Meet 17 Young Adult authors who will present a series of panel discussions and book signings. Free tote bags for the first 300 attendees, plus a big book giveaway. Book sales by Vroman’s Bookstore. Visit pasadenalovesya.com for announcements about author panels, the schedule, and parking information. No registration required. For more information, please visit pasadenalovesya.com.
Saturday, September 23 • 12-4 p.m. • Jefferson Branch Library
Latino Heritage Parade and Festival
City of Pasadena / Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee
Join local schools, community groups, elected officials, dignitaries, neighbors, and friends at the 25th Annual Latino Heritage Parade and Festival. This year’s theme, Reaching for the Stars, recognizes the achievements of Latinos in the United States. This event enriches the community by bringing together family and friends, warmth, and culture, as well as values and tradition to Pasadena. This event is sponsored by the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee.
Parade • 10 a.m.-noon, Starts at the intersection of N. Los Robles Ave. and Buckeye St. then heads south on Los Robles Ave. ending at City Hall. Festival • noon-4 p.m. • City Hall
Saturday, September 16 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • City Hall
Get Ready for School with the Library
Back-to-school season is here, and the library has just what students need to make it their best year yet! The Pasadena Public Library has a vast collection of free resources to aid students throughout the school year, ensuring each student has the tools they need to succeed. Visit any of our 10 library branches to browse our special collections, access computers and Wi-Fi, enjoy educational programs, receive one-on-one assistance from librarians, and more. Some of our library offerings include:
Special Collections
Among the variety of special collections offered by the library is our Homeschool collection. Located at La Pintoresca Branch Library, the collection includes learning equipment that supports homeschool education and curricula, offering microscope slides, models, maps, and more for check-out.
Computers, Wi-Fi, Chromebooks, and Hotspots
Whether using a computer at the library or home, internet access is only a library card away. All branch locations offer access to computers and free Wi-Fi during business hours. Chromebooks and hotspots are available for checkout, allowing students to access the internet anywhere.
Educational Program
Along with our regular weekly storytimes - which foster language acquisition, gross and fine motor skills and encourage socialization - the library offers tutoring assistance programs. Our in-person Homework Help program, pairs students with tutors to help support their education. Homework Help begins in September, every Monday to Thursday, except September 4 and October 26, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Hastings Branch, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch, 1355 N. Raymond Ave., serving students in kindergarten through middle school. Live tutors are also available online at any hour of the day. With Brainfuse HelpNow, you are just moments away from connecting with a live tutor. Simply select your grade and subject from a drop-down menu, and you will be paired with an expert tutor for live help.
Online Resources
Additional online resources are available 24/7 through our website. The library offers access to several databases on diverse subject matter to aid in school projects, research, tutoring, and more. To learn more browse through the extensive collection at https://cityofpasadena.libguides.com/databases/bysubject. Or search a more refined list under the Student Resources (K–12) tab. Some noteworthy educational online resources available include:
ABC Mouse – An online curriculum boasting over 5,000 interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and activities, for learners ages two to seven. (Use in library only)
BritannicaSchool and BritannicaEscolar – An English and Spanish digital encyclopedia offering articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, and research tools for elementary, middle, or high school students.
Brainfuse HelpNow – An online educational aid offering free tutoring, standardized test prep, study tools, and more.
Learning Express Library – An online collection of practice tests, study aides, and support for job seeking students.
Teaching Books – A collection of resources that aid readers in connecting with books enabling deeper insight and understanding of the content.
Pasadena Public Library has a wealth of resources available to ease the transition back to school. To learn more about the library, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library.
Teen Events
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. Sign up here!
Saturday, September 9 • 12:30-3:30 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
Print with Lego®!
Did you know you can make a piece of art using Lego®? Come join us from 2 PM to 3 PM to play with Lego® tiles and print your creation!
Saturday, September 9 • 2-3 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library
Pasadena Grows: Plant Swap
Bring a plant you'd like to re-home, and take home one that's new to you! We do ask the plants are in good condition and without pests, and you bring a box or bag to transport your new plant back in. Doors to the swap open at 11am, but you can start bringing in your plants to set up at 10:30am.
Saturday, September 16 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library
Lotería Game
Come play some Lotería in observance of Latino Heritage Month. A bingo game that is more than a century old! Families are welcome to play using the game boards the library is providing.
Saturday, September 16 • 4-5 p.m. • Jefferson Branch Library
Pokémon GO! @ the Hill Avenue Library
Come spend the Pokémon Go Community Day at the Hill Avenue Library Pokéstop! We'll have a lure dropped all day, and have activities, giveaways and opportunity drawings to celebrate!
Saturday, September 23 • 2-5 p.m. • Hill Avenue 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. For teens only. Sign up here to attend.
Saturday, September 23 • 4-5 p.m. • Hastings 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.
Tuesday, September 26 • 4-5 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
What is a Zine? Zine Making Workshop with Lili Todd
Express your art making skills while learning to make a small self published art magazine that can contain images and text and make your own in this easy fun workshop presented by Remainders. Sign up here!
Saturday, September 30 • 2:30-4:30 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
National Recovery Month Family Fest
Day One
Join Day One in celebrating National Recovery Month! Let's come together as a community to honor and celebrate those on their journey to recovery, along with their amazing support systems. Featuring music, crafts, a bounce house, community resources, free food, and more! Feel free to RSVP here.
Friday, September 29, 2023 • 6-8 p.m. • 175 N. Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
For ages 16+. With Halloween around the corner, Spirit of Halloween is hiring a sales associate. You''ll be helping setup, merchandising, pack-up and teardown of a seasonal store. For more information, click the link above!
Applications are now open for the USC PAM Teen Ambassador Program for high school students! As Teen Ambassadors to the museum, students will get to plan teen-focused events and develop teen-centered content, learn about careers in museums, engage in critical discussions and creative activities, and receive volunteer credit. This is a great way for students to learn more about the USC community and engage with students working with other local institutions.
Available to participate in bi-weekly in-person meetings from 4-6 p.m.
If you're interested in applying or want to learn more, click the link above!
Featured Book
A Year to the Day by Robin Benway
Review by Samuel Redfearn, age 16
It’s been exactly a year since Leo’s sister and closest friend, Nina, died. She can’t even remember the accident. They had been driving around with Nina’s boyfriend, East. She remembers singing along to “Time After Time”, Nina drinking her strawberry smoothie, East laughing with them both. After that, though, it’s all blank. Without Nina, Leo feels unmoored, unable to interact with people. The only one who understands is East. He was the only one who was there, and from the way he remembers Nina, the only one who loved her the way Leo did. As time goes on, though, Leo realizes that East remembers everything about the accident, but he won’t even tell her. Leo begins to question whether she can ever be happy without knowing the events of that night and whether happiness will ever be possible without her sister by her side.