Educator News: January/February 2026

EDUCATOR NEWSLETTER

JAN-FEB 2026

As you may have noticed, the Educator Newsletter has a new look! This new design makes it easier than ever to view programs and services for local educators and students. Pasadena Public Library also has four other newsletters: Off the Shelf for featured news and programs, the Adult Newsletter for programs and book recommendations for ages 18+, the Teen Newsletter for teen programs, community events, and book reviews by teens, and the Youth Newsletter for programs and book recommendations for ages 0–18.

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Featured Programs & News

Save the Date!

Educator Night 2026

March 12, 2026 | Jefferson Branch

Pasadena Public Library invites current preschool - 12th grade educators, librarians, school staff and administrators who live in Pasadena to Educator Night! This is an opportunity for us to say "thank you" and share public library resources for use at your school. Registration opens soon - save the date!

View Event Calendar

Homework Help

Mon. - Thurs. | 4 - 6p.m. | Hastings

Mon. - Thurs. | 4:30 - 5:30p.m. | La Pintoresca

Do your students need some assistance with homework? Kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade can get help with math, science, language
arts and reading from a friendly teen volunteer. Walk-ins are welcome. First-come, first-served. For questions, please contact Hastings or La Pintoresca Branch Library.

Celebrate Black History: From 1865 to Juneteenth!

Friday, Feb. 27 | 4-5p.m. | Hastings

Join us for a special Black History Month program featuring the talented artist John Barge! Discover the powerful journey of Black history, from 1865 to the celebration of Juneteenth. Artist John Barge will guide students through this crucial period, highlighting key historical dates and milestones in a unique, engaging presentation. For questions, contact Hastings Branch Library: (626) 744-7262.

Barks & Books

January Sessions:

Sat. Jan. 3 | 10:30a.m. | Santa Catalina

Mon. Jan. 12, 26 | 1p.m. | San Rafael

Tues. Jan. 13 | 4p.m. | Jefferson

Wed. Jan. 21 | 4p.m. | Villa Parke

February Sessions:

Sat. Feb. 7 | 10:30a.m. | Santa Catalina

Tues. Feb. 10 | 4p.m. | Jefferson
Wed. Feb. 18 | 4p.m. | Villa Parke

Children can read to a gentle, well-trained therapy dog to strengthen reading skills and boost confidence in reading aloud. Call Jefferson Branch Library or e-mail Ashley Olmsted (aolmsted@cityofpasadena.net) for questions.

View Event Calendar

Elementary School Booklist

Check out these books recommended for grades K - 5!

Dear Acorn (Love, Oak):

Letter Poems to Friends

by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Told through poetic letters, this inventive collaboration from Newbery Honor winner Joyce Sidman and two-time Caldecott Honor–winning artist Melissa Sweet reveals the everyday conversations between “big” and “little” objects in our ecosystem. Award-winning poet Joyce Sidman explores both in this lyrical picture book.

PLACE A HOLD

Early Equity Kit Spotlight:

Happy Black Families

Early Equity Kits are curated resources for families dedicated to raising socially conscious children.

Explore heartwarming, self-empowering stories celebrating Black families in two different book kits. "Don't Touch My Hair!" by Sharee Miller, "Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration" by Samara Cole Doyon, and "Hair Love" by Matthew A. Cherry are some of the picture books you'll find in these kits. Early Equity Kits are browsable at Jefferson, La Pintoresca, Santa Catalina, and Villa Parke Branch Libraries.

BROWSE KITS

Middle School Booklist

Check out these books recommended for grades 6 - 8!

Coach

by Jason Reynolds

Before Coach was the man who gave caring yet firm-handed guidance to Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny on the Defenders track team, he was little Otie Brody, who was obsessed with Mr. 9.99 (a.k.a. Carl Lewis) and Marty McFly from Back to the Future. Then his dad comes home with a pair of Jordans. Otie puts them on and feels like he can leap to the moon. But one morning he wakes up to find his brand-new secret weapon kicks are missing -- right off his feet! And now, not only are the Jordans missing, but so is his father.

PLACE A HOLD

How to Save a Library

by Colleen Nelson

When Casey discovers the local library where his dad works is in need of extensive restorative repairs, his future once again feels uncertain. In order to save the one place in the world that feels like home, Casey joins the Kids Community Action Network (C.A.N) where his team will compete for community funding. Unfortunately, this means working with Addison-a former friend, turned not-so-friend-who isn't going to make it easy on him. Award-winning author Colleen Nelson weaves together a story of heart and humor, highlighting the power of libraries to bring communities together.

PLACE A HOLD

High School Booklist

Check out these books recommended for grades 9 - 12!

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends

by Tia Williams

In need of inspiration for her self-help book, sixteen-year-old straightlaced Audre hires seventeen-year-old easygoing Bash to be her fun consultant for a summer full of daring experiences and undeniable romance. Can they stay professional despite their obvious connection?

PLACE A HOLD

Fake Skating

by Lynn Painter

From play dates on the playground to sneaking into movie theatres, Dani and Alec were inseparable as kids... until Dani moved away. Excited to return to Minnesota and reconnect with her childhood sweetheart Alec, Dani discovers her nerdy best friend is now a hockey star, and only a fake-dating situation may truly reunite them.

PLACE A HOLD

Resource Spotlight

Check out this new resource available at the Pasadena Public Library.

NEW at PPL!

DECODABLES

BROWSE

What Are Decodables?

Browsable at Jefferson Branch Library or to put on hold at any PPL branch.

Decodable books are built around phonics, helping kids read by sounding out words instead of guessing. Each book matches the reading stage of the child. Decodables are available for very early readers (TK-K), beginner readers (grades 1-2), and developing readers (grades 2-3). Stop by Jefferson Branch Library to browse our selection of decodable readers, or browse the catalog and place a hold that can be picked up at any Pasadena Public Library branch.

Connect with #PPL

The library often photographs or videotapes programs for use in publicity materials. By being present during these activities, you consent to the use of your appearance or likeness by the library and its licensees, designees, or assignees, in all media, worldwide, in perpetuity. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
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For accessibility information and requests, contact the library site hosting the program. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability.
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Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse
For reporting suspected cases of fraud by the City or its employees, officials, contractors, or vendors, call the HOTLINE at (626) 744-7448 or visit https://www.CityOfPasadena.net/City-Manager/Internal-Audit/Fraud-Hotline.

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Pasadena Public Library
285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 744-4066

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