Kids' Blog
- Baby Storytime: September 2023
These are the stories and songs we presented during Baby Storytime at Jefferson Branch Library in September 2023. Applesauce is fun to wear by Nancy Raines Day, illustrated by Jane Massey Babies and toddlers delight in making a mess at mealtime. Thank you bees by Toni Yuly Encourages
- Baby Storytime: August 2023
These are the stories and songs we presented during Baby Storytime at Jefferson Branch Library in August 2023. Who Can Jump? by Sebaskan Braun A lift-the-flap book featuring partially hidden illustrations of animals that can jump. A guessing game providing hours of fun for babies. Dancing Feet! by Lindsey
- Baby Storytime: July 2023
Here are the stories and songs we presented during Baby Storytime at Jefferson Branch Library in July 2023. Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox & Judy Horarek A story about many different sheep, and one that seems to be missing. Littles & How they grow by Kelly DiPucchio,
Educator Card Policy
Educator cards are intended to provide teachers and educators a way to checkout and provide materials for use in their classrooms.
Eligibility
Under the general library card registration policy, personal identification is required in the form of a current photo ID. If your ID does not have a current address, a current bill or receipt may be used to prove residence.
To be eligible for an Educator Card, you must:
- Teach preschool – 12 grade OR
- Homeschool children ages 18 and under
And meet one of the following criteria:
- Teach for Pasadena Unified School District
- Teach in Pasadena
- Live in Pasadena
Educators must show proof of residency in Pasadena and/or verification of employment/homeschool status.
Guidelines
- Educator cards can only be used to borrow curriculum-related materials – therefore you are allowed to have two separate library card accounts, both an Educator card and a Personal library card. Your Personal library card should be used to borrow library materials for personal use.
- You may check out a total of 100 items for 6 weeks.
- You may check out up to 20 DVDs at a time.
- You can renew materials up to 2 times, provided no one else has a hold on the items.
- Educator borrowing privileges will be suspended if you have $125 worth of lost and replacement items on your card.
- Lost and replacement items will be carried over on your card for each year.
- Your Educator card will expire on July 31 of each year, and must be renewed for the next school year.
To renew your card, just show verification of your address and teaching status.
Class Visits
Your class can visit the library to:
- Take a tour of the library.
- Hear a storytime.
- Learn about library resources and technology and how to use them.
- Gain assistance in finding information on special topics.
To schedule a visit:
- Call your local branch library at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Let the staff know:
- What grade/ages the visit is for.
- How many people will be attending.
- If you would like a specific topic addressed.
- If you would like books or materials pulled prior to your visit.
Resources for Educators
Here is a selection of the databases you may find useful for your students and classroom.
- BookFLIX: An online literacy resource that pairs video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. BookFlix reinforces early reading skills and early learning. BookFLIX – Home Access
- Britannica School: Britannica School: This is the go-to site for learning more about any subject—for all grades and all reading abilities—offering thousands of up-to-date, curated, and curriculum-relevant articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, research tools, recommended Web sites, and three separate databases—Elementary, Middle, or High. Provided courtesy of the California State Library.
- Census - American FactFinder: Census – American Factfinder : Your source for population, housing, economic, and geographic information.
- Children’s Book Suggestions: Created by our youth services staff, this lists book suggestions by genre, age, and topic. Need help finding great books for kids? Don’t know what to read next? Look here for help!
- Cool Sites for Kids: Created by our youth services staff. Useful and fun websites for homework help, resources, crafts, art, educational games, and web tools for kids
- Escolar: Escolar is the leading knowledge-building resource that is universally trusted for accurate and age-appropriate content in Spanish. Provided courtesy of the California State Library.
- General OneFile: General OneFile: A one-stop source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, economics, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, humanities, law, literature and art, politics, science, social science, sports, technology, and many general interest topics. Millions of full-text articles, many with images.
- Pasadena Digital History: A collection of digitized archives and photographs of Pasadena. Great for local history assignments.
- Science Fair Projects and Experiments guide: Have to do a science fair project? Use this helpful guide to find some places to start!
- Social Studies Fact Cards – California Edition: A research resource for students in grades 4 – 8. Social Studies Cards provides facts and figures about topics for California including Indians, Ranchos, Explorers, Missions, Counties, and Governors.
- Something About the Author: This database provides comprehensive online access to all volumes ever printed in Gale's™ acclaimed and long-standing Something About the Author series, which examines the lives and works of authors and illustrators for children and young adults and is the preeminent source on authors and literature for young people.
- Teaching Books.net: This site aims to empower every reader to connect deeply with a book, gain new insights and understanding from the author, and thoroughly experience the joy of reading.
- World Book Encyclopedia: The online, enhanced version of the class World Book Encyclopedia. Search for articles, get career help, and find primary resources in this comprehensive, all-in-one database.
Additional Educator Services
We Come to You
The librarian can visit your class to:
- present a program on library services and resources
- instruct students on specific databases or other library resources
- talk about what the library offers
- talk about new books
- help in many other areas – just let us know your ideas!
Educator training such as:
- present a program on library services and materials
- demonstrate electronic resources to aid in homework or research
- booktalk books on any special topics
Pulling Books or Research Help
Pulling Books: Need some books for your lesson? We can help set them aside for you. Please give us a call at (626)744-8046 for the Central Library Children’s Room or find your local library branch.
Research Help: If you’re having trouble finding the information you are looking for, you can Book Us for personal assistance looking for that information in greater depth.
Services to Parents
The library is here to support parents in a wide variety of ways, including storytimes, special events, and help finding the right book for your child for fun or school. Don’t see what you need here? Come into any Pasadena Public Library branch – we’re here to help.
Storytimes: Pasadena Public Library offers more than 15 different storytimes. Learn more about the different types and when they are here.
Children’s Events: Looking for something fun and free to do? Join us for one of the fun events that we have for kids.
Library Cards: Did you know both you and your children can have their own library card? Find out more about what you need to get one here.
Book Suggestions: Looking for something to spark your child’s interest in reading? To discuss a difficult topic with your child? Use our Children’s Book Suggestions. Want a list that’s even more personalized? Try our Your Next Good Read service.
Homework Helper: Does your child need help answering homework questions? Come to the library during our homework help times!
Science Projects and Experiments: Need to do a Science Experiment? Not sure where to start? Try this guide.
Special Needs Resources for Families: Find out more information about the services the library offers to those with special needs, or resources for your family.
Teen Services: Find out about events, volunteer opportunities, and great reads for teens.