altadenablog

Altadena Library presents "Griot" Feb. 9

Asha's Baba presents "Griot," an experience for all ages and all times, exposing audiences to the ancient West African Bardic tradition known as Jaliyaa on Tues., Feb. 9, at 7 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.

An teen "T-party" at the library tomorrow

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!”

It's Poetry & Cookies time at the Library!

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.

'Tis the season to help others

The Altadena Library's Heather Firchow and members of the library's Teen Advisory Council took some time to help out at the Foothill Unity Center's food and toy box giveaway in Arcadia this weekend, and she wrote about it in her blog!

Winter break teen movie Dec. 30: "9"

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.

In the winter, it's READING that's cool!

The Altadena Library Children's Services launches its winter reading program Dec. 13 through Jan. 31.  This year's "Chill Out and Read" theme is "Poetry," and what better time to spend the cool days (or as cool as they get around here!)

Remembering the Red Cars at the Community Center next Mon.

The Altadena Historical Society and Altadena Library are pleased to announce a presentation by railroad expert and co-founder of the Scenic Mount Lowe Group, Brian Marcroft. who will be sharing rare, never before seen images, maps, photos and documents of the Pacific Electric Railroad from the Ray Younghans estate, courtesy of the Orange Empire Railway Museum.  Altadena’s historic Mount Lowe Railway became part of the PE in 1902.  Charles Seims, author of Mount Lowe, the Railway in the Clouds and Trolley Days in Pasadena will be honored at this exciting event.

The presentation will be Mon., Nov. 23, at 7:30 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  Admission is free.

For more information, contact Jane Brackman at the Altadena Historical Society, ahspresident@earthlink.net (626-797-8016) or 
www.altadenalibrary.org ; 626 798-0833; pdutton@altadenalibrary.org

Double-header Saturday at the Library Nov. 21

Another double-header weekend at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, on Sat., Nov. 21.

At 10 AM, it's Super Family Storytime for children ages 2-8 and their families, with stories, songs, fingerplays, and a short film.

At 11 AM, it's "Barks and Books," where young readers can read aloud to Pearl, a lovable poodle and appreciative audience!

Instead of fines, library will take food and toys

The Altadena Library is offering an amnesty (kind of!) for your library fines for the holiday season!

From Nov. 23 to Dec. 7, bring a new toy or non-perishable food item to the library clear some of your unpaid fines (schedule is on the poster).  Items will be given to the Altadena Sheriff's Station for their annual food and toy drive.

Sounds like a good way to help the community and stay in the library's good graces (and, uh, yeah, we'll pay those fines, really we will!)

Library's Friday Fun Flick: things are looking "Up" Nov. 20

"Up," Disney/Pixar's hit from last summer, will be the Altadena Main Library's Friday Fun Flick on Fri., Nov. 20, starting at 3:30 PM at the library, 600 E. Mariposa. Admission is free!

Fiesta Mexico @ the Library Nov. 10, 7 PM

Join dance teacher Alina Mendez at the Altadena Main Library on Tues., Nov. 10, on a family-friendly trip through Mexico in story, dance, and folklore, starting at 7 PM.

Library celebrates National Gaming Day Nov. 14

Come to the Altadena Main Library on Sat., Nov. 14, to celebrate National Gaming Day.  Children of all ages are invited to experience new board games (or some old favorites) all day long!  The library is at 600 E. Mariposa.

Library celebrates Child Literacy Month in November

The Altadena Library District's Children's Services and First 5 LA are celebrating Child Literacy Month in November. 

To encourage families to read aloud together, the library is offering a free tote bag for every family that signs up for a library card during the month.

Railroads, trolleys, and the Red Cars

The Altadena Library and the Altadena Historical Society are hosting a joint event for lovers of local history and transportation.

Expert Brian Marcroft will share rare images, maps, photos and documents of the Pacific Electric Railroad. Charles Seims, author of Mount Lowe, the Railway in the Clouds and Trolley Days in Pasadena will be honored at this exciting event. It takes place at the Community Center at 730 East Altadena Drive on Mon. Nov. 23 at 7:30 PM.

George McGovern, John Dean "Talking Politics" at the Senior Center Nov. 2

The Altadena Public Library in association with the Altadena Friends of the LibraryUnited States Senator George McGovern, the 1972 Democratic candidate for president, and former Counsel to President Richard Nixon, John W. Dean.  The program, entitled “Talking Politics,”  will be held at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 East Mariposa Street, Altadena (next to the library)  Mon., Nov. 2 @ 7 PM.  The program  is free and open to the public. 

This special appearance by two influential and important American political figures will be followed by a book signing, and books will be available for purchase at the event. For information please call 626-798-0833.

McGovern's most recent book is Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President, 1861-1865 (Henry Holt). Author of Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin, says “McGovern’s Lincoln is a finely wrought gem. In this small volume McGovern captures Lincoln’s character and leadership strength better than many weighty tomes. It is a worthy addition to the brilliant American Presidents Series.” George S. McGovern—a Midwesterner, former U.S. senator, presidential candidate, veteran, and historian by training—offers his unique insight into our sixteenth president. He shows how Lincoln sometimes went astray, particularly in his restrictions on civil liberties, but also how he adjusted his sights and transformed the Civil War from a political dispute to a moral crusade. McGovern’s account reminds us why we hold Lincoln in such esteem and why he remains the standard by which all of his successors are measured.

John Dean’s most recent book is Blind Ambition Updated Edition: The End of the Story (Polimedia Publishing). In reissuing Blind Ambition, which spent six months on the New York Times bestseller list and has been out of print for over two decades, John Dean has added a powerful new Afterword, an extended essay in which he explains with the new clarity why (and how) a bungled, conspicuously amateurish burglary at the Democratic National Committee unraveled a presidency, forcing Richard Nixon from office; he also provides definitive
answers to the most persistent questions that have lingered about these events; and alerts us all to the deceitful and growing efforts by Nixon apologists and those out to make a fast buck to rewrite this tragic chapter of American history by reinventing it. Just as with Blind Ambition, this new material is brutally honest and strikingly revealing. Dean’s perceptive new Afterword, when read with this now classic autobiographical work, truly closes the case on Watergate.

Most famously, John Dean served as White House Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1970-1973, and became the star witness of the Watergate prosecution. Dean frequently appears on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olberman and is the author of numerous books including, Worse Than Watergate, Conservatives Without Conscience, Broken Government: How Republican Rule Destroyed the Legislative, Judicial and Executive Branches and, most recently, a reissue of Blind Ambition. John Dean lives in Beverly Hills, CA.

George S. McGovern represented South Dakota in the United States Senate from 1963 to 1981 and was the Democratic nominee for president in 1972. He was a decorated bomber pilot in World War II, after which he earned his Ph.D. in American history and government at Northwestern University. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented to him by President Clinton, he lives in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Feed your very hungry readers this Thurs. in Read for the Record

Don't forget: this Thurs., Oct. 8, it's "Read for the Record": join readers from around the country in reading Eric Carle's classing The Very Hungry Caterpiller."

The Altadena Libraries are holding two readings: at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, and 4 PM; and at the Bob Lucas Branch Library 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.  Participating children will get a FREE limited edition of the book.  Come help us set a record!

Food for thought: the library offers burgers for books!

Starting Oct. 10 and ending Nov. 21, the Altadena Libraries offer "Food for Thought": young readers age 4-12 must check out and read five books from the library, and in return will receive a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger from Inn-N-Out!

Teens: the Altadena Library needs you!

The Altadena Library's teen program celebrated a great summer (see Heather Firchow's blog here), and now they're planning for the next year -- and this is where you come in:

Your Library Needs You! Get Active @ Your Library.

Join the 2009-2010 ALD Teen Advisory Committee and:

• Plan library programs and events for teens and tweens
• Recommend books, CDs and other materials for the library to purchase
• Earn community service hours for school
• Write book, CD and movie review
• Contribute to the teen website

TAC Meetings are held once a month at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa. Pick up an application at the Reference desk at the Altadena Library.  Application deadline:  Wed., Sept. 9, 2009

Box up your dreams at the library Tuesday

When is a box not a box?  When it's transformed by your own creativity!

The Altadena Library will be holding a "Not a Box" party on Tues., Aug. 11, from 2-4 PM in the community room at 600 E. Mariposa.

Bring your own box -- leave with whatever you make it!

Library hosts Fun Flick Fridays in August

Summer's not over yet, and the Altadena Library continues its menu of summer fun flicks every Friday, starting at 3:30 PM in the main library, 600 E. Mariposa.

All films are free, and include free popcorn!

Films include:

Aug. 7: Fast and Furious (rated PG-13)
Aug. 14: Race to Witch Mountain (rated PG)
Aug. 21: 17 Again (rated PG-13)
Aug. 28: Hannah Montana: The Movie (rated G)

Ice cream finale for library's summer reading program Tues., Aug. 4

Beat the heat and celebrate your summer reading adventures with the Altadena Library's Ice Cream Finale for this year's summer reading club participants!  There will be drawings and other fun activities, too, starting at 2 PM at the main library, 600 E. Mariposa.

Library renovation plan gets $400K in congressional funding

From our friend, Pasadena PIO Ann Erdman, who forwards to us a news release from Rep.  Adam Schiff:

Last night, the House passed the Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 3288), which included funding Rep. Schiff helped secure for three local construction projects in the 29th Congressional District.  The three programs will help the region’s economy, relieve congestion, add to the quality of life of local residents, and improve safety.

Among the projects:

The bill also included $400,000 for a renovation and addition project at the Altadena Library.  The Main Altadena Library is 41 years old and in desperate need of repair, renovation, and expansion to provide modern library services.  It is overcrowded and shows the effects of past earthquakes with cracks in the ceilings, concrete slabs, and windows.  It lacks energy efficiency, has antiquated lighting, has encapsulated asbestos throughout which needs removal, and is non-ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.  In addition, old bookstacks do not meet seismic codes and cannot be retrofitted because of age and welding.  This funding will be used for design and engineering studies as well as construction.  This funding will improve the quality of life for the entire community and will assist the library in continuing providing much needed public services in a safe environment.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Altadena Library which, as an independent library district, is traditionally wholly dependent on property tax revenue for its funding,” said Dale E. LaCasella, President, Board of Trustees.  “It will be a substantial step toward realizing our goal of making the library fully accessible to all residents.” 

Mr. Twister at the libraries, Tues. July 28

The balloon magic of Mr. Twister will entertain the kids during two shows this coming Tuesday:  one at the Altadena Main Libray at 2 PM, at at the Bob Lucas Branch at 4:30. Absolutely free!

Geek fashion at the Library Thurs. -- turn old computer parts into jewelry

How do you transform old computer parts into awesome jewelry? Come to the Altadena
Library and find out! All it takes is a little elbow grease, a little patience and your awesome creativity!

Thursday, July 23 @ 4 PM at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.

Swazzle Puppets' "Water Color" at the libraries Tues.

The Swazzle puppets are  back with a grand adventure that also teaches about color.  Two shows next Tues., July 21: 2 PM at the Altadena Main Library, and 4:30 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch Library.

Comedian Michael Rayner entertains teens @ the Library July 16

Do you want to be entertained? Do you like laughing hysterically? Well then you better check out Michael Rayner when he performs at the Altadena Library just for our Teen Summer Reading Program.

Don’t forget teens, you will also have an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes along with your grand prize raffle ticket for attending our Summer Reading Program Events.

Get the Heebie Jeebie at the library on Tuesday

The music and comedy of Heebie and Jeebie will brighten up your kids' afternoon, next Tuesday - 2 PM at the main library, 4:30 at Lucas Branch.

Dave Taylor: music & mayhem at the library Thurs.

Musician/songwriter Dave Taylor will help you to express yourself and get your groove on at the library this Thurs., 4 PM.  The Altadena Main Library is at 600 E. Mariposa.

Teen book chats this month at the library

Missed this one (hey, there was a holiday!) but if you're a teen and are reading/have read an awesome book this summer, check out the Altadena Library's summer reading book chat.  The next one is Monday, Sept. 20, starting at 3 PM in the main library (and there's snacks and drinks, too!)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at the Library

The end is near! Of the Harry Potter film series, that is!

Catch up with the Altadena Library's special showing of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" on Tues., July 14, 6:30 PM at the Community Room.  Then you'll be ready for "The Half-Blood Prince" when it hits the theaters this month.  There'll be popcorn, refreshments, and a raffle of Harry Potter memorabilia.  The movie is free, and rated PG-13.

"Inkheart" is this week's Fun Flick at the Library

"Inkheart" is this week's Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, 3:30-5 PM.  Free popcorn, you can't beat it for a summer afternoon!

Three candidate seats open for library district

From the Altadena Library District: candidate filing dates will open soon:

Three seats on the Altadena Board of Library Trustees will be on the ballot this November 3, 2009.

Interested candidates must be registered voters and a resident of the District to declare candidacy.

First day to file declarations of candidacy is July 13, 2009 and the last day to file is August 7, 2009.  Candidacy forms are available at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office, 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650, 1-800-815-2666.  Website:  www.lavote.net

The Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Altadena Library located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001, 626-798-0833.  Website:  www.altadenalibrary.org

Library summer movie series rocks in July

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, continues its summer of movie fun with four Friday Fun Flicks during July.

July 10: Inkheart
July 17: Confessions of a Shopaholic
July 24: Coraline
July 31: The Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience

All films are rated PG, and start at 3:30 at the library communty room.

The Wildlife Company at the libraries next Tuesday

The Wildlife Company presents "Habitats and Adaptations," with live animals, at the libraries this Tues., July 7: 2 PM at the main library community room, and 4:30 at the Lucas Branch Library.  Fun for everyone!

Make your own cuddly creature at the Library Wednesday

As part of the Altadena Library's teen summer program, "Express Yourself," bring a clean sock tomorrow at 4 and make your own Tim Burton-esque creature.  Wonder if we could pass for under 18, 'cause this sounds like fun!

Animal magic at the Libraries Tuesday

John Abram's high-energy magic show with exotic pets will be featured at the Altadena libraries on Tuesday: 2 PM at the main library, and 4:30 at the Bob Lucas Branch, part of the summer reading program.

Drop in for donuts at the libraries Fri.

The Altadena Library District's summer reading program begins this Friday with the big donut drop-in!  Down a donut,  maybe win a raffle prize, and get ready for a summer of reading for kids and teens!  10 AM-11:30 AM at the main library, 600 E. Mariposa, and the Bob Lucas branch, 2659 N. Lincoln.

Summer reading program starts next week at the libraries

Kids and teens -- join the Altadena Main Library and Bob Lucas Branch for a summer full of great programs, awesome books and cool prizes -- and all absolutely free!

The summer reading program begins June 26 and runs through Aug. 4.  Children from birth through age 12 of all reading abilities are invited to join the 2009 Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Reading Program. Teens ages 13 to 17 may join the Teen Summer Reading Program.

Children keep track of the titles they read and come to the library to collect prizes. A different prize will be awarded each week.

For more information call Children's Services @ 626-798-0833, or email the children's librarian at cstearns@altadenalibrary.org

Children's & teen schedule after the jump.

Library Fun Flick this Friday: "Bolt"

Go nuts for "Bolt," the computer-animated tale of a dog who thinks he's more heroic than he is -- but finds his true self.  Rated PG, the free film starts at 3:30 in the main library community room, 600 E. Mariposa.

Library hosts Adrienne Barbeau

Actress/author Adrienne Barbeau enchants the audience at the Altadena Main Library tonight.  The Emmy-winning actress talked about her career and her new life as an author (Vampyres of Hollywood).

Library unveils building plan

The Altadena Library District unveiled its preliminary plans for renovating its historic 1967 Boyd Georgi building at Tuesday's town council meeting -- and the solution is in the air.

Quite literally -- plans call for building an addition cantilevered over the parking lot, as well as "selective demolition" of part the existing structure, all of which will add about 17,500 sq. ft. to the existing 22,000 sq. ft. structure, and more that double the amount of reader seats.

The estimated construction and refit costs are $18 million,  or $19 million if photovoltaic cells are added.

According to library director Barbara Pearson, right now they need to develop a way to fund plan specs -- about a $1.8 million project -- but the target date for any renovations are "quite a ways down the road."  The library has applied for congressional funding and is beginning to look at a capital campaign.

Adrienne Barbeau to speak at library June 1

The best selling author, Tony award nominee, recording artist, star of musicals, film and television, Adrienne Barbeau will be making a special appearance at the main Altadena Library on Mon., June 1 at 7 PM. 

Along with some fascinating stories Miss Barbeau will bring her best selling memoir, There Are Worse Things I Could Do, and novel, Vampyres of Hollywood, for sale and signing.

Remembered by many as Bea Arthur's daughter, Carol, in the hit series Maude,  she is also famous for her genre roles in The Fog, Escape from New York, Swamp Thing, Back to School, Cannonball Run, recent award winning roles on television, and best selling memoir.  There are no tickets required but seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The library is 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena. For more information, please check the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833 and ask for the Reference Desk.

Family Resource Express at the Library Wed. @ 11

The Family Resource Express will visit the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, to distribute free and low-cost resources and services, including grocery coupons and free mini cookbooks with recipes for healthy affordable meals.

Free oral health screenings as well as weight and BMI readings will also be available courtesy of Community Health Alliance of Pasadena.

While parents learn about these resources, kids can play and participate in fun interactive educational games that are designed for children under age 5.

It all runs from 11 AM-noon at the Library' parking lot  on Wed., May 13.

The magic and comedy of Bruce Block Tues. @ the Library

Comedian/juggler/magician Bruce Block will appear tomorrow at the Altadena Library Community Room in a family-friendly program, beginning at 7 PM.  Admission is free!  Click the graphic for details!

Don't forget: Altadena library book sale next weekend!

The annual Altadena Library Book Sale will be held on Sat., May 16 from 10 AM-4 PM, and Sun., May 17 from 1-4 PM in the library parking lot and community room, 600 E. Mariposa Street. Recession pricing will be in effect. FRIENDS Members only sale on Friday, May 15, 3-7pm.

Gently-used hardcover and paperback books in all categories will be available at bargain prices. Proceeds will be used for materials and programs for both the Main library and the Bob Lucas Branch Library and Literacy Center. Saturday, May 16th from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday, May 17th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm in the library parking lot and community room.

Library announces May family events

All kinds of goodies this month at the Altadena Libray, 600 E. Mariposa:

Magician/Juggler Bruce Block

Tues, May 12, 7 PM  (Altadena Library Community Room)
Two time America’s Got Talent finalist combines magic, juggling & his world famous live talking rabbit into a family friendly program.

First 5 California's Family Resource Express

Wed., May 13, 11 AM-12 PM  (Altadena Library Parking Lot)

The Family Resource Express will visit the library to distribute free and low-cost resources and services, including grocery coupons and free mini cookbooks with recipes for healthy affordable meals. Free oral health screenings as well as weight and BMI readings will also be available courtesy of Community Health Alliance of Pasadena. While parents learn about these resources, kids can play and participate in fun interactive educational games that are designed for children under age 5.

Friday Fun Flick: Hotel For Dogs (Rated PG)

Fri., May 29, 3:30 PM

Based on Lois Duncan’s novel, the story revolves around two orphaned teenagers who decide to turn an abandoned building into a safe haven for stray dogs.

SUPER Saturday Family Storytime

Sat., May 30, 10 AM (Altadena Library Community Room)

Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays followed by a Scholastic film adaptation of an award-winning, classic children’s picture book. Film screen times range from 5-15 minutes. Appropriate for children ages 2-8 years and their families.

Barks & Books

Sat., May 30, 11 AM

Children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the library to read to Pearl. Pearl is a sweet, loveable standard poodle from the Pasadena Humane Society’s Home Companion Program. This reading enrichment program makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful, humane treatment for all animals.

 

Bruce Block's magic and comedy @ the Library May 12

Next Tues., the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, will present the magic and comedy of Bruce Block, starting at 7 PM. 

Holder of the world record for balancing cigar boxes on his chin (213!), Block has appeared on "The Tonight Show," "The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon," "Comedy Central," and many other programs, and as Capt. Pete in the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." 

A two-time finalist at "America's Got Talent," Bruce combines magic, juggling, and his world famous live talking rabbit into a family-friendly program.

Library teen program: Kiss your mom!

Teens & tweens:  Mother's Day is coming up and you haven't done anything yet for She Who Gave You Life?  Well, the Altadena Library has the answer for you!  Click the graphic to enlarge!

Cloris Leachman shows 'em how it's done

Actor/author/comedienne/Oscar winner/Rose Parade grand marshal/geriatric dancer Cloris Leachman showed her stuff at the Altadena Library tonight. Leachman, who will turn 83 Thursday, was in town to promote her autobiography.  Here, she vamps for the audience and is interviewed by her son, actor George Englund Jr.

Library offers computer classes starting in May

The Altadena libraries are offering an assortment of computer classes, starting in May and going to the end of the year.

At the main library (600 E. Mariposa), three one-hour classes will be offered: Intro to Email (Wed., May 6); Intro to the World Wide Web (May 13); and Beginning Word (May 20).  All classes run from 6:15-7:15, and reservations are required.  Sign up at the Information Desk, and you must have an Altadena Library card to register.

At the Bob Lucas branch (2659 N. Lincoln), classes in basic computer skills, Word, internet, and email use will be offered starting in May.  The classes run from 6-8 PM Mondays or Tuesdays in eight sessions.  Sessions run from May 4-June 22, May 5-June 23, July 6-Aug. 24, July 7-Aug. 25, Aug. 31-Oct. 19, Sept. 1-Oct. 20, Oct. 26-Dec. 30, and Oct. 27-Dec. 29.  Class size is limited (unless you bring your own laptop). For more information on these classes, contact the library at 626-798-8338.