Kick off 2025 with Fun (and FREE) Events at Altadena Library!

E-CONNECT | JANUARY 2025 UPDATE FROM THE ALTADENA LIBRARIES

The Main Library will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, New Year's Day.

The Main Library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Bob Lucas Memorial Library is currently closed for renovations.

2024 Board of Trustees Vacancy

The Altadena Library Board of Trustees announces a vacancy and will make an appointment to fill that seat.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2024.

The Board of Trustees is accepting applications from anyone who would like to serve on the board for the two-year term starting on December 16, 2024.

Applicants must be at least 18, a resident of Altadena and registered to vote in Altadena. The chosen candidate will be sworn in at the Regular meeting on January 27, 2025.

The current seat is for the two-year unexpired term ending 12/4/2026. Please note this seat is at-large, but that in 2026 this seat will only be open to residents in the Altadena Library District Area 4. If you have questions about this, please call (626) 798-0833 ext. 118.

The board meets at 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month; this unpaid, volunteer position involves budgetary and policy oversight as well as high-level strategic decision-making for the Altadena Library District. Interested parties should submit:

Letter of intent
Resume
Certification of Qualifications Form

These documents must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2024. The board will interview potential candidates at a Special Board Meeting to be held in January 2025 (exact date TBA). Each candidate will be given 3 minutes to make a statement and will then be asked to answer 3 questions, which will be provided to candidates in advance of the meeting.

For details about applying, visit https://www.altadenalibrary.org/news/2024-board-vacancy.

Want to find out more about our Board?

Join us for a special meeting to appoint a trustee to a vacant board seat on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Library Community Room.

Or come to the next regular meeting of the Altadena Library Board of Trustees on Monday, January 27, at 5 p.m.
(in person) Main Library Community Room
(virtual) https://www.youtube.com/AltadenaLibrary

Main Library: LA County Notice of Preparation of Environmental Impact Draft Report

Los Angeles County intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Altadena Main Library Renovation Project. The county has issued this notice to provide Responsible Agencies and other interested parties with information describing the project and to identify its potential environmental effects pursuant to state requirements, and the county requests your comments and concerns regarding the environmental issues associated with construction and operation of the proposed project.

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The comment period begins December 17, 2024 and ends on January 21, 2025.

For a project description and potential environmental impacts of the project, ple ase click here.

Any comments provided should identify specific topics of environmental concern and your reason for suggesting the study of these topics in the EIR. Please direct all written comments to the following address:

Sean Donnelly, AICP, Senior Planner
LA County Planning
Foothills Development Services Section 320 West Temple Street, 13th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: 213-893-7024
Fax: (213) 626-0434
sdonnelly@planning.lacounty.gov

All written responses will be included as Appendices in the Draft EIR and their contents considered in accordance with State and County environmental guidelines.

DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY: The NOP and Initial Study are available for public review during regular business hours at LA County Planning address listed above and the following location:

• Altadena Main Library 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001

The public is also encouraged to visit LA County Planning's website to review the initial study at https://planning.lacounty.gov/environmental-review/public-notice.

Thank you for your participation in the environmental review of this project.

PROJECT APPLICANT: Altadena Library District

PROJECT LOCATION: APN: 5840-010-900, 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001

PROJECT & PERMIT(S): Altadena Main Library Renovation Project, PRJ2023-000474-(5), Conditional Use Permit No. RPPL2023000666, Environmental Plan No. RPPL2024005464

The Bob Lucas Library Renovation Is Coming Along!

The renovation and expansion of the Bob Lucas Memorial Library is more than 60% complete, and the branch is scheduled to open in Spring 2025! For more information, visit www.altadenalibrary.org/next-chapter.

Altadena Phone Photo 2024 Contest
Art Exhibition: Jan. 4 - Jan. 30, Main Library Reading Court

Artist Reception: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6-7pm

In August 2024, Altadena Heritage invited all members and the community at large to participate in a phone photo contest in the themes of:

architecture
landscapes
lifestyles
animals
people

Winners and honorable mentions on display! Join us for the artist reception on Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 6-7pm.

Adaptive Equipment & Tools

We have adaptive tools available for in-library use at our Information Desk. Please ask our staff members for assistance.

Here are some of the items we offer. For more information, visit https://www.altadenalibrary.org/accessibility

Large Print High-Contrast Keyboard

Reading Magnifier Stand with Light

Loop (Easy-to-Grip) Scissors

Community Clothing Swap with Radical Clothes Swap
Saturday, Jan. 4 • 10am-1pm
Main Library Community Room

Come join us for a Community Clothing Swap hosted by Radical Clothes Swap. They will start off the program with a presentation (in both English and Spanish) from 10am-10:45am. This program is all ages (including children) and the swap will be size inclusive. The free swap will follow the presentation. No registration is required!

Some guidelines regarding the clothes swap:

All clothes are free! You're free to participate in the swap without donating clothes.
Bring 5-10 pieces of clothing (or not) and take some clothes home for free.
In order for our swappers to get the most out of this swap, we ask that you please donate gently-used clothing. We cannot accept any clothing with holes/tears, clothing that is falling apart, or clothing that is too worn out. All clothes must be in wearable condition & pre-clean your items.
No shoes or accessories accepted.

The Caregiving Games
Tuesday
Jan. 7 • 6-7:30pm
Main Library Community Room

'The Caregiving Games' were created by Rene(e) as they watched their grandfather struggling with dementia and stroke recovery and wanted to find ways to keep him engaged, strengthened and relearning, in a fun way, with whatever was already in the house or inexpensive/easy to obtain.

In addition to those goals being met, playing the games led to a deeper connection between the two of them and now Rene(e) wants to share them with other caregivers in the hopes that they, and those they are caring for, can experience similar.

Join us for a NEW Book Club: Heartthrob Hangout!

Thursday, Jan. 9 • 4:30-5:30 pm • Main Library Small Meeting Room

Book: "Assistant to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Help Us Plan Our Summer Reading Program!

Altadena Library is working with the California State Library on a "Building Equity Based Summers" initiative to rethink and reframe summer library services through an equitable lens and promote planning with — not just for — the community.

In short, we want to hear from YOU! Register to attend one of our Community Conversations; light refreshments will be provided. We invite all community members over the age of 13!

Can't make any of the in-person sesssions? Please provide your opinion through our online survey (available here) starting Jan. 6, 2025.

Now That She's Gone: Unraveling the Mystery of My Mother
Saturday, Jan. 11 • 2:00-4:00pm
Main Library Community Room

Join us for Ellen Snortland's solo show, “Now That She’s Gone,” which explores Ellen’s often hilarious, irreverent and sometimes torturous relationship with her Norwegian-American mother. In turns passionate, poignant and funny, the show made its off-Broadway debut in 2008. Since then, it has received rave reviews and standing ovations worldwide.

Second Saturday Is Back!
Dance Dance Evolution
Saturday, Jan. 11, 6:30-8:30pm
Main Library

Join us for a free indoor concert; this month, we will host: Dance Dance Evolution.

Please note that the concerts for the 2024-25 season begin at 6:30PM! Registration is required, and this concert is indoors. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend you arrive early.

Indie Author Night
Monday, Jan. 13 • 6:30-8:00pm
Main Library Community Room

Listen to local authors Toti O’Brien, Désirée Zamorano, Sofía Aguilar and Celeste Gomez read from their works. Meet them, get copies of their book after the reading and mingle with other book lovers.

The Power of Plants: Understanding Plant-Based Nutrition
Tuesday, Jan. 14 • 6:30-7:30pm
Main Library Community Room

Interested in exploring a new diet? Join us as Vegan Coach Tenny Minassian discusses the nutrition benefits of a plant-based diet.

Chinese Calligraphy

Friday, Jan. 17 • 4-5pm

Main Library Community Room

Join us at the Altadena Library as we welcome Emmy Lam, who will show us how to write 24 Chinese characters using traditional ink and brushes. All ages welcome. This program requires registration as seats are limited. Please register every person participating.

Altadena Parent Wellness Circle
Saturday, Jan. 18 • 3-4pm
Main Library Community Room

Are you a local parent or parent-to-be seeking community? Join us as we share stories, vent, and celebrate the ups and downs of this incredible journey we’re on together. (No little ones, please).

In-Person Sound Bath Meditation with Amy Rutledge
Tuesday, Jan. 21 • 6:30-7:30pm
Main Library Community Room

Gratitude, abundance, and love meditation encompassed in a one-hour sound bath featuring crystal bowls, gongs, wave drums, and chimes. Self-care with sound! Please bring a mat or towel to lay on. Space is limited, and registration is required.

New Parent Infant Feeding Support Group
Wednesdays
Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 26 & April 23
10:00-11:00am
Main Library Community Room

The New Parent Infant Feeding Support Group is a monthly meeting space for local new parents to gather and ask questions about infant feeding and breastfeeding/chestfeeding in a supportive, inclusive, and nonjudgmental setting.

You will get the opportunity to ask any questions or concerns you have about new parenthood and infant feeding and receive appropriate advice from Rachel Paul, a registered nurse and a board certified lactation consultant, and open support from other attendees.

Art Talk with Helane Rheingold
"So, Why Is This Art?"
Wednesday, Jan. 22 • 4:30-5:30pm
Main Library Community Room

Join us for a lively discussion about art with Helane Rheingold. Throughout the program we will look at various art pieces and try to answer the question: So Why is This Art?

Having a lifelong connection with art, art history, and museums, Helane Rheingold developed an interactive art education program, "CONVERSATIONS WITH ART." In the last 33 years, Helane has facilitated the conversions of many around the country. Helane has also acted as a docent at the Neuberger Museum of Art, SUNY Purchase, New York.

Shred Day
Saturday, Jan. 25 • 9:00am-1:00pm
Main Library Parking Lot

Bring old bills, bank statements, and other sensitive documents to our FREE, secure shredding event. Please remove rubber bands, plastic bags, and other binding materials from your paperwork. First come, first served.

Art Workshop: Cute Keychain Workshop for Children
Saturday, Jan. 25 • 11:00am-12:00pm
Main Library Community Room

Jewelry maker Theresa Minero from Mona Fea Shop will show you how to make keychains using acrylic beads & wire. You will create secure wire loops using crimping techniques and adhere your beaded creations to keychain rings. For child ages 6-12.

Registration required.

Silent Movie with Live Piano Accompaniment
Saturday, Jan. 25 • 2:00-3:30pm
Main Library Community Room

Enjoy a showing of the 1921 silent film "The Kid" starring Charlie Chaplin with live piano accompaniment performed by Larry Garf! You won't want to miss this unique experience with a vintage swing!

Although he was born decades after the end of the Silent Film era, Larry Garf exuberantly combines his passion for vintage cinema with his love of ragtime and early jazz. The grandson of musicians who actually played in movie theater orchestras in the 1920s, Larry deftly combines popular songs of the era with his own original compositions.

Altadena Poets Laureate Present
A Map with No Borders
Tuesday, Jan. 28 • 6:00-8:00pm
Main Library Community Room

Featuring Tanzila “Taz” Ahmed, Olga García Echeverría, Anita Rangel, Brenda Vaca, Mallika Sheshadri, and Torsa Ghosal alongside Altadena Poets Laureate Sehba Sarwar and Lester Graves Lennon

At this reading, writers will share work that resists rising walls around the globe. Their work documents the trauma of partitioned geographies and envisions what the Zapatistas have long fought for: “un mundo where many worlds are possible.”

Calling All SoCal Artists:

Exhibit Your Work with Us!

We invite artists interested in exhibiting artwork to submit an application.

Our Art Curation Team (ACT) will determine who will be chosen to display their artwork. The artist(s) selected will be notified by Monday, March 17, 2025. This opportunity may be a solo exhibition or a group show of multiple artists, curated by ACT.

If you are interested in displaying your artwork with us, please submit an artist exhibition application by Friday, January 31, 2025. Applications can be submitted through the district website at www.altadenalibrary.org/art.

Deadline to Apply: January 31, 2025

Decision Notification: March 17, 2025

Questions? Email our Art Curation Team at: art@altadenalibrary.org.

January Events for All Ages

Chess Night
Every Monday (except 1/20)
5:30-7:30pm
Main Library Reading Court

January Events for Children

Children's Seasonal Craft (ages 6-12), Wednesday, Jan. 8, 4-5 p.m., Main Library Community Room, Registration required

Baby Storytime & Play, Every Monday (except 1/20), 10:30-11:15 a.m., Main Library Community Room

Bilingual Evening Storytime, Every Monday (except 1/20), 6-6:30 p.m., Main Library Community Room or Children's Area

Toddler Storytime, Every Thursday, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Main Library Community Room

Fruit Felt Keychains for Tweens!

Friday, Jan. 10 • 4:30-5:30pm
Main Library Community Room

Join us and sew your own fruit felt key chain! Ages 8-12. Registration required for each child attending. For 8-12 years.

Toddler Dance Class with Unbound Studio

Saturday, Jan. 11
11:00-11:45am
Main Library Community Room

Join dance instructors from Unbound Dance Studio for a fun introduction to dance and movement! This class is for ages 1-5 and includes participation from a caregiver. Registration required; each registration allows one child and one adult.

Compost 101 with LA Compost
(youth edition)

Thursday, Jan. 23 • 4-5pm • Main Library Community Room

Join LA Compost at the Altadena Library and dive into the world of compost. This Compost 101 session for kids will include a story and fun activity.

Bundle Up with Books: Children's Reading Challenge
Dec. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025

We invite children (ages 0 to 12) to join our winter reading challenge, "Bundle Up with Books." Starting December 1, you can sign up virtually on Beanstack or visit the Children's Desk at the Altadena Library.

Cozy up with a book in your favorite nook and log your reading to earn wintery badges throughout the challenge. Complete the challenge by logging 300 minutes of reading to earn a free book and cozy fleece blanket!

One prize per child (while supplies last).

January Events for Teens

Teen Poetry Club, Saturday, Jan. 11, 12-2pm, Main Library Teen Space. Moderated by WriteGirl/Bold Ink Writers, this is a trans and LGBTQ friendly space to learn and build poetry writing skills, share your work, and get inspired.

Teen Volunteer Orientation, Thursday, Jan. 16, 5-5:30 p.m., Main Library Teen Space. Teens (ages 13-18) are invited to volunteer and can earn service hours. Drop-ins welcome! Learn more at https://www.altadenalibrary.org/teens.

Teens Take Up Space! 2025 Vision Board

Friday, Jan. 3 • 5-6pm
Main Library Teen Space

Teens! Take Up Space! This month, come by to the Teen Space to help create an interactive display for the library focusing on Vision Boarding for 2025! Add to our collective vision board in the Teen Space and get the opportunity to start your own!

All teens (ages 13-18) are welcome to join!

Volunteer hours given to those who are part of the volunteer program. Not a part of the program and you're 13-18 years old? Fill out our teen volunteer application.

Teen Reading Journals

Saturday, Jan. 18 • 2:30-4:00pm
Main Library Teen Space

Let’s start off the New Year with a new reading journal! Come with some recent book titles you’ve read and write out/collage your book review w/ other teens. All supplies will be provided including snacks! Registration required!

January Events for Adults

Open Mic Night, Monday, Jan. 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Main Library Community Room

Huntington Hospital Health Screenings, Monday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Main Library

Adult Craft Hour: Basket Weaving, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 4 to 5 p.m., Main Library Reading Court Registration required

English Conversation Club, Every Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Main Library Small Meeting Room. Practice learning, listening and speaking English in a friendly setting.

Cozy Crofters Club, Friday, Jan. 24, 4 to 6 p.m., Main Library Community Room (for January only)

Garden Meet-Up

Saturday, Jan. 18, 9:30-10:30am, Main Library Pocket Park

Let's meet to discuss and assess a schedule of maintenance for the library garden for the coming year. If you would like to volunteer for a little garden upkeep, please join us!

True Crime All The Time Virtual Book Club

Saturday, Jan. 25

4 to 5 p.m.

Zoom

Book: "Dark Wire: The Incredible True Story of the Largest Sting Operation Ever" by Joseph Cox

Join us for an African Folklore and Highlife Music Experience with Rhythms of the Village!

Tuesday, Feb. 4 • 6:00-7:00 pm • Main Library Community Room

Celebrate Black History Month with this and other Altadena Library February events! See you there!

Support Your Altadena Libraries

Altadena Library Foundation strengthens the mission and resources of the libraries through fundraising and advocacy. Learn more at

www.altadenalibraryfoundation.org.

The Friends of the Altadena Library stimulate public interest, assist with funding to purchase materials, and support cultural and educational programs. Become a member at

www.altadenalibrary.org/friends.