Find all of our programs in the events calendar! CLICK HERE.
Hi everyone,
 
The recent devastating fire has been a lot to process. Even if you weren't directly affected, you likely know someone who was. However, in the face of such a devastating event, I've also seen many incredible people step up to support one another like never before. It's truly inspiring. I'm sure I'll continue to see more of that as we move forward. I encourage you all to take a second and check in on yourselves because we all process things differently. You'll find some free resources below that can help you accomplish that.
 
 
I also want to take a moment to let you all know that our neighbors from Altadena Libraries will be hosting programs in Pasadena Public Library branches. Fin, the Teen Librarian from Altadena Libraries, is hosting programs at the Jefferson Branch Library this month. It would mean a lot to them if you made an appearance, especially if you frequented Altadena Libraries. We also worked together and made a space in the Jefferson Branch Library where you can pick up supplies if you need them. We hope to see you soon.
 
-Ernesto, Teen Librarian
 
Never a Bother: https://neverabother.org/
 
Soluna: https://solunaapp.com/
 
Dena Care Corner • Jefferson Branch Library • Teen Room
Feel free to stop by and take what you need! 

Teen Reading Journal
Come with some recent book titles you've read and write out/collage your book review with other Teens. All supplies & snacks will be provided. First come, first served.
Friday, Feb. 7 • 3-4 p.m. • Jefferson Branch Library
 
Teen Floral Arrangements with Mak's Flowers 
Learn basic floristry skills and how to make a hand-tied bouquet to take with you or gift to someone special. 
Friday, Feb. 7 • 4:30-6 p.m. • Jefferson Branch Library
 
Teen Artist Vision
Learn and create your own artwork inspired by contemporary Black Artists. No registration required! 
Friday, Feb. 21 • 3-6 p.m. • Jefferson Branch Library

Teen Events
Valentine's Day Craft-a-Card
Drop in and use your creativity to show the special people in your life how much you care. All materials will be provided.
Thursday, Feb. 6 • 4-5:30 p.m. • Villa Parke Branch Library
 
Meet Author Derrick Barnes
Kids, teens and caregivers are invited to meet author Derrick Barnes, whose bestselling picture books include I Am Every Good Thing (2020), which won the Kirkus Prize; and Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, which won a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. He was a National Book Award Finalist for his 2022 graphic novel Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice, which also won the 2023 YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Award, and a Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor. His books The King of Kindergarten (2019) and The Queen of Kindergarten (2022) continue to be bestsellers, and he has two series for elementary school age readers: Ruby and the Booker Boys, and Who Got Game? He has inspired audiences of young people all over the nation and world. This event is generously sponsored by Chandler School. Sign up here!
Monday, Feb. 10 • 4-5 p.m. • La Pintoresca 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.
Prerequisites for class are:
  • Basic sewing kit. (Walmart)
  • Watch sewing videos
  • Be familiar with the parts of a sewing machine
For ages 15-18. Sign up here to attend individual sessions.
Saturday, Feb. 22 • 12:30-3:30 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
 
Crafty Cats Club
Bring your own craft, chat, and listen to music with your crafty peers.
Saturday, Feb. 22 • 2:30-4:30 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library
 
Family Blues Music Afternoon
Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience! Join us for an hour of soulful blues music that will lift your spirits and get your toes tapping. We’re excited to present Brother Yusef, a master solo guitarist, who will take us on a musical journey through the heart of the blues. This is a family-friendly event, perfect for all ages to enjoy. We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday, Feb. 22 • 3-4 p.m. • Linda Vista Branch Library
 
Writing Lab
Adults and teens: Get individual assistance and tips for your formal writing projects, including essays, resumes, cover letters, and applications.
Monday, Feb. 24 • 4-6 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library
 
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Join our Dungeons & Dragons program and dive into a world of magic, mystery, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re a new adventure or a seasoned one, our Dungeon Master will guide you through thrilling quests and fierce battles. Sign up here!
Wednesday, Feb. 26 • 4-6 p.m. • Jefferson Branch Library
 
Good Steward Financial Coaching
Come learn about the importance of financial literacy with financial coach, Anthony Joseph. This session will cover valuable topics such as creating a personal budget, saving for a rainy day, how to eliminate debt, investing and building generational wealth and more. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required. Please register every individual in your party. Sign up here!
Saturday, Mar. 1 • 11-12 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library
 
Pasadena Grows: Native Plants & Fire Resiliency
Join us for a casual community conversation about native plants, their adaptation to fire, and some friendly discussion on how we can become more fire resilient through the use of native plants in landscaping. Free native seeds available to all who attend - while supplies last!
Saturday, Mar. 1 • 2:30-4 p.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library 
 
Video Game Club
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
Galentine's Social
Day One 
Join Day One for their Galentine's Social. They'll have beauty stations, painting, dinner, dessert stations, music, and more!
To learn more or to register, visit: bit.ly/Galentine2025
 

Black History Festival
The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department
This year’s Black History Festival will focus on recovery within the community amidst the ongoing tragedy caused by the Eaton Fire.Performers previously registered in the parade will have the opportunity to perform at Robinson Park between 10 – 11:30 a.m., with festival activities to follow until 3 p.m. All festival activities will be free and include entertainment, family-friendly activities, and community resources.
Saturday, Feb. 15 • Jackie Robinson Community Center
 
PWP Scholarship
Pasadena Water & Power
Each year, PWP honors two outstanding high school seniors in Pasadena with a first place $5,000 and another second place $2,500 educational scholarship to a two- or four-year accredited, post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year. This year, to apply, students must submit a video no longer than five minutes responding to this year's prompt.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Currently be a senior at a high school in the City of Pasadena; and able to provide academic transcripts.
  • Applicant must be a resident within the Pasadena Water and Power territory.
  • Applicant must plan to be enrolled as a full time student in a two- or four-year accredited post-secondary institution in the upcoming academic year.
To learn more, visit: https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/scholarship/
Deadline: March 28, 2025
 
Career Corner
California Pizza Kitchen: Host
Part Time; Hourly Pay: $17.50
Ages 16+
Hosts greets guests and makes them feel welcome. They inform guests when there is a wait with accurate wait times, while monitoring the wait list. 
 
Volunteer
 
Eaton Fire Relief: Clothing Donation Sorting
Eaton Fire Collaborative Volunteer Hub
Ages 14 + Adult
Join in supporting Eaton Fire relief efforts by helping sort, separate, and box clothing donations for those in need. Volunteers will assist in organizing donated items by size, type, and condition to ensure efficient distribution to affected community members. Your help will make a direct impact on getting essential clothing to those who need it most!
 
Featured Book
Shadowscent by P.M. Freestone
Reviewed by Kaelin Lee, age 16
 
Lenore Bennett is staring her future in the face. Though she’s committed to NYU, she’s still unsure of what she wants to major in—she could never tie herself to just one thing for the rest of her life, and it doesn’t help that her family is full of overachievers. What’s more, her romantic life has gone down the drain. Though her friend Tessa insists that Lenore’s going to have a meet-cute on her family’s upcoming Mediterranean cruise, Lenore doesn’t think so. How could a romantic failure like her ever be swept off her feet? Then, on the cruise, she meets Alex Lee, a hopeless romantic of a guy who seems to have his life totally together. He’s the complete opposite of her, which is to say incredibly annoying. Will their differences pull them together, or push them apart?
 
READ THE FULL REVIEW ON THE TEENS BLOG
pasadenapubliclibrary.net
Pasadena Public Library
285 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, California 91101
(626) 744-4066

cityofpasadena.net/library