Find all of our programs in the events calendar! CLICK HERE.
Highlights

Hi everyone! I included a few titles about self-discovery and new beginnings below. Remember, the best time to start is today. Hope you enjoy! 
 
June, Reimagined
by Rebekah Crane

"June Merriweather is on the run-from her own life. Her brother is dead, her parents are liars, and her college major is a joke. Apart from her best friend, Matt, June is desperate for reinvention. And a one-way ticket out of Cincinnati to the Scottish Highlands is a good place to start. With a backpack, an urn, and a secret, June begins again."
I Miss You, I Hate This
by Sara Saedi

"Told through a mix of prose, text messages and emails, this novel follows best friends and high school seniors Parisa Naficy and Gabriela Gonzales as they discover new dreams, face insecurities and confront their greatest fears during the COVID-19 lockdown."
Tahira in Bloom
by Farah Heron

After her coveted fashion internship falls through, 17-year-old aspiring designer Tahira is sent to the flower capital of Ontario where she unexpectedly learns what she is made of—and made for—with the help of her aunt and her aunt's handsome next-door neighbor.
If You, Then Me
by Yvonne Woon

Dealing with a vindictive nemesis at Foundry, an app incubator for tech prodigies in Silicon Valley, Xia gets some help from her idol while trying to decide between two very different boys.
I Wish You All the Best
by Mason Deaver

Thrown out of their parents' home and moving in with their estranged sister after coming out as nonbinary, Ben De Backer struggles to endure an anxiety disorder and the last half of senior year while bonding with a charismatic new friend.
Teen Events
Databases 101: Useful Databases for Job Seekers
Start the new year with a new job or career path. Learn about useful databases with career advice and job search tools. Sign up here! 
Tuesday, Jan. 9 • 1-2 p.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library
 
Creative Writing Workshop
Join us for a creative writing workshop led by our friends from Light Bringer Project. The workshop will focus on sci-fi to encourage young writers to submit their work into either the Tomorrow Prize or the Green Feather Award, free writing competitions with cash prizes! Sign up here! 
Tuesday, Jan. 16 • 4-5 p.m. • Jefferson Branch Library
 
Anime and Manga Club for Teens
Are you an anime and manga fan? Looking to watch the latest shows and meet up with other teens who share your interests? Join us twice a month at Hastings to watch anime, draw characters, play games, and hang out with other fans! Teens ages 14-18 only. Sign up here! 
Tuesdays, Jan. 16 & 23 • 4:30-6 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
 
On a Friday
Calling all geeks, nerds and seat warmers! Come down and play the same games you would play at home but in a bigger room with more people and better music...and possibly snacks!
Friday, Jan. 19 • 4-5 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library
 
Classically Imperfect's Music and the Mind Workshop
Learn about the latest research on how music supports your brain's function and growth! Plus, get great playlists and recommendations from young musicians who are studying psychology and mental health! Learn about the latest research on how music supports your brain's function and growth! Plus, get great playlists and recommendations from young musicians who are studying psychology and mental health! Recommended for ages 10+.
Saturday, Jan. 20 • 11-12 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library
 
Drop-in Gaming
Have you always wanted to try out some classic or popular board games? Or did you just get a new game for the holidays, and are looking for people to play it with? Come by and use our tables and space to try out the games we have or bring one to share. For ages 13+
Saturday, Jan. 20 • 1:30-3:30 p.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library
 
Sew & Sew: Empowering Youth and Adults
In this Alterations and Sewing for Beginners class, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, make alterations and sew clothes by using a pattern. Instructor Renetta Lipscomb has been teaching secondary students for over two decades. Her passion is empowering people to express their individuality by altering and making clothes that complement their unique body, shape and personal style. You'll receive a list of needed materials at your first meeting. For ages 15-18. Sign up here! 
Saturday, Jan. 27 • 12:30-3:30 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
 
Crafty Cats Club
Do you love to craft and also want to socialize with like minded folks? Bring your own craft, chat, and listen to music with your crafty peers. Join our monthly craft club!
Saturday, Jan. 27 • 2:30-3:30 p.m. • Santa Catalina 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
The Tomorrow Prize & The Green Feather Award
Light Bringer Project: Omega Sci-Fi Project
Deadline: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The Omega Sci-Fi Project is inviting all Los Angeles County high school students to submit short sci-fi stories for The Tomorrow Prize. The Tomorrow Prize encourages writers to use sci-fi to explore the diverse issues humanity wrestles with, spark creative solutions, and unite the worlds of art and science. The Green Feather Award co-presented by the Nature Nexus Institute, highlights an environmentally focused sci-fi story. They're seeking stories that integrate creative solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. 
  • Selected finalists will be chosen to have their stories read in their honor by celebrity guests during the May 11th, 2024 Culminating Event.
  • First, Second, and Third place Tomorrow Prize winners will receive $250, $150, and $100 USD cash prizes.
  • The First place Tomorrow Prize winner will be published in L.A. Parent Magazine. 
  • The Green Feather Award is a special prize for an environmentally focused sci-fi story. The winner will receive $250 USD & online publication by the Nature Nexus Institute.
For more information visit: https://www.lightbringerproject.org/science-fiction-competitions
 
Career Corner
Employment
 
Ralphs: Online Grocery Pick-Up Clerk (Lake)
Part Time; Hourly Pay: $16.05
For ages 16+. Ralphs is hiring pick-up clerks. As a clerk, you'll be responsible for selecting and gathering products for customers' online orders. Click on the link above to find out more! 
 
T.J. Maxx: Retail Merchandise Associate (Lake)
Part Time; Hourly Pay: $16.93-$17.43
For ages 16+. T.J. Maxx is hiring retail merchandise associates. A retail associate will ring up customers, promote credit programs, and prepare merchandise for the sales floor. Click on the link above to find out more! 
 
Volunteer
Teen Advisory Board
Jefferson Branch Library
TAB is a group of library teen volunteers who take an active leadership role in implementing programs, promoting, and advocating for youth services in Pasadena. Help make an impact and join! 
  • Participation in online discussions, committee work, and pre-meeting assignments (this may include additional volunteer shifts).
  • Advise staff, pilot programs, and services for teens.
  • Attend monthly meetings (currently on Saturdays); Meetings take place at Jefferson Branch Library.
  • Minimum commitment is attending monthly in-person meetings. First three monthly meetings are required.
Apply online: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/teens/teen-volunteers/ 
 
Featured Book
          Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon
         Review by Kaelin Lee, age 15
 
Bethany Greene is a late bloomer who hasn’t had any romantic experience in her 16 years of life. When she finally finds the courage to ask her crush to Homecoming, she is shot down due to that very reason. Jacob Yuen, also 16, had been dumped by 2 girls in the last 2 months, one being Bethany’s best friend. Disheartened by their recent romantic failures, they decide to fake date each other for practice in relationships, starting with being fake dates at Homecoming. However, the more time they spend together, the more the relationship starts to feel real. As secret feelings develop on both sides, will they realize their perfect match has been right in front of them?
 
READ THE FULL REVIEW ON THE TEENS BLOG
 
pasadenapubliclibrary.net