Empowering Stories of Black Resistance: Picture Books for Kids and Parents
The 2023 Black History Theme of “Black Resistance” highlights the strength, determination, and creativity that have shaped African American history and culture. Picture books provide a meaningful way for children and parents to connect with these powerful narratives, fostering an understanding of courage, resilience, and advocacy. Here’s a thoughtfully curated list of books that illuminate the many faces of resistance—historical, cultural, and environmental. These titles … Continue reading Empowering Stories of Black Resistance: Picture Books for Kids and Parents
Black History Month 2022
2022 Black History Month Theme: Black Health and Wellness The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black … Continue reading Black History Month 2022
Celebrating Black Motherhood and Intentional Reading Choices
At our recent storytime, Ms. Ayesha brought joy and inspiration to the room with readings of Shady Baby by Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, Make It Fashion by Emory McClure, and Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol. These vibrant stories sparked laughter, curiosity, and meaningful conversations about embracing individuality, creativity, and the value of memories. In a heartfelt discussion, two amazing local moms shared how they … Continue reading Celebrating Black Motherhood and Intentional Reading Choices
Loving our Hair
Exploring Nature
Since the library would be closed on the 25th, we had Chocolate Storytime on the 3rd Friday; and it was lots of fun. It was a cool and autumn afternoon. Once settled in, the kids chose 2 books to read.: “Lola Loves the Library” by Anna McQuinn and “Under and Over the Pond” by Kate Messner. The latter is a sweet story about a mother … Continue reading Exploring Nature
Laura Farber Visits Chocolate Storytime
The 2020 Tournament of Roses president, Laura Farber was our special guest at Chocolate Storytime. She is the first Latina and third woman president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation. Farber shared the Rose Parade theme, “The Power of Hope” and brought a poster to spoke about all of the special meanings behind each letter’s graphic in the word, hope. She shared about her story of … Continue reading Laura Farber Visits Chocolate Storytime
Celebrating 5th Year Anniversary with Miss Black Pasadena 2019
Miss Black Pasadena 2019, Eryn Pollard, was the special guest reader at February’s Chocolate Storytime. Pollard is a 17-year old junior at California School of the Arts. She read “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers and “Maggie Sinclair, Willi You Please Fix Your Hair?” by Hilary Grant Dixon. Guests began the afternoon with the singing of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” accompanied … Continue reading Celebrating 5th Year Anniversary with Miss Black Pasadena 2019
Special Guest Reader, Robin Humphries of Aspires West
Ms. Ford welcomed a special guest reader, Robin Humphries, Program Director of Aspires West, an organization dedicated to supporting students in grades 3 through 12 with tutoring services offered Monday through Thursday. Robin brought her passion for education and community to Chocolate Storytime as she read the beautifully crafted book My People by Langston Hughes, featuring powerful photography by Charles R. Smith, Jr. In addition … Continue reading Special Guest Reader, Robin Humphries of Aspires West
La Pintoresca 2018 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chocolate Storytime: Celebrating Holiday Traditions Across Cultures The La Pintoresca Tree Lighting Ceremony was held on Friday, November 30, 2018, coinciding with our regularly scheduled monthly Chocolate Storytime. Rather than holding the program separately, Chocolate Storytime was thoughtfully incorporated into the evening’s festivities, creating a seamless experience of storytelling, crafts, food, and celebration for families gathered at the library. The event took place in front … Continue reading La Pintoresca 2018 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Biddy Mason’s 200th Birthday
Chocolate Storytime Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of Biddy Mason On August 18, 2018, we gathered for a very special Chocolate Storytime to honor the 200th birthday of Bridget “Biddy” Mason, a woman whose legacy continues to inspire us all. Born on August 15, 1818, Biddy Mason’s journey from slavery to becoming a wealthy entrepreneur and philanthropist in Los Angeles is a testament to resilience, courage, … Continue reading Biddy Mason’s 200th Birthday
Chocolate Storytime 