Find all of our programs in the events calendar! CLICK HERE.
Highlights
This Is Not a Personal Statement
by Tracy Badua

When she doesn't get into Delmont University, 16-year-old Perla forges her own acceptance letter and arrives on campus with a plan, but soon her guilty conscience and campus security make her wonder if this is something she even wants.
The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom
by Allison L. Bitz

Upon arriving at a college prep boarding school with a prestigious music program, singer Bridget Bloom, challenged to work on her humility by not singing at all, must step out of her comfort zone and find a new way to shine.
The Chandler Legacies
by Abdi Nazemian

Brought together through the Circle, a coveted writing group where life-changing friendships are born and secrets are revealed, five students at an elite boarding school challenge the long-standing culture of abuse through their writing.
First-Year Orientation
by Lauren Gibaldi

Spanning genres and moods, from humorous to heartfelt to ghostly, this collection of 16 linked short stories about the first days of college tackles what it feels like to take those first shaky steps into adulthood.
Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation
by Aashna Avachat

Told over the course of one academic year, this collection of interconnected stories, set on the same fictional campus, explores different parts of“the college experience” and features students from different cultures, genders and interests who learn more about who they are and who they want to be.
Teen Events
Friendship Tag
Celebrate friendship week! Join us at Santa Catalina to make personalized keepsakes for your friends. Add decorative impressions in the clay with stamps and finish them with a lovely ribbon.
Friday, August 18 • 3-4:30 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library
 
Craft with Us: Faux Leather Journal
Learn the process of how to make faux leather from recycled materials, and use it to make a stylish portable journal. All supplies will be provided. Sign up here to attend; seats are limited. 
Saturday, August 19 • 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library
 
Squeegee Art
For artists and non-artists! Place blips and blops of acrylic paint on a canvas and pull out a stunning masterpiece with the help of a squeegee!
Saturday, August 19 • 2:30-4 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library
 
Teen Writers Meetup
Join other teens and write! Whether you are crafting poetry or a novel, writing can be lonely as it's typically a solo endeavor, but meeting with others who share the passion can be a great for inspiration and encouragement. We might write together, use writing prompts, or share our work in a safe and supportive space. The theme for August is playwriting. For teens only. Sign up here to attend here. 
Saturday, August 26 • 4-5 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
 
Video Game Club/Night
Stop in for gaming on the Nintendo Switch. Make new friends while playing games in a healthy and competitive environment that fosters well-being, fair play, and an exciting atmosphere. Help players connect with engaging social interaction and new experiences every week. Drop by and join the Video Game Club! For ages 14-19.
Thursdays • 4-6 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
 
Community Board
More services for youth around our community
Centennial Square Boxing Show
City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
This free, family-friendly event features 12 bouts of action-packed, Olympic-style boxing, with both male and female competitors ages 8 and older. The evening kicks off with the national anthem and a color guard presentation from Pasadena's 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment. Attendees will also enjoy DJ music, classic cars on display, and food for purchase.
Saturday, August 26 • 7-11 p.m. • City Hall
 
School Supplies Giveaway
Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Justin Jones are hosting a school supply giveaway event. While supplies last. 
Saturday, August 12 • 9-11 a.m. • Robinson Park
 
 
Career Corner
McDonald's: Crew Team Member (Colorado)(Lake)
Part Time; Hourly Pay: $16.93
For Ages 16+. Two locations in Pasadena are hiring crew team members. The responsibilities for the position include taking orders, preparing food, and keeping the work area clean. For more information, click the links above! 
 
YMCA: Lifeguard I / Swim Instructor
Full Time; Hourly Pay: $16.78
For ages 16+. The Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA is hiring both lifeguards and swim instructors. Both positions require a few certifications, so be sure to review all the requirements. 

Day One: Health Ambassador Leadership Program
Deadline: September 1
For Pasadena youth ages 12-17. The Health Ambassador program aims to educate you on topics surrounding the opioid crisis. Further, they aim to equip you with the leadership skills to create a positive impact in your local community. This is a 9-month commitment, and you'll receive a $600 stipend for your participation. I've included their details and requirements down below. 
  • Ages 12-17
  • Able to serve from September 2023 through May 2024.
  • Available to participate in bi-weekly in-person or online meetings lasting approximately one hour.
If you're interested in applying or want to learn more, click the link above! 
 
Featured Book
           Milo and Marcos at the End of the World by Kevin Christopher Snipes
         Review by Samuel Redfearn, age 16
 
Milo Connelly already had a tendency to overthink before the world started collapsing around him, but ever since Marcos reappeared in his life, it appears as though God Himself has intervened to keep him as on edge as possible. Perpetually a goody-two-shoes and, to most people in his life, deeply religious, Milo is yet again faced with his inescapable love for another boy. Just when he thinks he might be able to manage it, however, a sinkhole opens (literally) beneath his feet. The only person can trust not to despise him for his crush on Marcos is Van, his best friend, because now, in addition to fearing the rejection of his parents, the people at his church, and most of his peers, God Himself has also decided to punish Milo for his sins. That Earth itself seems to be crashing down on top of him is certainly not helping matters. Will Milo choose to stay in line and prevent disaster, or will he be honest about how he feels?
 
READ THE FULL REVIEW ON THE TEENS BLOG
 
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