EDUCATOR NEWSLETTER
BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2026

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR FOR ALL PROGRAMS
 
Dear Educator, 
 
Pasadena Public Library is excited to begin the new school year with you and your students. In this edition of the Educator Newsletter, you'll find information on upcoming Fall programs to support student learning, book recommendations for grades K-12, and materials in the library's educator collection that can be checked out for use in your classroom. Don't miss an opportunity to get some free books to build your classroom library -- see details below!
 
As always, if you have questions about programs or services for educators, please reach out to the Youth Services Division at lib_youthsvc@cityofpasadena.net. Pasadena Public Library is here to help teachers and students achieve academic success!

Educators, Get a Free Mystery Box of Books!
Get an assortment of used and like-new books for your classroom library! Librarians will assemble boxes based on grade level and interest. This opportunity is open to educators who live or work in Pasadena. Available while supplies last. Interested educators should fill out the form below. Questions? Please reach out to aolmsted@cityofpasadena.net or Jefferson Branch Library
(626) 744-8046.
Fill Out the Interest Form Here

Featured Programs & News
Math Momentum
Every Tuesday | 3:30 - 5:30p.m.
La Pintoresca Branch
1 on 1 support for today’s math classes with a focus on tomorrow’s college-level success in math and science. Bring a personally challenging quiz, test or assignment for the best support. For students 12+, guided by a retired Caltech professor.
Every Tuesday except August 18, September 29 and October 6. 
Learn More
Homework Help
Hastings Branch | M-Th, 4 - 6p.m.
La Pintoresca Branch | M-Th, 4-5:30p.m.
Come and get help with your homework from a friendly teen volunteer! Work through questions on your homework or practice reading. First-come first-served, every Monday through Thursday starting August 31st. 
 
Grades K-5 | Hastings Branch
Grades K-6 | La Pintoresca Branch
Event Calendar
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Barks & Books
San Rafael | Various Dates
Santa Catalina | First Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Villa Parke | Third Wed., 4p.m.
The dogs are back this September! Children can read to a gentle therapy dog, removing the anxiety they may experience when reading aloud to an adult or their peers. This helps strengthen reading skills and boosts confidence in reading aloud. No sign-ups required, but a session with a therapy dog will be first-come, first-served. Begins September 5th. 
Event Calendar
Explore the Universe
through Physics
Saturdays in August | 3 - 4p.m.
Lamanda Park Branch Library
Have fun with science and explore the universe through physics and dive into hands-on experiments! Designed specifically for middle schoolers - driven by high school physics enthusiasts!
 
To learn more about this program call (626) 744-7266.
Learn More

Focus Group Opportunity
 

Elementary School Booklist
Check out these books recommended for grades K - 5!
That's Not My Name!
by Anoosha Syed
Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can't wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly--even if it takes a hundred tries!
PLACE A HOLD
School's First Day of School
by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson
It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?
The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters.
PLACE HOLD
Middle School Booklist
Check out these books recommended for grades 6 - 8!
Confessions of a Mango
by Kate Lumsden
Struggling with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, Ruby feels out of place at her competitive charter school, especially as her twin brother Bryce excels both academically and socially. When she fails a math test despite getting extra help, she fears she'll flunk out of Benton Academy. In a moment of frustration, Ruby vents anonymously online, describing herself as an imposter - a mango among lovebirds. But to her surprise, she's far from alone. As her account gains a following, tensions rise with her brother and her posts draw the unwanted attention of the school administration. Now, Ruby must find the courage to advocate for herself and all the other "Mangoes" out there.
PLACE A HOLD
Fruitcake
by Rex Ogle & Dave Valeza
Eighth grade isn't off to a great start. Everyone but Rex seems to be coupling up, and he's starting to feel like an outsider... until he meets Charlotte. She's fearless, smart, pretty, and she likes him back. But as great as Charlotte is, there's someone Rex can't stop thinking about. Drew is Rex's childhood best friend, so when he kisses Rex, all kinds of new feelings begin to stir. Though at school, Drew acts like he doesn't even know Rex, making those feelings turn really confusing really fast. When did middle school get so confusing?!
PLACE A HOLD
High School Booklist
Check out these books recommended for grades 9 - 12!
Heartstopper Vol. 6
by Alice Oseman
The final installment in the bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel series about life, love, and everything that happens in between. Everyone in school knows Nick and Charlie. Everyone knows they're going to be together forever. But Charlie's busy with his bid to become Head Boy, and while Nick is preparing to leave for college, he's starting to wonder who he'll be... without Charlie. Available to check out on Libby and Hoopla. 
PLACE A HOLD
Young Adult Book Group Kits
Reading a book with your class? Check out classic and new titles in our Young Adult book group kit collection, like Animal Farm, The Great Gatsby, and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. Available to check out for up to six weeks with one additional renewal if checked out with an Educator library card. 
 
All book group kits contain 15 copies of the same title, and a discussion guide with questions and ideas for book-related activities. 
EXPLORE BOOK GROUP KITS
Resource Spotlight
Check out this resource available at the Pasadena Public Library.
 EDUCATOR COLLECTION
STEAM KITS:
Math Class Sets
Get ready for the new school year with a STEAM Kit Class Set! Math kit topics include "Telling Time", "Fractions & Decimals", and "Geometry". Each kit contains enough materials for a large group or class, and aligns with California Common Core Standards. Teach your class how to tell time, convert fractions and decimals, and measure angles with the provided tools and practice workbooks.
ACT & SAT approved TI-84 graphing calculators are now available for check out for both educators and students. Use these calculators alongside updated 2026-2027 test prep workbooks. 
TEST PREP WORKBOOKS

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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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