altadenablog

"Get Your Book Published" is May 11 library program

The Friends of the Altadena Library District will be offering a free workshop,“You Can Do It! Get Your Book Published!” with local author and columnist Ellen Snortland on Mon, May 11, at 7:00 PM.

According to Ellen, “There are many out there who have a book in them.  They may have already written it or it may be well on the way to completion. Wherever they are in the process of writing a book, they must confront the question: Now What? How do I get this published?”

Ellen Snortland, Pasadena Weekly columnist and author of Beauty Bites Beast, has experience in both “regular” and “self” publishing. She asks all interested to, “Bring questions and for some of you, your answers too!”

This presentation will be held at the main Altadena Library Community Room, located at 600 East Mariposa Street, in Altadena. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or visit the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org.

Friends of the Library annual book sale May 16-17

The annual Friends of the Altadena Library Book Sale will be held on Sat., May 16 from 10 AM-4 PM and on Sun., May 17, from 1-4 PM in the library parking lot and community room, 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.  Recession pricing will be in effect.

Friends of the Library members only sale will be on Fri., May 15, 3-7 PM.

Staged and staffed by the Friends of the Altadena Library, gently-used hard and soft-cover books in all categories will be available at bargain prices.  Also for sale will be records, videos, CDs, music cassettes, and used library furniture.

Proceeds will be used for materials and programs for both the Main library and the Bob Lucas Branch Library and Literacy Center.

Spring Fling at the Library Tues.

Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring by making some fun, springy, crafts! We invite you to drop by the library and join us. Activities will take place in the Altadena Library Community Room.

... and now the cookies

Full house this afternoon for the Altadena library's 7th annual Poetry and Cookies bash.  Local poets had a chance to share their work, sell their books, network, and pack on the calories, too!

Cookie breaks are a necessary part of the creative process.

Spawn 3 looks over the selection of books by local poets.

Teen gaming fest at the Library next week!

Looking for something to do this spring break?  The Altadena Library has the answer!  Click the graphic to enlarge.

April family activities at the Altadena library

All library events are free and open to the public. Programs are subject to change without notice. The Altadena main library is at 600 E. Mariposa St.,  (626)798-0833. Current information is available at www.altadenalibrary.org.

Spring Fling Craft Event

Tuesday, April 14th 3-6 PM (Altadena Library Community Room)

Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring by making some fun, springy, crafts! We invite you to drop by the library and join us. Activities will take place in the Altadena Library Community Room.

Fun Flick Friday – The Tale of Despereaux

Friday, April 24 @ 3:30 P.M. (Altadena Library Community Room)

Little Despereaux the mouse is born tiny, wheezy and with comically oversized ears and is very different from his family. His love for a princess leads him on adventures which involve him with an unhappy rat who schemes to leave the darkness of his dungeon and a bumbling servant girl with cauliflower ears in this beautifully crafted animated film. (Rated G; 93 mins.)

Super Saturday Family Storytime

Saturday, April 25 @ 10 A.M. (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

Saturday, April 25 @ 11 AM. (Altadena Library Community Room)

Children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the library to read to Pearl. This reading enrichment program makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful humane treatment of all animals. This event will take place in the Children's Room.

 Day of the Child / Day of the Book

Thurs., April 30 (Altadena Library Community Room)

The day's events will include:

 A special bilingual storytime at 11:00 AM featuring bilingual stories, songs, and fingerplays.

 From 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM drop in and make papel picado, crepe paper flowers, and your own piñata!

 At 3:30 PM Storytellers from the We Tell Stories group will be here presenting Cuentos de la Familia (Stories of the Family) to celebrate family values through Latino folktales.

 All children who participate in any of the day’s activities will receive a free book! Light refreshment will be provided. All activities will take place in the Community Room.

 

Cloris Leachman visits the library April 29

One of our favorite actresses of youth (Frau Blucher -- whinny!) comes to call:

Cloris Leachman Comes to Altadena Library!

Actress, comedienne and 2009 Rose Parade Grand Marshal Cloris Leachman will make a special appearance at 7 PM. on Wed., April 29, at the main Altadena Library located at 600 East Mariposa Street. 

From “Dancing with the Stars” to “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” the Academy Award-winning actress will share how she prepares (or doesn’t) for a role, her approach to the business of show business and about her days at the Actors Studio.

Her autobiography, Cloris, will also be available for sale and signing.  There are no tickets required but seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please check the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833 and ask for the Reference Desk.

Rags to Reels @ Lucas Library

Rags to Reels shared Irish music and culture this afternoon at the Bob Lucas branch library.  The performers are: Patty McCollum (whistle, banjo, fiddle), Marie Bruno (guitar), Barbara Gershman (hammered dulcimer) and Lauren Aurbach (dancer).

Poetry & Cookies 2009 at the library, Sat., April 4

April is National Poetry Month, and what goes better with poetry than cookies?:

To celebrate National Poetry Month, Altadena Library will be presenting a Poetry & Cookies celebration on Sat., April 4 at 2 PM. This free event will feature a reading by the Poet Laureate for Altadena Library, Marcia L. Thompson. The public is invited to hear Ms. Thompson and other local poets perform their original poems. There will also be a drawing for great prizes.  Following the main readings, there will be an open mike and a poet’s corner where poets may share their poetry publications and offer them for purchase.  The library’s 2009 edition of Poetry and Cookies, a compilation of poetry by local poets, will also be available for sale. 

Since publishing her first book, "The Wisdom In Your Wings:  A Poetic Tribute To Dr. Maya Angelou," Marcia and her family produced a theatrical adaptation of the tribute that ran in a local theater for three days last November.  The production's next run will be at Pasadena City College.

Beginning April 21, Marcia can be heard delivering her poetry along with other artists (novice and professionals) at Open Mic Under the Stars, a free spoken word community event scheduled to run every Friday evening from 7pm to 9pm at Farnsworth Park's amphitheater in Altadena. 

The main library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena.  For more information please call 626 798-0833 or check the library’s website at  http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

Super Saturday at the Library: friends, family, and dogs

It's a double feature Saturday morning, March 28, at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.

SUPER Saturday Family Storytime continues at 10 AM 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. This program runs the 4th Saturday of the month at 10:00 am.

 

And, at 11 AM, it's Barks & Books: children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the library to read to Pearl. Pearl is a sweet, lovable 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. The Barks & Books program runs the 4th Saturday of each month at 11:00 am.

 

Altadena Library announces teen programs for April & May

The Altadena Library District is hosting its first ever Spring Break Teen Gaming Fest.

Tues., April 7, Wednesday, April 8 and Thurs., April 9, from 4 – 6 PM, we’re calling all teens and tweens (ages 10-17) to bring their competitive spirit and their positive energy and come and have some fun playing traditional board games and video games!!!

"Give Your Mom a Kiss…" bouquet for Mother's Day!  On Fri., May 8, 4-5 PM, come to the Altadena Library and make Mom a gift she will love. A nice bouquet made by you....out of Hershey's Kisses!!! This program is for teens and tweens ages 10-17.

Please join us in the Community Room of the Altadena Library District. 600 E Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.

More information at www.altadenalibrary.org

Programs sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library District.

"Madagascar 2" at library's Fun Flick Friday

The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa,  is holding another Fun Flick Friday, March 13 with "Madagascar Escape 2 Africa" (Rated PG),

This sequel brings back lovable New York Zoo Animals, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo. Still stranded in Madagascar, they manage to leave the island only to land in the wilderness of Africa. There, Alex meets the rest of his family but has trouble communicating after his time at the Central Park Zoo in this hilarious animated adventure. 89 min.

Two free writer's workshops at the Library this week

The Friends of the Altadena Library and Sisters in Crime presents award winning author Darrell James, who will be speaking on “Creating Believable Characters” on Sat., March 7, at 2:00 pm.  James is the author of Body Count: a Killer Collection, an anthology of fifteen mystery short stories. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and his book anthology Landmarked for Murder.

“Darrell James has created unforgettable characters . . . from the sci-fi flavored Lydia, to the hilarious Sweaty Money, to the horrifying Running in Place. And don’t miss the tragic, yet triumphant Motherhouse.”—Sue Ann Jaffarian, author of the award winning Odelia Grey Mystery Series.

 

Women’s History Program:  Robin Maxwell with Signora da Vinci hosted by Ellen Snortland

Critics have called this seventh in a series of historical novels by Maxwell “utterly engrossing and glittering with color. Lorenzo the Magnificent, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and his courageous, passionate mother, Caterina, walk through the pages of this book, radiating life and touching the heart.   I will never see the Mona Lisa with the same eyes again.”—Sandra Worth, author of The King's Daughter.  This special Women’s History Month event, slated for Monday March 9 at 7 PM, will be hosted by news columnist and Altadena resident Ellen Snortland.

Vamp up your Friday next month

... and that squeal you hear is every teenage girl in Altadena screaming "EDWARD!"

Yes, fangs to the Friends of the Altadena Library, TWILIGHT will be the teen flick next month on Fri., March 27.  Being the dad of a teenage girl, I can add nothing else.

Family fun with Rusty O'Flattery at the Library March 10

T uesday, March 10th at 7 PM in the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., meet Rusty O'Flattery.

That Celtic comical broth of a boy. Family fun with an Irish flavor featuring outrageous juggling, silly magic, devilish tales, audience involvements and more. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wonder if his hair is real, or at least why he goes out in public like that. All ages welcome.

Family Storytime @ the Library Feb. 28

Come to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, for Saturday Family Storytime.  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. This program will run the 4^th Saturday of the month at 10:00 am.

Read to Pearl for Barks and Books at the Library Feb. 28

Children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the Altadena Library at 11 AM next Saturday 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. The Barks & Books program runs the 4^th Saturday of each month at 11 AM at the library, 600 E. Mariposa, Altadena.

We love the Altadena Library ...

.. and we're not alone.  Kate Thornton, who taught a short story workshop at the library last week, has her own rave review!

Creating characters, women's history events at Library in March

Events coming up at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa:

Free Workshop for Writers:  Creating Believable Characters

The Friends of the Altadena Library  and Sisters in Crime presents award winning author Darrell James, who will be speaking on “Creating Believable Characters” on Sat., March 7, at 2 PM.  James is the author of Body Count: a Killer Collection, an anthology of fifteen mystery short stories. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and his book anthology Landmarked for Murder.

“Darrell James has created unforgettable characters . . . from the sci-fi flavored Lydia, to the hilarious Sweaty Money, to the horrifying Running in Place. And don’t miss the tragic, yet triumphant Motherhouse.”—Sue Ann Jaffarian, author of the award winning Odelia Grey Mystery Series.

Women’s History Program:  Robin Maxwell with Signora da Vinci hosted by Ellen Snortland

Critics have called this seventh in a series of historical novels by Maxwell “utterly engrossing and glittering with color. Lorenzo the Magnificent, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and his courageous, passionate mother, Caterina, walk through the pages of this book, radiating life and touching the heart.   I will never see the Mona Lisa with the same eyes again.”—Sandra Worth, author of The King's Daughter.  This special Women’s History Month event, slated for Mon. March 9 at 7 p.m., will be hosted by news columnist and Altadena resident Ellen Snortland.

Poetry & Cookies deadline coming Monday!

The Friends of the Altadena Library present the 7th Annual Poetry & Cookies Program on Sat., April 4, 2009, 2-4 PM.

Hear poetry by local poets & enjoy excellent cookies.  Publish your poem! Raffles for great prizes! Meet Altadena Library’s Poet Laureate! Open readers too.  If you are a poet who lives in Altadena or the surrounding area and would like to be part of the program and anthology, submit family rated poems, short bio and contact information by February 17 to: pdutton@altadenalibrary.

Makinto tonight at the library, 7 PM

Join Makinto in the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., for a musical theater, educational and historical journey through African and African American music. In this animated and interactive show, Makinto explains the history of black people in America through the evolution of black music.

 

Makinto is an international recording artist, fluent in 5 languages, and has performed in more than 60 countries and 5 continents. He has performed for Pope John Paul 2, Nelson Mandela, arranged and composed for Miriam Makeba and has been TV host in Germany and France. He has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations agency WAFUNIF in 2002. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.

Internet safety magic show at the library Feb. 24

Wayne the Magician uses magic and humor to talk about Internet safety topics such as chat room safety, social networking precautions, dealing with email, computer viruses, phishing scams, protecting passwords and more.  For children 4th grade or older and their parents! Tuesday, February 24 @ 7pm, Altadena Library District, Community Room

Short story workshop and black music at the Library

Big doin's at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, over the next couple of days:

Mystery/SF writer Kate Thornton will lead a 2 PM Saturday workshop on short stories -- where to find ideas, how to structure, and where and how to market them.  Kate Thornton, who has published over 100 mystery and science fiction stories, is an active member of Sisters in Crime, an international organization dedicated to supporting authors (both men and women) in their writing pursuits in the mystery and crime genres.

And Tuesday night at 7 PM,  Makinto, an internationally known performer, will present a musical, educational and historical journey through African and African American music! In this animated and interactive show, Makinto explains the history of blacks in America through the evolution of black music. Makinto has performed for Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. In 2002 he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations agency WAFUNIF. 

Altadena Library needs letters of support

We received this request as a member of the Library's Strategic Advisory Planning Committee, and think it needs to get wide exposure.  From Barbara Pearson, Library District Director:

We need you to write letters of support for the Altadena Library District Main Library Renovation and Expansion Project.

We have met with the Deputy Director of Congressman Schiff's Office and we are requesting $1.2 million in funding for our construction documents, which the Deputy Director said the Congressman will take to the Appropriations Committee.

A sample letter is attached, but you should try to put your own thoughts about the need for remediation of ADA issues and current/future services.

Please address the letter to Congressman Schiff and e-mail it to me by Thursday, February 12, 2009 at   bpearson@altadenalibrary.org"  I will then put it in PDF format and send it to Schiff's Deputy Director, per his request.
 
Thank you for all of your support and contributions to this process.

Barbara J. Pearson
District Director

Make a cookie-card Valentine at the Library Feb. 12

Altadena Library Teens & Tweens (9-17) can decorate and artistically wrap a Cookie-Card for Valentine’s Day to keep for themselves or give to someone special.  At the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, 4-5 PM.

Library hosts Kate Thornton short story workshop Feb. 7 2 PM

This presentation will include where to find ideas for stories, how to structure, and where and how to market them.  Kate Thornton, who has published over 100 mystery and science fiction stories, is an active member of Sisters in Crime, an international organization dedicated to supporting authors (both men and women) in their writing pursuits in the mystery and crime genres.

This will be the second in a series of workshops for writers which will take place during Feb., March, and April 2009.

Makinto journeys through black music at the Library Feb. 10

The Altadena Library will feature Makinto in a musical, educational and historical journey through African and African American music! In this animated and interactive show, Makinto explains the history of blacks in America through the evolution of black music. Makinto is an international recording artist, fluent in 5 languages, and has performed for Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. In 2002 he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations agency WAFUNIF. Tuesday, February 10th, 7:00pm, Community Room.

 Born to a Liberian mother and a German father, MAKINTO (George Friebe-Makinto) was soon interested in integrating both sides of this cultural heritage into his music. He studied classical music in Germany, traditional and modern African music in various African countries. MAKINTO further studied American and other forms of black music, including Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Latin American and Brazilian music, while living successively in Germany, the US, Liberia, Spain, Canary Islands, Ivory Coast and France. His natural curiosity, his interest in other cultures and music made him travel through over 60 countries.

Barks and books at the Library Sat.

On Sat., Jan. 24 at 11:00 AM, children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the library to read to Pearl, a loveable dog from the Pasadena Humane Society. This reading enrichment program makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful humane treatment of all animals.

"Igor" on Library's Fun Flick Friday

"Igor" brings us a new twist on the classic mad scientist/monster genre. Igor is a hunchbacked lab assistant who has big dreams of becoming a mad scientist himself and winning the first place prize at the annual Evil Science fair in this animated comedy. Friday, January 23 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. (Rated PG; 87 mins.) at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa.

Pen your family history with style at the Library Feb. 6

The Friends of the Altadena Library District will be offering a free program, “Family Legacy,” on Fri., Feb. 6 at 7 PM.  In this workshop, award-winning author Linda Weaver Clarke will describe her secrets of making ancestors come alive on paper by turning family history into a variety of written formats in both fiction and non-fiction. 

Everyone has stories of themselves or ancestors that might be considered their family legacy.  These stories need to be written down for children and generations to come.   Clarke has toured the United States extensively with this exciting program which will appeal to both genealogists and aspiring authors.

Family Legacy is the first in a series of workshops for writers which will take place during the months of February, March, and April of this year.  All presentations will be held at the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 East Mariposa Street, in Altadena. For more information please call 626-798-0833 and ask for Reference or visit the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org.

Rocket man

"Capt. Bob" Redman puts on a show at the Altadena Library this evening, highlighting the history of space exploration in "Rockets and Robots."  There was a pretty full house of kids and parents for the event.

Rockets and robots at the Library, Tues. Jan. 13

Capt. Bob's rockets and robots? We're so there!:

With his use of models and child-involved demonstrations, Bob Redman gives children a front row seat on the International Space Station and the exciting world of robots in space. Children learn about the fun of weightlessness and how men traveled on the dangerous and thrilling journey to the Moon. A variety of robot models, including a full-size replica of the first Mars rover make these far-off explorations real and interesting.

7 PM at the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa.

Mountain Man to Mayor: Don Benito at the Community Center Jan. 26

Author Nat B. Read reveals the amazing tale of the "pioneer, beaver trapper and trader, grizzly bear hunter, Indian fighter, justice of the peace, farmer, rancher, politician, horticulturalist, vinter, real estate entrepreneur, and one of the great landholders in Southern California," Don Benito Wilson.  This is a joint presentation of the Altadena Historical Society and Friends of the Altadena Library, and it will take place at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., starting at 7:30 PM.

New teen books at the library

Heather Firchow's ALD Teen Scene blog highlights the latest young adult books to hit the Altadena Library (but no boy wizards, and no hunky vampires!)

Fun flick Friday: Kung Fu Panda Dec. 19

This recent kid-friendly film will be screening at the Altadeda Public Library at 3:30 PM  (Rated PG; 92 min.) The library'll provide the popcorn!

Tests for 2010 census positions coming up

'Tis the season, when Caesar Augustus had a census and declared that all the world should be taxed.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.

So the Altadena Library will be hosting tests for positions with the 2010 Census from Jan. through April of next year.  The attached flyer has all the dates and particulars.  You do not have to travel on donkeyback to get there.

2009 Resolution: get healthy!

 It's still two weeks to Christmas, and already the goodies are piling up.  If you're expecting the usual swearing-off after New Year's (and we are), the Altadena Library has already lined up a program to help us:

The Altadena Library District presents “Get Healthy Altadena!!!” A Health, Nutrition and Fitness Informational Program facilitated by Huntington Hospital’s Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program

Join us @ to the Altadena Library and discover how to have a healthier you in 2009 and for years to come. Representatives from Huntington Hospital’s Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program will share  simple ideas to improve basic nutrition, fitness and your overall health in 2009 and for years to come!

Please join us Monday night, January 12, 2009 at 7PM in the Community Room of the Altadena Library District. 600 E Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001. More information at www.altadenalibrary.org

No school? Teenagers? What're we going to do?

The Altadena Library has the answer for you:

On Mon. , December 22, 2008 @ 3PM come to the Altadena Library and create incredible jewelry from ordinary items that you would find at your local Hardware store. Yes you will be able to create your own “Hardwear” or “Jewelry from a toolbox” to give as a gift or keep for yourself!

(There's more on the LIbrary's teen site here.)

Fri., January 2, 2009 @ 3:30PM come celebrate the New Year and a break from school with popcorn and a movie at the Altadena Library. Come join us for the exciting action packed movie:

The Mummy III: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Rick O'Connell is back in an adventure that leads him into the catacombs of ancient China where an unexpected archaeologist has awakened a long-dormant ruthless Dragon Emperor. As the powerful mummy roars back to life the O’Connell family must quell his quest for world domination in this action adventure. Starring Brendan Fraser, Jet Le and Michelle Yeoh. Rated PG-13; 112 minutes

Andrea Baker Jazz Quintet at the Library, Dec. 12

Andrea Baker, critically acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist, will perform with her jazz  ensemble at the Altadena Library on Fri., Dec. 12, 2008 at 7PM.  Noted jazz critic Leonard Feather, has compared Andrea to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan and Jazz Improv Magazine called her a female Sinatra. Don Heckman of the LA Times proclaimed her a musician's singer.

A recent appearance in Kansas City brought her the highest praise from Downbeat critic,  Chuck Berg. Andrea is guest vocalist on the newly released DVD, Steve Wilkerson; Live and in Session.

Andrea is also an esteemed jazz educator. In 2006 she was named Director of Jazz Studies for Pasadena City College where she heads up a large and diversified department. As director of the acclaimed Studio Jazz Ensemble, Andrea has led the ensemble on six CD's, one with saxophone icon, Gary Foster.
In 2005 Andrea was inducted into the prestigious Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame for her many jazz endeavors.

The Andrea Baker Jazz Quintet, features Steve Wilkerson, with James “Dr. Groove” Gadson, Super Star drummer from Motown Records, Barry Zweig on guitar, and Chris Conner on bass.

The Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena  626-798-0833

 
 

Swazzle Puppets holiday extravaganza at the library, Dec. 2

Swazzle Puppets – Live from the Ice Cube

Tuesday, December 2^nd @ 7:00 PM (Altadena Library Community Room)

When the Snow Queen holds auditions for her annual holiday extravaganza, the entire population of the North and South Poles shows up. It’s up to the audience to decide who will perform LIVE from the Ice Cube! All ages welcome.

(BTW, check out the Altadena Library's new Teen Blog!)

Library position open for Americorp literacy volunteer.

Deadline is coming up on this, Dec. 1:

ALTADENA LIBRARY DISTRICT
AmeriCorps Literacy Assistant Position Open

The Altadena Library District Literacy Program has one part-time volunteer position open for the 2009 service year.  AmeriCorps members provide an enormous boost for the community by tutoring local adults, recruiting volunteers and conducting outreach for Literacy Services.

The position requires a minimum of 20 hours per week.  The service year is from January 1 to December 31, 2009.  Applicant must be at least 18 years old, able to read, write and speak English well and be willing to have a background check.  Along with helping the community, additional benefits of this position include a monthly stipend, free training in the area of literacy, computers, project planning and community outreach and a financial education award at the end of the year’s service.  Applications are available at the Main Altadena Library at 600 E. Mariposa St. and the Bob Lucas Branch Library at 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.  The deadline to submit completed applications is 5:00pm on Monday, December 1, 2008.

The Altadena Library District participates in the statewide California Library Literacy Services AmeriCorps Initiative. This program is dedicated to improving literacy in each of the communities it serves.  “AmeriCorps service is a perfect fit for those special individuals that want to make a difference in their community,” says Roberta Lauderdale, the Altadena Public Library AmeriCorps Program Supervisor.  The California Library Literacy Services AmeriCorps Initiative is made possible by a grant from the California Service Corps and operates as a statewide partnership of the California State Library, the National City Public Library, LiteracyWorks, and Starbucks.  The Altadena AmeriCorps Members are sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.  For more information about AmeriCorps and the Altadena Library Literacy programs, contact Roberta Lauderdale at 626-798-8338 or rlauderdale@altadenalibrary.org

Altadena Library board seeks to fill vacant seat

The Altadena Library Board of Trustees is accepting résumés of those persons who would like to serve on the Altadena Board of Library Trustees.  Currently one position is vacant for the unexpired 2011 term.
 
Those applying must be 18 years of age and a resident of Altadena.  The Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
 
The Board will interview potential candidates at the November 24, 2008, 5:00 p.m. meeting and make an appointment to fill the vacancy at this meeting.
 
The appointed person may run in the November 3, 2009 election for the unexpired two year term of this seat. 
 
The Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.  Telephone number 626-798-0833.
 
DEADLINE:  submit a letter of interest and résumé to the Director’s office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2008.  
 

Library open Veteran's Day, with celebration & speaker

Although most local libraries will be closed on Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day, Altadena Library District’s main and branch library will both be open for business as usual with lots to choose from to keep both children and adults entertained and informed.

All those who need a place to study, computers with internet access, free loan DVDs, audio books, or something good to read are more than welcome to stop by and check out the library. 

And, the library will celebrate our veterans with a notable speaker:

“Norm” Stevens, an 8th Air Force bombardier, will present his stirring tale, An Innocent at Polebrook, at the library on Tues., Nov. 11 at 7 PM.    Steven’s book tells the true story of an innocent l8-year old plucked from his small hometown in California who found himself at l9 riding in the nose of a heavy bomber under conditions he could not possibly have imagined.  The book explores the excruciating tension between his innocence and the raw reality of war and the bravery and courage of his own and the other men in the 8th Air Force.

Stevens joined the Army Air Corps, serving during WW II from April 1943 until October 1946. He flew as a bombardier on a B-17 in the 8th Air Force, 351st Bomb Group, at Polebrook, England during the summer and fall of 1944. His tour of duty consisted of 34 bombing missions over Germany and occupied France, Belgium and Holland.  He is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.

This presentation will be held at the Altadena Library Community Room, at 600 East Mariposa Street, in Altadena. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or visit the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

Library looking for literacy assistant

The Altadena Library district is looking to fill a part-time Americorps literacy assistant position.  Benefits include valuable training and experience, an opportunity to serve the community, a living allowance, and an education award at completion of service.  For more information, call 798-8338.

Halloween activities at the Altadena Library

It's coming up next week, and the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, has a full slate of activities coming up:

Scary Stories @ the Altadena Library
Tuesday, Oct. 28th @ 7pm (Altadena Library Community Room)
Professional storyteller Michael McCarty will perform funny scary, scary scary, tales of mystery & suspense from here there and everywhere.

 

The Bat Lady
Wed., Oct. 29 @ 4pm (Altadena Library Community Room)
Meet a live bat as Dane Simons aka The Bat Lady dispels some common misconceptions about these fascinating little creatures.

Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebration
Fri., Oct. 31 (Altadena Library Community Room)
Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday when family and friends gather to honor and remember loved ones. Halloween and Day of the Dead activities will include construction paper jack o’ lanterns, puppets, and sugar-skull decorating.  Halloween activities will go on from 2:30-5, but children can come in costume anytime during the day and pick up a Halloween treat.

Mt. Lowe Railway talk at Community Center, Oct. 20, 7:30 PM

Michael Patris, author of Mount Lowe Railway, will present a slide show and talk about the history of Altadena's famous "railway to the clouds." Built by Civil War balloonist Thaddeus S. C. Lowe and opened with great fanfare on July 4, 1893, the Mount Lowe Incline Railway was hailed as "Earth's Grandest Mountain Ride." 

This event is jointly sponsored by the Altadena Historical Society and the Friends of the Altadena Library.  Although many have paid to hear this enthralling program, the presentation will be free to all.  Please note that in order to accommodate an expected large audience, the presentation will take place at the Altadena Community Center located at 730 East Altadena Drive.

Memoir Night at the Library, 7 PM Oct. 17

The Altadena Library's Distinguished Speaker series continues next Friday with the work of four memorists:

• Tristine Rainer, author of Your Life as Story, is joined by several of her students for this all encompassing presentation on turning memories into a published book.  
• Nancy Mehagian's Siren's Feast, an Edible Odyssey describes the odyssey of a young Armenian woman declaring her independence. 
• Paul Krehbiel's Shades of Justice takes the reader on a wild ride through the searing sixties.  
• Ray Elizondo's The Last Pachuco tells of a life of daring and defiance in the barrios of Brownsville Texas. 

Each of the author's books will be available for sale and signing.  Anyone who has ever wanted to write his life story for publication or as a family keepsake, or wishing to learn from the lessons of the past and discover meaning in the moments will want to attend this exciting event.

The Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa.

Feed your brain (and your stomach!)

The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, starts its annual "In-N-Out Food For Thought Reading Program" this Sat., Oct. 11, and running through Sat., Nov. 22.  Children ages 4-12 check-out and read five library books and receive a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger from In-N-Out Burger.

"Books with Bite" highlight Teen Read Week at the library

The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.,  will celebrateTeen Read Week 2008 “BOOKS WITH BITE” from Oct. 12-18, with two events for teens:

On Tues., Oct. 14 3:30 PM come to our Monster Game Fete, where we will give traditional games a Monstrous twist. Teens make sure to join us for laughs, snacks and a wickedly good time!

On Thurs., Oct. 16 4 PM come and see a great “Movie with Bite:” the cult “Animagic” classic, “Mad Monster Party,” starring the voices of Phyllis Diller and Boris Karloff. Teen make sure to join us for a “Howlingly great movie” and fresh popped popcorn!

 

Raising a G-rated family in an X-rated world at the Library Oct. 3

On Friday, October 3rd at 7 p.m. the Friends of the Altadena Library will present a free program featuring Brent Hatch, author of the national bestseller, Raising a G-Rated Family in an X-Rated World. This event will be held at the main branch of the Altadena Library, at 600 East Mariposa St., in Altadena. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or check the library's website, http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

As a speaker, consultant, businessman and author, South Pasadena resident Brent Hatch is a man of many hats. His success started early on with the attainment of Eagle Scout status, and he went on to become an award winning real estate agent. Hatch's aspiration to help guide parents in raising their children in a media-dominated world resulted from his horror over the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School. He and his wife Phelicia determined ten tools that effectively open the lines of communication between parents and children and outlined them in the nationally bestselling book, Raising a G-Rated Family in an X-Rated World. The book has been covered by CBS, NBC and radio stations across the nation, and has brought recognition to Hatch and his wife as California Parents of the Year. It recently became the #1 ranked book on Amazon.com's Parenting and Families category.

In a world where there are 50,000 child predators on MySpace.com at any given time and children are easily exposed to a $15 billion a year porn industry, Hatch teaches parents how to protect their children without locking them up at home. As supplements to his parenting strategies, he created the "Hug Card" and the "Alcohol Breath Detector Card," which have reached the lives of over 3.5 million people across the nation. In addition to consulting universities, city governments, and parenting organizations across America, he has shared his insights at workplaces to help increase morale, reduce negativity, and inspire teamwork.

Alongside his wife of twenty-one years, Brent Hatch has raised seven children, who are living evidence of the effectiveness of their methods. Notably, his 14-year-old son McKay Hatch, founded the No Cussing Club in 2007, which advocates the disuse of profanity in public spaces. It currently has over 10,000 members, with chapters in all 50 states and 24 countries worldwide. Hatch counts the development and nurturing of his family as his greatest success.

This public event will be held in the Library Community Room. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. No tickets or reservations are necessary. For more information, or to set up an interview, Brent can be reached at http://www.brenthatch.com/. (Click on "Contact" and he will answer your email.)