Pasadena families can sign up for a free library card and save $3 on Kidspace Children's Museum admission every Friday afternoon starting Sept. 4, when the Altadena Library District's mobile van kicks off a revamped fall schedule.
The district announced the updated schedule on Aug. 9 for its Curiosity Connection Vol. 2 mobile library, which takes effect Sept. 1. The weekly Friday stop at Kidspace, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. in Brookside Park, continues from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Families who open a library card at the van get $3 off Kidspace admission for up to four guests.
The card is free to any California resident. No registration is required to visit the van, where people can browse and check out books, return items or pick up program flyers.
New senior stop, shifted pharmacy day
The fall schedule adds a monthly stop at MonteCedro Retirement Community on El Molino on the first Tuesday of each month, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The first visit is Sept. 1. On those Tuesdays, the van skips its usual afternoon slot at Fair Oaks Burger.
The other notable shift: Webster's Community Pharmacy on Lake Avenue moves from a Tuesday morning slot to Thursday mornings, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The full weekly rotation starting Sept. 1:
- Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Grocery Outlet on Lake Avenue
- Tuesdays, 3–5:30 p.m.: Fair Oaks Burger (except first Tuesday of the month)
- First Tuesday, 3–5:30 p.m.: MonteCedro Retirement Community on El Molino
- Thursdays, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Webster's Community Pharmacy on Lake Avenue
- Thursdays, 2:30–5 p.m.: Prime Pizza on Allen Avenue
- Fridays, 1:30–4:30 p.m.: Kidspace Children's Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
Why the van matters now
The Altadena Library District's Main Library at 600 E. Mariposa St. closed Feb. 1 for a renovation expected to last 14 to 18 months. Director Nikki Winslow told the Los Angeles Times in a Feb. 4 article that the project "has been a long time coming."
While the building is shuttered, the district operates the Bob Lucas Memorial Library at 2659 Lincoln Ave. and a satellite at Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave. The mobile van, whose book collection and laptops were funded by a grant from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation, fills additional gaps across the community.
The Kidspace partnership launched in late March and began weekly visits April 3, according to Altadena Now. Kidspace CEO Lisa Clements leads the 3.5-acre outdoor museum in Brookside Park, where general admission runs $17 for adults and children 1 and older, $15 for seniors 62-plus and free for infants under 1.
For library card requirements, visit altadenalibrary.org/borrowing or call (626) 798-0833. Kidspace information is at kidspacemuseum.org/calendar or (626) 449-9144.
