Chosen from a field of thought-provoking nominees, the book selection for Pasadena’s 16th One City, One Story community reading celebration is Rise of the Rocket Girls by author Nathalia Holt.
This national bestseller has sparked an intriguing blend of book discussions, films, lectures, exhibits and activities for kids throughout March, encouraging the community to join in conversation about the book. Hosted by Pasadena Public Library, all events are free and open to the public.
ABOUT THE NOVEL
Rise of the Rocket Girls is the riveting true story of the women who launched America into space. In the 1940s and 50s, when the newly minted Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed quick-thinking mathematicians to calculate velocities and plot trajectories, they didn't turn to male graduates. Rather, they recruited an elite group of young women who, with only pencil, paper and mathematical prowess, transformed rocket design, helped bring about the first American satellites, and made the exploration of the solar system possible.
For the first time, Rise of the Rocket Girls tells the stories of these women -- known as "human computers"-- who broke the boundaries of both gender and science. Based on extensive research and interviews with all the living members of the team, Rise of the Rocket Girls offers a unique perspective on the role of women in science -- both where we've been, and the far reaches of space to which we're heading.
AUTHOR EVENT
Author Nathalia Holt will discuss her experiences writing Rise of the Rocket Girls. A question and answer session led by Pasadena Public Library Director Michelle Perera will immediately follow. Holt’s books will be available for sale and signing following the program.
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
All Saints Church, Sanctuary, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena.
Fee-based event parking is available in surrounding parking facilities.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
• Event - Author Experiences
Nathalia Holt will share with students her experiences as an author, followed by a question and answer session. Holt’s books will be available for sale and signing following the program.
Thursday, March 8, 1 p.m., Pasadena City College, Creveling Lounge (Campus Center), 1570 East Colorado Blvd.
• Lecture - Meet Tracy Drain, a Key Part of Development and Mission Operations at JPL
Systems engineer and deputy chief engineer for the Juno Mission to Jupiter at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tracy Drain’s work has provided valuable contributions on this and other missions. Hear the story of her trajectory to JPL, the missions she has worked on, and her advice to young girls, anywhere in the world, who yearn to dare mighty things.
Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m., Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.
• Lecture - Eyes on the Universe: Southern California’s Leadership in Astronomy Today
Dr. John Mulchaey, director of the Carnegie Observatories, will discuss the history and accomplishments of the Carnegie Observatories.
Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m., Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St.
• Lecture - Caltech’s Architectural Heritage
Discover the rich architectural history that abounds on the Caltech campus, presented by author Romy Wyllie and followed by a question and answer session. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Thursday, March 29, 7 p.m., Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.
• Family Activity - Music with Tim Griffin
Learn all about the science behind music with Tim Griffin!
Thursday, March 1, 10:30 a.m., Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St. (For preschoolers)
Thursday, March 1, 3:30 p.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd. (For ages 5-12)
• Family Activity - Recycled Robots
Using cardboard, bottle caps, boxes, wood, and paper and plastic tubes, see what kind of robot you can make! Have fun saving the planet by re-using and recycling collected items to make artwork.
Thursday, March 8, 3:30 p.m., Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.
• Family Activity - Let’s Go LEGO®
This is a fun “free-play” program where children are provided with an open-ended prompt to encourage imaginative building and playing with LEGO®s and Duplos. For ages 2-10. Accompanying parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate, too!
Tuesdays, March 13 & 27, 3-4:30 p.m., Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
• Family Activity - E-Textiles
How smart is what you’re wearing? Hack it to be much smarter with E-Textiles. Using conductive thread and soft circuits, you’ll make a fabulous creation with sensors that respond to you. For ages 10-18.
Tuesday, March 13, 3 p.m., Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave.
Monday, March 26, 3-5 p.m., La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. (To sign up, call (626) 744-7268.)
• Family Activity - STEAM Team Club
Explore the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) concepts through creative, innovative projects based on fun STEAM-related challenges. For ages 9-12. To sign up, call (626) 744-7262.
Wednesday, March 14, 4 p.m., Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
• Family Activity - Kids Coding Club
Dive into computer coding with the Kids Coding Club! Each session we will explore a different way to use computer coding with games, art, robotics and more. For ages 8-12. To sign up, call (626) 744-4225.
Thursday, March 15, 4 p.m., Central Library/Innovation Lab, 285 E. Walnut St.
• Family Activity - Preschool STEAM
Join us as we have fun exploring and discovering with science, technology, engineering, art and math! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy in. For ages 2-6.
Monday, March 26, 10:30 a.m., Central Library/Studio on 4th, 285 E. Walnut St.
• Family Activity - Teen STEAM
Explore the world of robotics by making a talking toy! For ages 12+. To sign up, call (626) 744-7272.
Tuesday, March 27, 4 p.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
• E-Textiles: Stroke Sensors
How smart is a piece of fur? You can hack it to be much smarter with E-Textiles. Using conductive thread and soft circuits, you’ll make a fabulous creation that responds to touch. For ages 11+. To sign up, call (626) 744-7262.
Thursday, March 29, 4-6 p.m., Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Community Book Discussions
Monday, March 5, 11 a.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library
140 S. Altadena Dr.
Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. Hastings Branch Library
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Saturday, March 10, 10:30 a.m. Hill Avenue Branch Library
55 S. Hill Avenue
Saturday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. Allendale Branch Library
1130 S. Marengo Ave.
Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m. Linda Vista Branch Library
1281 Bryant St.
Sunday, March 25, 2 p.m. Central Library/Sunroom
285 E. Walnut St.
FILM SERIES
The March film selections complement and expand on the themes of the One City, One Story selection, Rise of the Rocket Girls.
Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium • 285 E. Walnut St.
WEDNESDAYS
Presented by The Friends of The Pasadena Public Library.
March 7 • 1:30 p.m.
Madame Curie (1943) NR
March 14 • 1 p.m.
American Experience: Fly Girls (1999) TV-PG & NOVA: DNA: Secret of Photo 51 (2003) TV-PG
March 21 • 1 p.m.
American Experience: Rachel Carson (2017) TV-PG
March 28 • 1 p.m.
Hidden Figures (2016) PG
Pasadena Public Library’s annual One City, One Story program is designed to broaden and deepen an appreciation of reading and literature in the community, engage participants in dialogue and bring Pasadenans together by promoting greater understanding of differing points of view. The novel is available for check-out at all Pasadena public libraries and for sale at local bookstores.
For more information, visit http://cityofpasadena.libguides.com/onecityonestory or call (626) 744-7076.