The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., will show "Treasure Buddies" as its family friendly Friday Fun Flick on Feb. 17 at 3:30 PM.
Join the Buddies on a round-the-world treasure-hunting experience. Rated G, there will be popcorn and drink provided, and it's all free.
Friends of the Altadena Library present: “What’s Under the Clutter?” with Tracy McCubbin of LA based business dClutterfly
Why do we keep what we keep and how can we evaluate our possessions to see if they are really worth the shelf space? Tracy McCubbin will talk about the practical and emotional sides of clutter and why we keep it around. She will also offer some very concrete steps to help you deal with and ultimately reduce clutter. Wherever you are stuck, Tracy has a solution!
When: Saturday, January 21, 2-4 pm
Where: Altadena Library Community Room
600 East Mariposa Street
Information: (626) 798-0833; www.altadenalibrary.org
Cost: Free
Come to the Altadena Library for the teen Friday Fun Flick: "Real Steel" starring Hugh Jackman is a gritty, white-knuckle action ride set in a future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech! Join us for popcorn and a movie on Fri., Jan. 27 at 3:30 PM - rated PG-13 (Youth under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.)
Winter break already going on too long? (Not likely!) Teens and tweens, it’s time for a little friendly competition at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. Come out to play video and traditional board games. Come to the library and have fun, a few snacks, socialize and have a chance to win a cool prize!
Fun and Games Friday will happen on Friday, Dec 30, at 4 PM.
Children of all ages and their parents are invited to come to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. for National Gaming Day. Play old favorite board games or try some new ones! Stop by the children’s room anytime between 10 AM-6 PM to take part in this event.
by Tina Wallin
Altadena Library District
The Altadena Library Community Room presents works by Ngene Mwura through October.
Ngene is a third generation artist from a family of writers and storytellers. He is from Kikuyu, a farmland outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Ngene has found illustration to be his truest form of storytelling.
The succession of his work is a timeline of his perception and experiences as of yet. His work takes you from the farmlands of Africa, through the art world of Europe, and most recently to Los Angeles, where he is currently working on “masks”, an expression of what he thinks the African Mask could have evolved into if the African tradition hadn’t progressively dissipated.
For questions or information regarding art exhibits and events:
Contact: Tina Wallin
Phone: 626-798-0833 (x118)
Fax: 626-798-5351
Email: twallin@altadenalibrary.org
Learn how you can add passion and purpose to your life and make a real difference in the world by joining a panel of leaders at the Altadena Library on Mon., October 17 at 7 PM.
Power of One, written by Traude Gomez and featuring the photographic work of Brian Biery, was the subject of a library discussion in June. Next month, join Gomez, Biery and others as they discuss the inspirational and innovative ways they have contributed to the community. Be ready to speak about your initiatives and bring information about them so that others can learn from you too!
Documentary photographer and community activist Biery will lead the discussion. Speakers include journalist and author, Traude Gomez; “Drugstore Cowboy” Jim Avedikian, of Phoenix Pharmacy; “Mover and Shaker” Sue Black, of the Sue B. Dance Company; “Ms. Diversity” Gerda Govine, of the Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women; “Time Traveler” Elizabeth Pomeroy, writer and teacher at Pasadena City College; and “Public School Supporter” Tom Selinske, founder of the Pasadena City College Flea Market.
Gomez-Rhine has explored a variety of human interest topics, from fashion and art to education and botany, by using a range of writing styles. Most recently she has completed writing projects for the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the Music Center of Los Angeles, and The Huntington Library.
Biery’s work has been featured in numerous publications. He has lived in Guatemala as a Peace Corps Volunteer and works on organizing projects in the communities of Pasadena and Altadena.
This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The main Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, 91001. For more information: (626) 798-0833 or www.altadenalibrary.org.
Back by popular demand, Altadena Renaissance man Allan Wasserman returns to the Altadena Library on Oct. 10 for Designing Your Life: Part II."
Wasserman shared a workshop on Part I last June, and, according to a release from head librarian Pauli Dutton, "this topic which proved so successful the participants clamored for more." :
Do you have dreams of accomplishment waiting inside for that someday when you will have more time, energy, or can decide just what it is you really want? Perhaps you would like to try out a new skill such as acting, writing, or playing an instrument. Or maybe it’s weight lifting, a new career, or foreign language that is calling? Where and how do you begin?
What sets this event apart from other inspirational talks is the opportunity for connecting with others who may have just the experience and skills you are looking for ... the program will start with a summary from Part I and lead you even further on the path to your dreams.
Wasserman is an award-winning writer, an actor, stockbroker, and alto saxophonist and leader of the Allan Wasserman Jazz Ensemble, which has gigs all around Los Angeles County. He's also a long-time member of the Altadena Town Council -- and now, motivational speaker. How does he do it all -- and how can YOU do it all, too?
This free program will be Mon., Oct. 10, at 7 PM, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.
The main Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena. For more information, please call (626) 798-0833 or check the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.
by Cassandra Stearns
Senior Librarian, Children's Services
Altadena Library District
The Altadena Library is offering a free five week workshop for parents of children ages three and younger. The Parent-Child Workshop is a one-to-one program and will be held at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. on Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Oct. 25 at 6:30 PM. The workshop features toys, crafts, books and play. Community resource professionals will be on hand to discuss weekly topics and to answer parenting questions and concerns. In-person pre-registration at the library is required. Space is limited to 25 registered children between the ages of 6 months-41 months and their parents/caregiver. Older siblings up to age 5 may also attend.
The Altadena Library is a Family Place library. The Parent/Child Workshop, a core component of Family Place Libraries, is offered each fall and spring. This five-week workshop helps families with young children come together with community resource professionals to get the support and guidance they need.
The Family Place Program is a statewide initiative that helps create family/early childhood space in the children’s area of local public libraries. Modeled on the national Family Place initiative, the California Family Place Program is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
For more information please contact the Children’s Services Department at 626-798-0833.
The Altadena Library District this month has launched its new digital ebook service, where you can check out a variety of bestselling fiction, nonfiction, and public domain books for your iPad, phone, or other device (no Kindle yet, but it's coming). To check out a book, have your library card in hand and go right here.
Pictured: the library's children's area is being reconfigured to support the Family Place program. Here are some before and after pictures of the new furniture going up. Photos courtesy Altadena Library.
The main Altadena Library at 600 E. Mariposa St. is introducing some improvements for parents and the ages 0-3 set, thanks to a recent grant from the California State Library.
The library was awarded $15,000 to implement the Family Place Program at the main library. The grant will pay for toys, books and comfortable furniture that support early-learning interactions between children ages 0-3 and their parents, and caregivers.
The Family Place Program is a statewide initiative that helps create family/early childhood space in the children’s area of local public libraries. Modeled on a national Family Place initiative, the project is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
Children's librarian Cassandra Stearns said that the purpose of the Family Place was to develop more famly-friendly programs and reach out to parents and famlies in the community who are not already using the library.
The Family Place "supports the idea that parents are their child's first teacher, and the way the zero through three age group learns is through play." The program also encourages early literacy.
In addition, the library will offer a special free five-week parent-child workshop starting in April to encourage the use of the public library by families with children. Each week will focus on a different topic between early literacy, nutrition, child development, speech & language and movement & play.
Right now, the library is rearranging furniture and gradually accumulating what it needs to make the Famly Place a reality. "We've just begun to order stuff," Stearns said. Whle there is already some furniture and toys in place, "we're still getting items in."
For more information contact Childrens Services Senior Librarian Cassandra Stearns at 626-798-0833 ext. 109 orcstearns@altadenalibrary.org.
The Altadena Library Community Room Presents, “Mchanganyiko” ("mixed" in Swahili), photographic works by Janet E. Dandridge.
Dandridge, a Los Angeles-based artist, began her photography career at age 9 with a point-and-shoot camera documenting the happenings in her community. Janet is adept with fine art, portraiture, abstracts, and photojournalism; and continues to build upon collections that focus on social-political ideals that not only affect her immediate community, but the world. This exhibit showcases a mixture of some of her earlier portraiture and abstracts. For more information, please go to www.janetedandridge.com or www.evorevophoto.com. Exhibit is on display for the month of February.
Coming to the Aladena Library at 7 PM, Feb. 8:
Diana Olson, an image stylist/etiquette specialist and Pasadena resident, is known for her private consultations, as a "Civility" columnist for the La Canada Valley Sun, image coach on "Dancing with the Stars" and advisor to the movie and television industry. In her presentation, Diana will show you how to embrace and celebrate the gifts of your personality, coloring, bone structure and energy intensity while enjoying the transformational power of image. Come discover how really great you can be. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.
The library is at 600 E. Mariposa St.
This month's Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Library is Despicable Me, rated PG. The film starts at 3:30 on Fri., Jan. 21, is rated PG, and is free.
Yes, the holiday break is coming, but reading isn't an activity that should be confined to school. The Altadena Main Library and Bob Lucas Branch Library are looking for children who love reading to join their winter reading program. Check out and read books, write a review, and win a prize!
The winter reading program starts Dec. 13 and ends Jan. 30. Click the graphic for more information.
The Friends of the Altadena Library present a free workshop entitled “Inspiration, Perspiration, and Dedication—How to Use What You’ve Got to Write What You Want” by best-selling author, Dorothy Randall Gray. Gray, a nationally acclaimed writing workshop leader and motivational speaker, has captivated television, radio and university audiences throughout the U. S. and abroad. Both new and seasoned writers will gain much from her inspired teachings in this stimulating participatory workshop.
The program will be Sat., Oct. 9, at 2 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa
Information: 626-798-0833; www.altadenalibrary.org
Dorothy Randall Gray is a best-selling author of Soul Between The Lines: Freeing Your Creative Spirit Through Writing (Avon/HarperCollins) as well as poetry, fiction and non-fiction books Muse Blues, Family, Creative Rituals for Daily Living, Woman, The Passion Collection and a new novel, Tamarinda. For over fifteen years she has facilitated creative writing, self-improvement and healing workshops throughout the United States and abroad. Her writings have been featured on television, radio and theater, at cultural, health and educational institutions.
Dorothy is a former Poet-in-Residence at Hunter College, National Public Radio commentator, and columnist for NiaOnline. A motivational speaker, writing and certified life coach she is presently a board member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, and executive director of the Heartland Institute for Transformation. DRGheartland@aol.com
Ezra Jack Keats' children's classic, The Snowy Day, will be the book at the annual "Read for the Record" day on Oct. 7.
The annual Read for the Record campaign encourages teens and adults to read with young children. By encouraging a single, common day of reading engagement where participants read the same book, they attempt each year to set a new world record and raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education.
Locally, reading locations and times will be at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa (11 AM & 4:30 PM); The Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave (4 PM); and Perry's Joint Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop, 2051 Lincoln Ave. (10:30 & 4 PM).
There will be fun activities and participating children will get their own special copy of The Snowy Day.
The Altadena Library District will hold a community meeting on its plans for renovation and expansion on Sat., Oct. 2, from 10 AM-1 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa. The program will include a presentation of current plans and alternatives for a proposed library expansion, and an opportunity for the public to comment on the plans.
Applications must be submitted by September 9, 2010. Follow this link to find out more about the TAC!!!
Mad Science!: Join us for this interactive, educational and entertaining science presentation that includes physics, chemical magic, bubbling potions, and tons more!
2 PM at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, and 4:30 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.
Swazzle presents "River Otter Circus." The creative and popular Swazzle Puppets will present their Otter Circus show, "a series of the most astonishing feats by the best trained and greatest troupe of performing river otters, executing difficult tricks with ease, grace, and precision and cleverness.
2 PM at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, and 4:30 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.
Heather Firchow, the teen librarian at the Altadena Library, write us:
On Thurs., July 1 from 4-5 PM, we will be making “Candy Sushi” at the Altadena Library! Yes, there is such a thing as Candy Sushi! Drop by the library and show us your sushi making skills. We will also show an Anime Feature and if you aren’t you can sign up for the Teen Summer Reading Program!
The Teen Summer Reading Program ends August 3, 2010. Join today for a great summer of creative programs, fantastic reads and awesome prizes. Register for your chance to win our grand prize, an Apple iPAD!!! Teens must have an Altadena Library card to be eligible to win!!!
The Library is at 600 E. Mariposa.
Ed note: we are proud to welcome our new correspondent, community journalist Erika McCarden.
by Erika McCarden
for Altadenablog
Friends of the Altadena Library welcomed local author Paul M. Sammon as a guest speaker at its monthly Board Meeting on Monday, June 7.
Sammon stopped by the Library’s Community Room to discuss his work in the film industry, and sign his latest books: Conan the Phenomenon – a collection of the many stages and developments of the Conan character, with the cover illustrated by the late Frank Frazetta; and the updated Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner - a view of the inner workings of modern Hollywood and difficulties faced on-set.
Continue reading ""Conan the Governor" and other tales from the trenches by Paul M. Sammon" »
This month's Fun Flick Friday at the Altadena Library will be Where the Wild Things Are, the film adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic book.
The film will be shown Fri., March 19, at 3:30 PM in the library's Community Room, 600 E. Maripsoa. Rated PG, the film and popcorn are free!
Bring the family to the Altadena Library at 7 PM March 9, as the Gypsy Folk Ensemble holds an old-fashioned Irish Ceilidh (KAY-lee).
Wear something green or blue (blue?) and watch the jigs, reels, and hornpipes as they take you back to the Emerald Isle. Admission is free, and it's at the LIbrary Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa.
On Thurs., Feb. 25 @ 4:30pm, in the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa, teens and tweens can recycle/reuse an empty Altoids tin and create handy-dandy little travel candle for fun and function. Come on down to the Altadena Library and participate in this great “green” program!
Looking for something to do on a rainy Thursday? The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, has you covered:
On Thursday, January 21 @ 4:30pm, in the Community Room, we will be offering a creative and crafty program for teens and tweens (11-17). Please bring a T-shirt form home to “transform.” We will provide ideas and instructions, scissors, ribbons, buttons, beads, etc. to help you give your T-shirt a “New Attitude!”
Local poets who
would like to be part of the Altadena Library’s annual Poetry and Cookies
program and
be included in the library's annual poetry publication, should
submit poems single spaced along with a two sentence bio to
pdutton@altadenalibrary.org by February 15.
Up to 78 lines not more than 50 spaces in length may be printed in the 2010 edition of Poetry and Cookies. Since children may be in the audience submissions should be family rated. This year’s celebration will take place on Sat., April 10 at 2 PM and feature the inauguration of the library's Poet Laureate for May 2010 through April 2012. More information is available on the library’s website www.altadenalibrary.org or by phone at 626-798-0833.
On Wed., Dec. 30 @ 4:00 PM the Altadena Library District will present Tim Burton’s “9” as our Winter Break Teen Movie.
During your winter break from school, come to the library for popcorn and a movie. Tim Burton’s “9” is a post-apocalyptic world where rag dolls band together to survive. Featuring the voices of: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover. Rated PG-13 for violence and scary images.
