Altadena Library District

E-CONNECT | NOVEMBER 2025 UPDATE FROM THE ALTADENA LIBRARIES

All Altadena Library District locations
(Main, Bob Lucas, and Loma Alta Park site) 
will be closed on
Tuesday, November 11
Thursday, November 27, and
Friday, November 28.

We have a NEW app!

Search our catalog, 
listen to a new audiobook (for FREE), 
discover new music, 
learn new skills through Linkedin Learning,
get homework help from an online tutor 
explore upcoming events and more!
 
To download our app, search for "Altadena Library District" in the Apple App Store or on Google Play! You can also stop by the Info Desk for our app reference one-pager!

   

English Classes (English as a Second Language)
Monday-Thursday every week • 10:30am-12pm Bob Lucas Memorial Library, 2659 N Lincoln Ave

Build your English fluency to help work through everyday situations. Our casual, small group sessions are designed for beginning English learners. Classes are free and in person. To sign up, call (626) 798-0833 x 102.
 
   

Día de los Muertos Celebration
(with Music Circle & Library Lotería)
Saturday, Nov. 1 • 10:30am-2pm
Main Library Community Room

Come together as a community to celebrate life and remembrance through arts & crafts, refreshments, and story in honor of Día de los Muertos. All ages welcome!
 
11:00 AM - MUSIC CIRCLE
12:00 PM - STORYTIME 
12:45 PM - LIBRARY LOTERÍA 
 
Presented by the Altadena Libraries, Southwest California Synod, Stars, AlterCare Line, and Foothill Family
Dia de loa muertos flyer

The Visual Essay: Storytelling Through Images

Saturday, Nov. 1
 1-3pm
Altadena Main Library

One photo can capture a moment, but a series of photos can tell a much bigger story. In this workshop, we’ll explore the building blocks of visual storytelling, from capturing mood and detail to using perspective and composition to shape meaning.
 
Then we’ll head outside the library, working in pairs or small groups to put these ideas into practice by creating a short photo essay. No fancy gear or previous experience required.
You’ll leave with simple and visual storytelling skills you can use anytime, with any camera.
 
Bring your own cameras and phones. Limited camera supplies on-site.
 
Marcus Ubungen is a photographer and filmmaker based in Altadena.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month w/ Gabrielino/Tongva Cultural Classes
at Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park
 
 
Cloth Medicine Bags 
Saturday, November 1, 2:00 - 4:00pm 
Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park
Councilwoman Neminski and Councilwoman Murillo of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation will teach a workshop on making Cloth Medicine Bags. For ages 10 and up. 
 
Beaded Wire Wrap Bracelets
Saturday, November 15, 2:00 - 4:00pm 
Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park
Councilwoman Neminski and Councilwoman Murillo of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation will teach a class on making beaded wire wrap bracelets. For ages 8 and up.
 
Pine Needle Basket Medallion
Saturday, November 22, 2:00 - 4:00pm 
Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park
Councilwoman Neminski and Councilwoman Murillo of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation will teach a class on making Pine needle basket medallions. For ages 8 and up.
 

Open Mic Night
Monday, Nov. 3 • 6-7:30pm
Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa

Come share your music, story, or latest spoken word poem! We'll spend the evening cheering on our neighbors' work. All ages and genres welcome.
Open Mic Night flyer

Art + Connections for Families
Tuesdays in November • 11am-12pm
Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa

Join us for collaborative, creative, and explorative art making for all ages! Guided by art therapists, we'll use art to connect, build resilience, and have fun.
Please register for this event.
Register for Nov. 4 session
Register for Nov. 18 session
Register for Nov. 25 session
Art + Connections for Families flyer

Meditate with Amy Virtually!
Tuesday, Nov. 4 
7-7:30pm on Zoom

Meditate with Amy Rutledge Virtually! Join us for a guided 1/2 hour meditation via Zoom. Be kind to yourself and chill with us for 30 minutes!
Register for Virtual Meditation with Amy Rutledge

Hand-Rolled Incense Workshop

Wednesday, Nov. 5
3-5pm
Main Library Community room

Register for Workshop
In this hands-on workshop led by Rebecca from The Magic Brush Room, you’ll learn how to blend herbs, resins, woods, and aromatic oils to create your own personalized incense sticks and cones and package them in handmade envelopes crafted from recycled wallpaper. Registration is required.

Holiday Blues Older Adult Workshop
Thursday, Nov. 6 • 10-11am
Bob Lucas Library

Invest one hour in your self-care by joining us to welcome LA CO DMH Promoter, Monique Juarez present strategies and tips for navigating life events. These workshops are designed to contribute positively to your overall health and wellbeing.
 
L.A. County of Department of Mental Health Mental Wellness Workshops for Older Adults
Older Adult Grief & Loss flyer

Celebrating Native American Heritage:
Indigenous Art for Kids!
Thursday, Nov. 6 • 4pm
Altadena Main Library Community Room
Indigenous Engineering for Kids!
Thursday, Nov. 20 • 4pm
Altadema Main Library Community Room

Indigenous Art for Kids!
Kids will learn about the Indigenous traditions of sand painting and clay pot making, then create their own artworks inspired by these practices to take home!
 
Hands-On Engineering Workshop
Kids will learn about Indigenous engineering in water systems and shelter design, then create their own projects inspired by these innovations to take home!

Music & Movement
Friday, Nov. 7 & 21 • 10:30-11:30am
Main Library Community Room

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us for Music & Movement! Through songs, dancing, and free exploration of musical instruments, little ones will develop early literacy skills and have the opportunity to discover rhythm and sound!
Music & Movement flyer

Message Mori: A digital preservation workshop
Saturday, Nov. 8 • 10am-12pm
Main Library Community Room

Worried about losing precious text messages or voicemail from your loved ones? Concerned about privacy, digital security, and surveillance? Or maybe you’ve already lost things to the digital ether?‍
 
Join Postal Service for the Dead for a workshop that combines conversations of death and technology, where we will save digital files by building a system of backups and alternatives to get your precious text messages and voicemail into your personal archive.
Register for Workshop
Message Mori flyer

ALD Teens Skate Day x Altadena Boys
Saturday, Nov. 8 • 1-3pm
Main Library Parking Lot

Come be in community! Watch a pro skater shred, get a quick skate session (liability form must be signed), and enjoy the vibes! Pro Skaters! Resources! Instructors! Autism Spectrum/ADHD-Friendly Sk8 HAVEN coaches will be on site. Teens on the Autism/ADHD spectrum can come earlier (12:30-1pm) to sign up for skateboard coaching. 
 
1:00 – 1:20 PM → Welcome + Free Skate
1:20 – 1:40 PM → Pro Demo (introduce skater)
1:40 – 2:15 PM → Mini Clinics (basics for beginners, trick session for advanced teens)
2:15 – 2:45 PM → Open skate
2:45 – 3:00 PM → Thank Yous + Group Photo
 
If participants want to partake in the skating sessions/lessons, they must have a parent/guardian sign an ALD Liability Form.

Altadena Poets Laureate: Queer Poets Resist + Open Mic
Saturday, Nov. 8 • 2-4pm
Main Library Community Room

At a challenging time for all, queer poets will share work to offer resistance and address urgent issues; community members are invited to share about all issues at the open mic. 
 
Featuring Ryka Aoki, Myriam Gurba, Angela Peñaredondo, Veronica Reyes, Carla Rachel Sameth, young writers Mya Hernandez & Yami 
 
Supported by Friends of the Altadena Library, the Altadena Library Foundation, Octavia's Bookshelf, Academy of American Poets, and Poets & Writers.
 
Altadena Poets Laureate Queer Poets Resist flyer

Bilingual Storytime

Saturday, Nov. 8
3-4pm • Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park

Join us as we welcome Families in Schools as they share stories that span English and Spanish language and culture. Book bags with high quality books will be provided. For families.
Bilingual Storytime flyer

Second Saturday: Pickleback Shine
Saturday, Nov. 8 • 6:30-8:30pm
Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa

Free concert. Drinks will be available for purchase. This is an indoor event. Due to its popularity, please register for the event and we recommend you arrive early.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and the Altadena Library Foundation.
register for Second Saturday
Second Saturday Dance Dance Evolution flyer

Community Food Distribution
Wednesday, Nov. 12 & 26 • 11am-12pm
Main Library Parking Lot

Stop by the Altadena Library to pick up a bag of fresh produce, courtesy of Hollywood Food Coalition every other Wednesday thru Dec. 10.
 
Supplies are limited, first come, first served! If you can, please bring your own extra bags!
 
The mission of Hollywood Food Coalition is to nourish the community by rescuing and distributing food, preparing nightly meals, and uniting efforts to achieve food equity.

Explore Our Digital Resources

Wednesday, Nov. 12
2-3pm
Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park

Come learn about our digital resources and how to use them! We'll cover what digital resources we offer, where to access them, and how to log in.

Crossword Cafe flyer
Crossword Cafe
Thursday, Nov. 13
10:30-11:30am
Bob Lucas Library
The Crossword Cafe at Bob Lucas, is a space where Adults can work on crossword puzzles. Participants are encouraged to engage with each other, but it is not required. We will offer coffee and tea.

Canva Workshop: Design Like a Pro (Without Being One)
Thursday, Nov. 13 • 3-5pm
Main Library Community Room

The workshop will provide hands-on instruction in Canva’s most valuable features, including drag-and-drop templates, image and font libraries, and collaborative tools. Participants will learn to design flyers, presentations, and social media graphics while gaining confidence to continue creating independently. The class is beginner-friendly and requires no prior design experience.
 
Jennifer Hafner will introduce participants to Canva, a free and accessible online design platform that empowers anyone to create professional-quality graphics for personal, professional, or community use. Registration required.
 
register for Canva workshop
Canva Design Workshop flyer

Heartthrob Hangout Book Club
Thursday, Nov. 13 • 4:30-5:30pm
Main Library Small Meeting Room

Check out our newest book club and join us for a monthly discussion of a selected romance novel. This month's romance pick: "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller.
Heartthrob Hangout flyer

Healing Sound Bath with Amy Rutledge
Friday, Nov. 14 • 3-4pm
Main Library Teen Space, 600 E. Mariposa

Come take a moment and a breath at this one-hour sound bath led by meditation guide, Amy Rutledge. For adults (18+)
 
Please bring a mat or towel to lay on. For adults (18+). Please come a few minutes early as participants must fill out a waiver of liability before the session starts.
  
Register for Sound Bath session
Creative College Pathways flyer

Book Nooks for Teens

Friday, Nov. 14
4-5:30pm 
Altadena Library (Social Hall) at Loma Alta Park

Register for Book Nooks for Teens
Come make your own book nook with other Teens & get excited for the Fall season. All supplies will be included.
Registration is required!

Altadena Poets Laureate - Writing About the Difficult: Borrowing a Form to Break into Your Story with Carla Rachel Sameth
Saturday, Nov. 15 • 11am-1pm
Main Library Community Room

Is there a particular story or poem that’s been bouncing around in your head and you can’t find the way in? In this workshop, we’ll look at different frames and containers that other writers have used to tell their story. You’ll then spend time writing your own piece, matching form and theme.
 
Memory is fragile and imperfect and trauma can cause further fragmentation of memory making it more elusive. Sometimes writing in alternative forms, non-linear—for example, a letter of rejection, operating instructions or a prescription—helps one to excavate the material. 
 
Supported by Friends of the Altadena Library, the Altadena Library Foundation, Octavia's Bookshelf, Academy of American Poets, and Poets & Writers.
Fire & Ice Workshop Flyer

Bookbinding for Beginners
Saturday, Nov. 15 • 2-3:30pm
Saturday, Nov. 22 • 11am-12:30pm
Saturday, Nov. 29 • 11am-12:30pm
Altadena Main Library

Join letterpress and book artist Jennifer Graves for a bookbinding demonstration! Each week we will learn and practice a different bookbinding structure to make your pages, words, and artwork stand out. Leave the workshop with one completed book with original content. All tools and supplies will be provided. 18+
 
Register for each session you are interested in at https://www.altadenalibrary.org/programs/
 
Nov. 15: This week, we'll be building Folded Books
Nov. 22: This week, we'll be building Decorative Stitched Books.
Nov. 29: This week, we'll be building Hidden Pages Accordion Artist Books.
Featuring Neelanjana Banerjee, Teresa Mei Chuc, Hazel Clayton Harrison, Jimmy Vega, workshop participants & more  Poets will read along the theme of Fire & ICE, a continuation of the poetry started at the October 11 workshop led by Teresa Mei Chuc; workshop participants are invited to share at the open mic.

Mt Lowe Chamber Players: Chuck Manning & Friends - Straight-Ahead Jazz
Sunday, Nov. 16 • 3pm
Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa

Straight-ahead jazz is the point of departure for these long-time veterans of the Los Angeles jazz scene but creating a temporal art form through improvisation and ensemble interaction is what this program is all about.
Ofrenda flyer

Be Prepared for Car Ownership: A Class for Teens & YA
Wednesday, Nov. 19 • 4-5:15pm
Main Library & Zoom

Often thought of as the “dad’s job,” teaching a teen the fundamentals should be a must before car ownership. Covers warning lights, when to tow a car, how to say no to a mechanic, and more.
 
Presenter will be virtual - you can attend via zoom link or in the Main Library Community Room. For virtual access, register for Zoom here.

Chaya Milchtein is an automotive educator, journalist, speaker, and author of Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership. H
Opening Reception for Black Legacy Voice Echoes Our Truth flyer

Native American History Month Discussion
Thursday, Nov. 20 •  1:30-2:30pm
Bob Lucas Library, 2659 N. Lincoln

Tribal Councilwomen Regina Murillo & Patricia Neminski will visit the Bob Lucas Memorial Library to discuss the importance of Federal Recognition for Native Nations in the United States. They will highlight how Recognition reinforces U.S. tribal communities' ability to self-govern and assert their Tribal Sovereignty.
Native American History Month Discussion flyer

California is Burning - Short Documentary Screening
Saturday, Nov. 22 • 2-3pm
Main Library Community Room

Join us for a film screening of the short documentary “California is Burning” by Bennett Curran. This program will open with an introduction by the filmmaker and include a Q&A, and a live performance by the film's composer, Summer Davis.
The film itself is a reflection on and showcase for the community efforts of residents and first responders after the Eaton Fire. It contains footage and audio from the fire and its aftermath. Viewer discretion is advised.
Music of Capoeria flyer

Autumn Leaf Pumpkins
Monday, Nov. 24 • 4-5pm
Bob Lucas Library, 2659 N Lincoln

Children ages 6–11 are invited to the Bob Lucas Library to decorate ceramic pumpkin coin banks using dried autumn leaves and Mod Podge. This hands-on craft is a fun way to create a beautiful fall design while learning a simple layering technique. Registration is required as space is limited.
Register for Autumn Pumpkins
Board Game Get Together flyer

   

Want to find out more about our Board? 
Come in person to our Regular Meeting of the Altadena Library Board of Trustees on Monday, Nov. 17 • 5pm in the
Altadena Main Library Community Room
or join us virtually at 
https://www.youtube.com/AltadenaLibrary

Budget Committee Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2pm at Main Library

   

November Events for All Ages

Chess Night
Every Monday
5:30-7:30pm
Main Library Reading Court

November Events for Children

Flipbook Fun! (ages 6-12), Monday, Nov. 10, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Main Library Community Room
 
Early Literacy Play at Loma Alta!, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park
 
Sensory Art & Play! (ages 3-12), Wednesday, Nov. 19, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Bob Lucas Memorial Library
 
Preschool Storytime, Every Monday (fall storytimes end Nov. 20), 10:30-11:15 a.m., Bob Lucas Memorial Library
 
Baby Storytime & Play,
Every Thursday (fall storytimes end Nov. 20), 10:30-11:15 a.m., Main Library Community Room or Children's Area
 
Family Storytime at Main!, First Saturday each month, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Main Library Community Room or Children's Area
 
Family Storytime at Loma Alta!, First Tuesday each month, 4:00-4:30 p.m., Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park
 
Evening Storytime, Third Tuesday each month, 6-6:30 p.m., Main Library Community Room or Children's Area

 
Basket Weaving Craft Kit
Nov. 1-30
Main Library Children's Area
Come by the Children's Room all month long to pick up a basket weaving craft kit and learn more about the long standing Gabrielino/Tongva skill and art form. 
 

In-N-Out Burger Reading Program 
Ends Nov. 15
Children between the ages of 4-12 can earn a free burger or cheeseburger from In-N-Out Burger for every 300 minutes or 5 books read. Up to 3 awards during the program duration. Stop by any of the branches to sign up and pick up a reading log.

November Events for Teens

Teen Volunteer Orientation, Thursday, Nov. 20, 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
Altoids Wallets for Teens
Wednesday, Nov. 5
4-5:30pm
Bob Lucas Library
Come make your own cute Altoids wallet w/ other Teens! All supplies will be provided but bring your own photos or trinkets! Registration is required.
Register for Altoids Wallet

November Events for Adults

Huntington Health Screenings, Monday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Main Library
 
Adult Crafternoon: Fall Wreath, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park

 

Cozy Crofters Club, Friday, Nov. 21, 4 to 6 p.m., Callisto Tea House

 

English Conversation Club, Tuesday, Nov. 4 & 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Main Library Small Meeting Room. Practice learning, listening and speaking English in a friendly setting. 

Adult Dungeons & Dragons: A Library Adventure

Monday, Nov. 17 • 6-7:30pm
Main Library Small Meeting Room

Register for a game of adventure and fun! Beginners and seasoned players welcome. Sign up for each session!
Register for D&D

True Crime All The Time Virtual Book Club

 

Saturday, Nov. 22

4 to 5 p.m.

Zoom

 

Book: "Searching for Savanna: The Murder of One Native American Woman and the Violence Against Many" by Mona Gable 

Sign up

Support Your Altadena Libraries

Altadena Library Foundation Meeting,
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5 p.m., Main Library

Altadena Library Foundation strengthens the mission and resources of the libraries through fundraising and advocacy. Learn more at
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
The Friends of the Altadena Library are not accepting any used book donations at this time.

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Main Library
600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA  91001
Phone: (626) 798-0833
 
 
Monday & Tuesday
10:00am-8:00pm
Wednesday – Friday
10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday
10:00am-4:00pm
 
Bob Lucas Memorial Library & Literacy Center
2659 Lincoln Avenue, Altadena, CA  91001
 
Monday – Friday 
10:00am-6:00pm
Altadena Library 
at Loma Alta Park*
3330 N. Lincoln Avenue
Altadena, California 91001
 
Monday – Friday 
10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 
10:00am-4:00pm
 
 

 

*Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park is located in the park’s Social Hall. The Social Hall is a unit of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation System.

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