video Game Day! Join us for an afternoon of fun with some retro video games on classic consoles! For ages 9-19.
TeenScene
For age 13-19
CREATIVE ARTS
Tuesday, July 26
3 p.m. Zoom
Sew It Begins: Bucket Hats Celebrate summer by making a reversible bucket hat! Follow along at home with your own sewing machine and learn all the steps to make a custom-sized hat. Suggested fabric: 1/2 yard of midweight fabric such as denim, twill, corduroy, or canvas. The hat can be self-lined, or you can use a lightweight fabric for a contrasting lining. The class will be live on Zoom. For teens and adults ages 13+. To attend, sign up with the link below.
Sew It Begins: Elastic Waist Skirt Want to get started making apparel? Follow along at home with your own sewing machine and learn to sew a midi-length skirt with an easy-fitting elastic waist. The class will be live on Zoom. For teens and adults ages 13+. To attend, sign up with the link below.
Out of the Pantry Cooking Class for Teens Cook up a tasty dish with ingredients from the pantry. We will be making bubble tea. The class will be live on Zoom. Supply kits are available for pick up from La Pintoresca Branch Library. For ages 12-18 only. Sign up by calling (626) 744-7268 or with the link below.
Video Game Club Stop in for gaming on the Nintendo Switch. Make new friends while playing games. New experiences and engaging social interaction every week. Must play well with others. Drop by and join the Video Game Club! For ages 14-19. No registration required.
Saturday, July 9
2 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library
Retro Video Game Day! Join us for an afternoon of fun with some retro video games on classic consoles! For ages 9-19.
Wednesday, July 13
4:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Jackbox Games for Teens
Stop in for super fun (and weird) social games like Quiplash, Fibbage, Drawful, Trivia Murder Party and more! Bring your smart phone, tablet or computer so you can play, or borrow one of our Chromebooks. Must play well with others. For ages 12-18. No registration required.
Wednesday, Aug. 10
4:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Jackbox Games for Teens
Stop in for super fun (and weird) social games like Quiplash, Fibbage, Drawful, Trivia Murder Party and more! Bring your smart phone, tablet or computer so you can play, or borrow one of our Chromebooks. Must play well with others. For ages 12-18. No registration required.
STEAM
Tuesday, July 26
4 - 6 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Get Real! Virtual Reality @ PPL
Come on in and give Virtual Reality (VR) a try! We have Oculus Quest–virtual reality visors and handsets for the full VR experience. Walk on Mars, visit the International Space Station, do some guided meditation, or try any of our many other available VR experiences. Improve your health and well-being! For ages 13+.
Tuesday, Aug. 23
4 - 6 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
Get Real! Virtual Reality @ PPL
Come on in and give Virtual Reality (VR) a try! We have Oculus Quest–virtual reality visors and handsets for the full VR experience. Walk on Mars, visit the International Space Station, do some guided meditation, or try any of our many other available VR experiences. Improve your health and well-being! For ages 13+.
LITERARY ARTS
Wednesday, July 20
4 p.m. Zoom
Bold Voices, Authentic Choices: Writing Workshop for Teens
Explore writing fiction while incorporating diversity into fantasy worlds. Featuring special guest author. Presented live on Zoom. For ages 12-18. To attend, sign up with the link below.
Enjoy fun, free take-and-make crafts that are simple and easy to make! Follow the instructions below to reserve your craft kit. Kits are limited to one per participant and may be picked up at your favorite library branch. You will be notified by email where and when your kit is available for pickup. Kits contain the necessary craft materials and instructions to help guide you in creating the craft. Additional household items such as scissors, a stapler, glue or tape may be needed. The kits are extremely popular and available while supplies last. Kits not picked up by a certain date will be released to those on the waiting list. For all ages unless specified.
Take & Make: Sea Animal Suncatcher Celebrate your colorful beach adventures with this Sea Animal Suncatcher. Sign up for your kit with the link below. Sign-ups begin on July 11. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. While supplies last
Take & Make: Twirligig Paper Spinner Give it a twirl! Have some summer fun making this vibrant paper spinner. Sign up for your kit with the link below. Sign-ups begin on July 11. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. While supplies last
Take & Make: Tropical Fuse Beads Make an underwater creature with this tropical fuse bead set! Choose from an octopus, a fish or a crab. Sign up for your kit with the link below. Sign-ups begin on July 11. Kits can be picked up at Lamanda Park Branch Library. For ages 3 and up. While supplies last
Take & Make: Back to School! Sign up for a special kit to celebrate Back to School! Get a pencil box to decorate and a few supplies to put in it to start school off with your best foot forward. Sign up for your kit with the link below. Sign-ups begin Aug.1. Pick up your reserved kit at the branch library of your choice starting Aug. 8. Use the materials provided in the kit to decorate your pencil box or come in to Hill Avenue Branch Library the week of Aug. 8-13 and use the extra decorating supplies available. For ages 5-12. While supplies last
Take & Make: Fun Fleece Cat Toy Celebrate International Cat Day! Make a fun fleece cat toy for your favorite furry companion. Sign up for your kit with the link below. Sign-ups begin on Aug. 8. Kits can be picked up at Santa Catalina Branch Library. While supplies last
Take & Make: Dino-Fossils Stomp out summer boredom by making your own dino fossil with a few simple ingredients. Sign up for your kit with the link below. Sign-ups begin on Aug. 15. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. While supplies last
We invite you to join our July and August movie series anytime you wish at home, available through hoopla. To access it click here.
Create your own login complete with email and password. Then select "Pasadena Public Library." Finally, enter your 14-digit library card number.
hoopla is available on many different devices:
On your desktop or laptop computer in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
Via the hoopla app in App Store or Google Play
On a smart phone or tablet
Via some smart TV devices, such as Roku
Movies selected by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.
July | Summer Fun!
At War With the Army (1950) NR CC
Road to the Big Leagues (2004) NR CC
Charming the Hearts of Men (2021) NR CC
Tin Men (1987) R CC
August | The Dog Days of Summer
The Adventures of Pepper and Paula (2015) PG CC
Firelight (2018) PG CC
Army Dog (2016) PG CC
The Great Train Robbery (1979) PG CC
The Great Alaska Race (2019) PG CC
Come visit us! Pasadena Public Library's nine library branches are fully open for in-person service. Library visitors are able to browse the collections, check out materials, reserve and use public computers, and access Wi-Fi as well as printing and copying services. Library phone, chat, online content and virtual programming continue to be offered to the community.
The staff at Pasadena Public Library looks forward to welcoming you in whatever format you feel comfortable!
Pasadena Public Library Locations & Hours
Allendale Branch Library 1130 S. Marengo Ave. Pasadena, CA 91106 (626) 744-7260 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
We have numerous options to inform, educate, entertain and connect you to the greater world beyond your home all accessible on our website, www.PasadenaPublicLibrary.net. Check it out!
Many thanks to The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library for their continued support of Pasadena Public Library's programs. To learn more about The Friends and how you can become a member, visit http://www.friendsppl.org/.
For accessibility information and requests, contact the library site hosting the program. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability.
All Pasadena Public Library programs and events listed in this newsletter are free and open to the public.
Our programs and events are extremely popular. Registration may be required. Check program and event listings for details.
The Pasadena Public Library is an information center for the Pasadena community in order to preserve and encourage the free expression of ideas essential to an informed citizenry.
A variety of highly vetted programs are presented for children and adults and they represent the research and opinions of the presenter and do not reflect an endorsement by the City of Pasadena nor the Pasadena Public Library.
The library often photographs or videotapes programs for use in publicity materials. By being present during these activities, you consent to use of your appearance or likeness by the library and its licensees, designees, or assignees, in all media, worldwide, in perpetuity. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
Pasadena Public Library staff provide reference service via phone at
Sign up for Off the Shelf online Would you like to receive our monthly library newsletter by email? It's easy: just go to www.cityofpasadena.net/library/newsletter/. Enter your name and email address to subscribe, and then follow the instructions in the confirmation email. You may unsubscribe at any time.
