Pasadena Public Library system summer reading programs got their start in 1921 and have been encouraging children to read and develop good reading habits ever since.
An especially popular event is the weekly “Storytime” gathering on Mondays at the Santa Catalina Branch for children aged three years and under. These entertaining and dramatic storytelling presentations, complete with sound effects and visuals, are brought to life by library employees. Now in its 103rd year, the Pasadena Public Library continues this long and rich tradition for hundreds of boys and girls citywide.
Promoting literacy
Conducting the “Storytime” event at the Santa Catalina Branch is employee Greene Lopez, providing entertainment to enhance reading skills for his petite audience for more than two years. Attendance ranges from 45 to 70 children aged three and under every Monday morning and for children ages three to five every Wednesday morning.
Lopez’s presentations are organic.
“Every Storytime presenter has their own way of doing things. Mine is a spontaneous selection of choosing books on the morning of the event. I pull books that call to me, that teach the basics like recognizing colors or learning to count.”
“Children want to learn something from us,” he continues. “There’s a book called Bossy Bear by David Horvath about a bear who wants everything his way, and he wants it now. The book shows young readers how to recognize and laugh at their own bossy tendencies. So, the children learn something at the end of the story.”
In addition to Storytime, other programs are presented throughout the month, including programs in play, the creative arts, health and fitness, early literacy and bilingual events conducted in Spanish and Chinese.
“All readers can check online for the library newsletter called Off The Shelf, which covers all the different programs like Storytime and the other programs for all age groups. A printed listing of the events is also available at the library front desk,” says Lopez.
Do all the children have a library card?
“Most parents and children go from Storytime to Playtime inside the branch where we’ve pulled toys from our selection. They can roam the library looking for additional reading material. So, yes, they all have a library card, and they can check out the books I featured.”
“My entire childhood was spent at the library,” says Penny’s mom, Brenda, who regularly attends the local Storytimes with her baby.
“My mother was overjoyed that I always wanted to be there to read and do homework. I am very grateful that I was able to grow up with no cell phones. Penny absolutely loves when my husband and I read to her and my heart is so happy to start her library journey. We are very lucky to have all of the Pasadena libraries that are available to us as parents.”
DEETS
- WHERE: Santa Catalina Branch Library
- 999 East Washington Blvd., Pasadena 91104
- WHEN: Every Monday, 10:30 am
What a great article! Pasadena libraries have so much to offer for everyone. Thank you for encouraging people to check out their local library/libraries that offer so much more than just books! Off the Shelf is a great resource to see what is happening!