September 2016
All Pasadena Public Libraries will be CLOSED
Labor Day • Monday, Sept. 5
 
 
We are pleased to introduce the first issue of our newly revised monthly e-newsletter.  This is one more way to keep you up-to-date on the exciting news, special events and services offered by the library.  For a complete listing of events visit the calendar section of our website, www.pasadenapubliclibrary.net.  To get a free copy of the newsletter pick one up at any of our ten conveniently located sites throughout the city.
 
If you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, click here
 
In This Issue
  • New Beginnings
  • And the answer is...Yes!! 
  • 4th Annual Author Fair
  • Mental Health Resource Center Reception
  • Orange County Guitar Orchestra
  •  Pasadena Loves YA!
  • Government Info At Your Fingertips
  • College Bound
  • By The Book
  • Films For All Ages
  • Business Services
  • Law
  • Business Services
  • Law
  • Homework Help
  • Story Times
  • Doughnuts, Cambodians, & Los Angeles
  • Author Talks
  • September Exhibits
Please visit our new website 
www.PasadenaPublicLibrary.net
for a full listing of events
 
New Beginnings
 
The library has seen a lot of change recently. Library Director Jan Sanders retired this summer after 11 years of service and Deputy Director Jennifer Addington has departed for a new position at the Palos Verdes Library District.  With these changes come new beginnings and new faces to the Pasadena Public Library family.  Please join us in welcoming …
 
 
 
Robert Karatsu – Interim Director
 
Recently retired Rancho Cucamonga Public Library Director Robert Karatsu will serve as Pasadena’s Interim Library Director until a permanent Director is hired. Robert replaces Jan Sanders.

Under his leadership, Rancho Cucamonga won the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Services, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a U.S. library or museum.  Robert is a three-term mentor for the Eureka Leadership Institute, was named the 2014 “Local Hero” for the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers L.A. and served as the 2015 President of the California Library Association. Robert and his wife, Vinita, are proud residents of Pasadena. Their local branch is Lamanda Park. 

In his free time, Robert enjoys playing the guitar and learning to play the piano. His Facebook page features a stream of food photos, most of which he actually made in his effort to become a better cook. 
Mike Shea
Manager, Lamanda Park/San Rafael Branch Libraries
 
Mike Shea started at the Pasadena Library System in late April as Branch Manager for the Lamanda Park and San Rafael branch pairing. Mike earned his MLIS degree from San Jose State University in 2006. Prior to coming to Pasadena, he spent 8 ½ years with the Glendale Public Library, where he oversaw the Local History Collection and worked in the Reference Department.  “With the help of the great staff I inherited, it’s my job to make sure our branches are safe, welcoming environments with collections and programs that encourage learning and foster a sense of community,” he said.  In his free time, the proud Crown City resident enjoys sports, cooking, riding his bike and spending time with his family.   
 
Tim McDonald
Interim Deputy Director
 
After 11 years with the award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Tim McDonald joined the Pasadena Library System as Library Services Manager in late April. He was recently promoted to serve as the Interim Deputy Director of Libraries and Information Services.  Under the supervision of the soon-to-be-hired Director, he will plan, direct and manage the activities of the library system. “I’m very excited to be a part of this wonderful organization and the positive impact we have within the Pasadena community,” he said. An adventurer at heart, he has traveled around a bit, earning degrees from Swarthmore College and DePaul University, and his master’s degree in Library Information Services (MLIS) from the University of North Texas before making his home in Southern California. Outside of work, Tim enjoys outdoor activities, reading and music.
Erik Hernandez
Public Information Specialist
 
Erik Hernandez began working for the library in early June as our Public Information Specialist. He can usually be found at Central Library, but from time to time you will see him at our branches taking photographs of various programs and events. As the Public Information Specialist Erik will be developing and implementing the library's community relations and outreach efforts. A graduate of Cal State Los Angeles, Erik is currently taking classes at UCLA.  He lives in Chinatown and enjoys live music, spending time outdoors and watching sports in his free time. 
And the answer is?....... Yes!
 
 
The friendship of two study partners blossomed over the course of their many study sessions at Central Library. With the help of supportive siblings, Joseph Gamarian arranged a surprise proposal for Ella Smbatyan in their favorite study area, the Genealogy Room, on June 17, complete with flowers and twinkle lights. And Ella’s answer was yes! Congratulations and best wishes to the happy (and studious) couple!
 
 
4th Annual Author Fair 
 
 
Calling all local authors from the San Gabriel Valley! Come and participate in the Pasadena Public Library’s 4th Annual Author Fair during ArtNight Pasadena, Friday, Oct. 21 from 6-10 p.m. To participate, sign up at pasadenapubliclibrary.net. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
 
 
Mental Health Resource Center Reception
 
Saturday, Sept. 3 • 4 p.m.
Central Library/Teen Central
 
Join us as we celebrate our Teen Mental Health Initiative! 

Our goals this year are to:
1. Increase awareness and discussions around topics of mental health
2. Provide free specialized services and programs for teens, family and friends
3. Provide training for staff and those working with youth
4. Maintain a well-stocked, vetted, mental health resource center

Come join in the discussion, collect highly useful information, and bring your questions or share your resources. Refreshments provided.
 
 
 
 
Orange County Guitar Orchestra
Thursday, Sept. 15 • 7 p.m.
Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium
 
The Orange County Guitar Orchestra (OCGO)  presents classical guitar music from around the world, including music from Mexico, South America, Greece and France, under the direction of David Grimes. Join us for an evening with a unique and colorful repertoire.
 
Book Festival
Central Library
 
Meet 19 Young Adult authors as they present a series of panels and book signings. Swag, giveaways and light refreshments will be provided, including free tote bags for the first 300 attendees.  The event starts in the auditorium.  Doors open at 11 a.m.  Book sales will be provided by Vroman’s Bookstore. No registration required.  Co-sponsored by Bridge to Books and the YA Book Council.
 
Visit www.pasadenateenbookfestival.com for updates. Click Here
 
Aija Mayrock, Keynote Speaker & Author of:
 
 
FEATURED AUTHORS:
Aija Mayrock, The Survival Guide to Bullying • Cecil Castellucci, Stone in the Sky (Tin Star #2) • Charlotte Huang, Going Geek • Dana Elmendorf, South of Sunshine • Elizabeth Briggs, Future Shock • Eric Laster, Static • Evelyn Skye, The Crown’s Game • Frank Beddor, Hatter Madigan and Looking Glass Wars • Ingrid Sundberg, All We Left Behind • Josephine Angelini, Firewalker (Worldwalker #2) • Julie Buxbaum, Tell Me Three Things • Kerry Kletter, The First Time She Drowned • Marisa Reichardt, Underwater • Nicola Yoon, Everything Everything • Robin Reul, My Kind of Crazy • Robyn Schneider, Extraordinary Means • Shannon Messenger, Let the Wind Rise (Sky Fall #3) • Tobie Easton, Emerge • Thomas Voorhies (Lex Thomas), The Giant (Quarantine #4)
 
 
 
 
Government Info at Your Fingertips
 
 
 
For many years official government documents were accessible only through depository libraries. Now, the United States is moving to electronic formats.  A full 95 percent of information from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) is available in digital form, which you can access 24/7 through your Pasadena Public Library. Here are some of the links to check-out …
 
 
• American FactFinder (http://factfinder.census.gov) provides access to data (population, economic, housing, and geographic information) about the United States.
 
• Consumer Action Handbook (http://publications.usa.gov/USAPubs.php?PubID=5131) provides help with consumer purchases, problems and complaints.
 
• MedlinePlus (https://medlineplus.gov) offers reliable, up-to-date health information from the world’s largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine.
 
• Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh) provides career information, profiles, education and training, salary and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
Questions?  Ask you friendly library staff.
 
 
College Bound 
 
 
College Essays: Stand Out and Get In!
Thursday, Sept. 29 • 6:30 p.m. • Central/Children’s Story Room
 
Discover what admissions committees look for in a candidate. Pick up tips on selecting your essay topic through self-reflection and brainstorming exercises. Learn how to structure your thoughts in an interesting and well-organized way and how to revise your essay to create sophistication and depth.  Presented by C2 Education.
 
To sign up, email Jane Gov at jgov@cityofpasadena.net or call (626) 744-4246.
 
By the Book
 
 
 
Great Literature and Discussion Group
Mondays (except Sept. 5) • 11 a.m.
• Lamanda Park

Book Chit Chat
Tuesday, Sept. 6 • 6:30 p.m. • Hastings
Will discuss The Big Sleep by
Raymond Chandler.

Allendale Book Discussion Group
Saturday, Sept. 10 • 10:30 a.m. • Allendale
Will discuss Midnight Alley by Miles Corwin.

 
Pasadena Readers
Monday, Sept. 19 • 3 p.m. • Central Library/4th Floor Conference Room
Led by Dr. Merry Pawlowski, Emeritus Professor of English, California State University, Bakersfield.  Will discuss The Day of the Locust by Nathaniel West.
To sign up, email creeder@cityofpasadena.net.

West Pasadena Book Discussion Group
Saturday, Sept. 24 • 11 a.m. • Linda Vista
Will discuss The Secret Life of Frida Kahlo by F.G. Hagenbeck.

Rave Reviews
Monday, Sept. 26 • 2 p.m. • Lamanda Park
Films for All Ages
 
 
Featuring Famous Movie Couples

Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium
Wednesdays • 1 p.m.
 
Presented by The Friends of The Pasadena Public Library
The film will be cancelled if The Friends of the Library volunteers are unable to show the movie.

 
Sept. 7 • Naughty Marietta (1935) NR
               Starring Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy

Sept. 14 • The Road to Morocco  (1942) NR
                 Starring Bob Hope & Bing Crosby

Sept. 21 • Mrs. Parkington (1944) NR
                 Starring Greer Garson & Walter Pidgeon

Sept. 28 • The Odd Couple (1968) PG
                 Starring Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau


Business Services
 
 
 
SCORE Small Business Counseling
Free one-on-one counseling provided by business professionals to anyone operating a small business or thinking of starting one. To sign up,
call (626) 744-7351.
Tuesdays • Central Library/4th Floor
Conference Room

Pasadena Small Business Owners Networking Group
Increase your business knowledge, meet other local business people and practice your 30-second “elevator introduction.” Sign up @ www.meetup.com/Pasadena-Small-Biz-Network.
Thursdays, Sept. 1 & 15 • noon–2 p.m.
• La Pintoresca 
Law
 
LA Law Librarian in Law Room
Free weekly service with legal research specialists (not attorneys) to help you answer legal questions. Provided by LA Law Library.
Thursdays  • 1–5 p.m.
Central Library/Law Room

Facing Eviction
One-on-one consultation with an eviction defense attorney. Learn what to expect the day of the trial. Assistance limited to eviction cases filed in the Pasadena Courthouse. To sign up, call (213) 385-2977 x 402.
Thursdays • 3–7 p.m. • Central Library/4th Floor Conference Room

QuickLook: Self Help & Litigation Resources on the California Courts Website
Presented by the LA Law Library.
Thursday, Sept.15 • 1–2 p.m. • Central Library/Law Room
HOMEWORK HELP
 
After-school Homework Help

Need help with your homework or practice reading? Drop by the library and one of our volunteers can help.

● For students in grades K – 5
Mondays & Wednesdays (except Sept. 5) • 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Hastings

● For students in grades K - 6
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays (except Sept. 5) • Please call (626) 744-7268 for specific hours.
La Pintoresca
Storytimes 
 
 
Central Library
Infant and Toddler Storytime
Fall Session • Oct. 11 – Dec. 13
Register on Tuesday, Oct. 4


Each Central Library storytime is limited to 25 children and 25 adults. Children can be registered for one program time only. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. No proxy registrations are allowed.

9 a.m.   PRIORITY REGISTRATION in person for Pasadena residents. Please bring your Pasadena Public Library card or a driver’s license to verify your Pasadena address and receive priority registration.

11 a.m.  OPEN REGISTRATION in person.

noon     OPEN REGISTRATION by telephone at (626) 744-4066, option 4.
 
Pasadena Public Libraries offer 70 story times per month.  Story times area available at all Pasadena Public Library Branches.  Please visit our website for available times and locations.
Click Here
 
 
 Donuts, Cambodians & Los Angeles
 
Lecture and Discussion with Erin M. Curtis
Saturday, Sept. 17 • 2 p.m.
Allendale
 
At the turn of the 21st century, the five-county greater Los Angeles area boasted more donut shops per person than any other place in the United States, and a populace crazy for the fried confections. Cambodian refugees, survivors of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, owned and operated between 80 and 90 percent of these small businesses.

In her lecture, Dr. Erin M. Curtis connects the history of this urban ethnic community to the broader story of automated donut production in the United States, explaining how L.A.’s Cambodian donut entrepreneurs reinterpreted technologies developed for the U.S. donut industry during the early 20th century, creating an alternative donut industry uniquely suited to Southern California.

A Los Angeles-based public historian and curator with a decade of experience in museum projects, Curtis holds a Ph.D. in American Studies at Brown University. The program is presented in conjunction with the Allendale Branch Library’s Culinary Book Collection.
 
 
 
Author Talks
 
Helen, The Wine Dark Sea
Presented by authors Phoebe Conn and E. Gary Stickel
Thursday, Sept. 22 • 7 p.m.
Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium
 
The willful daughter of Zeus and a mortal queen, Helen is the beautiful wife of the Spartan king. But her great love for the lost Trojan prince will beget bloody devastation, and spill her tears into the Wine-Dark Sea.

“New York Times bestselling author Phoebe Conn and noted archaeologist E. Gary Stickel, Ph.D., combine their talents and imaginations to create Helen as a vibrant woman who knows both sorrow and great joy in a story you will long cherish.” The authors will discuss their book and answer questions from the audience. Books will be available for sale and signing.
 
_______________________________
 
Darko Dawson Mystery Series
Presented by author Dr. Kwei Quartey
Saturday, Sept. 24 • 3 – 5 p.m.
Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium
 
Darko Dawson, Chief Inspector in the Ghana police service, returns in this atmospheric crime series often compared to Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels.

A 2011 nominee for Pasadena Public Library’s One City, One Story program, Dr. Quartey will talk about his mystery series, read from his latest book Gold of Our Fathers, share information about Ghana and answer questions from the audience. Books will be available for sale and signing.

A Pasadena resident, Dr. Quartey has practiced medicine for more than 20 years while simultaneously working as a crime writer. Attaining noteworthy achievements in both fields, Dr. Quartey balances the two professions by dedicating the early morning hours to writing before beginning a day in his clinic.

 
 
SEPTEMBER EXHIBITS
 
 
 
Central Library
National Library Card Sign-Up Month
North Entry

September Author Talks
North Entry

100th Birthday of Ronald Dahl
Great Hall

Constitution Week – Celebrate the U.S. Constitution 

The U.S. Constitution with posters, pictures and descriptions. 
Presented by The Daughters of the American Revolution - Martin Severance Chapter
Centennial Room, Humanities & Reading Wings

________________________________

Celebrating Constitution Day
Saturday, Sept. 17 • 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Central Library/Great Hall

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) - Martin Severance Chapter as they celebrate Constitution Day with the ringing of bells at 1 p.m. marking “Bells Across America,” a national commemoration started in 1987 by the late Chief Justice Warren E. Burger. DAR members will also distribute free pocket copies of the American Constitution.
 


Banned Books Week – Sept. 25-Oct. 1

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and highlighting the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community – librarians, booksellers, publishers, teachers and readers of all types – in shared support of the freedom to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
 
 
 
There is so much more!!!
 
Please visit our new Library website for a full listing of events, activities and fun for all ages.
 
Click here to visit the Pasadena Library Website 
 
Additional topics include:
 
Finances
Games
Gardening
 
Health & Fitness
History
Language
 
Digital Literacy
Creative Arts
Technology
 
LOCATIONS & HOURS
 
Central Library 
285 E. Walnut Street 
(626) 744-4066
Mon–Thurs • 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 
Fri & Sat • 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.   Sun • 1 – 5 p.m.
 
Allendale Branch 
1130 S. Marengo Ave.
(626) 744-7260
Mon–Thurs & Sat •
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri • 2 – 6 p.m.
 
Hastings Branch 
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
(626) 744-7262
Mon–Thurs •
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri & Sat • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.    
Sun • 1 – 5 p.m.
 
Hill Avenue Branch 
55 S. Hill Avenue
(626) 744-7264
Mon–Thurs & Sat •
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.   
Fri • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
 
Lamanda Park Branch 
140 S. Altadena Drive
(626) 744-7266
Mon-Thurs & Sat •
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.   
Fri • 2 – 6 p.m.
 
La Pintoresca Branch 
1355 N. Raymond Avenue
(626) 744-7268
Mon–Sat • 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
 
Linda Vista Branch 
1281 Bryant Street
(626) 744-7278
Mon–Thurs & Sat •
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.   
Fri • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
 
San Rafael Branch 
1240 Nithsdale Road
(626) 744-7270
Mon–Thurs & Sat •
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
 
Santa Catalina Branch
999 E. Washington Blvd.
(626) 744-7272
Mon–Thurs & Sat •
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri • 2 – 6 p.m.
 
Villa Parke Branch 
363 East Villa Street
(626) 744-6510
Mon-Fri • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m
 
 
For Maps & Directions to the Pasadena Public Libraries
Click Here
 
 
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. 
 

All Pasadena Public Library programs and events listed in this newsletter are free and open to the public.
 
Our Programs ans events are extremely popular.  Space is limited and registration may be required.  Check program and event listings for details. 
 
For information on accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations, please call the library site listed in this newsletter one week in advance of the scheduled program or event.  
 
 
The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library BOOKSTORE
Open Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Central Library
 
The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library BOOK SALE
Second Saturday of each month
9 a.m.-noon - Central Library/East Patio
 
 
Let us know what you think!
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