This fall, the La Mirada Library is buzzing with a diverse lineup of events designed to spark creativity, foster learning, and bring the community together. October presents multiple opportunities for residents of all ages to enjoy programs that celebrate reading, art, culture, and personal growth.

Young artists in grades K-12 can showcase their talents in the Annual Bookmark Contest, currently underway through October 18, with a chance to have their designs featured in the library. Teens aged 13-17 can test their wits during Teen Read Month in October with the Tangled Teen Titles anagram challenge, offering prizes for unscrambling book titles. For younger children, a special Book Adventure on October 8 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a read-aloud of “Miguel and the Amazing Alebrijes” and a fun alebrije-inspired craft for ages 6-12.

Adults can explore practical workshops, including Preserving Memory on October 10, which offers strategies to support cognitive health, and an Organic Gardening Workshop on October 11 to learn sustainable gardening techniques. The community is also invited to contribute to a Día de los Muertos ofrenda from October 15 to November 1, honoring loved ones with decorated butterflies.

Whether you’re a parent, teen, or senior, the La Mirada Library has something for everyone this season. To sign up, see library staff or register online at Visit.LACountyLibrary.org/Events and filter by location or event date.

Bookmark Contest
September 2 – October 18
Youth from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in the Library’s Annual Bookmark Contest for a chance to see their bookmark design featured at their local library. The Bookmark Contest aims to encourage a love of books and reading while also promoting creativity, artistic expression, and community engagement. Completed entry forms can be submitted online or in the library. For children grades K – 12.


Teen Read Month Challenge – Tangled Teen Titles
During the month of October in the Teen Area
Happy Teen Read Month! Pit your problem-solving skills against these book title anagrams! What’s an anagram? An anagram is a word or phrase whose letters are rearranged to make a new word or phrase. Unscramble the anagrams for a prize. For teens ages 13 – 17.

Music Therapy
Thursdays, October 2, 16, 23, 30 | 2:30 – 3:15 pm
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music to address individualized goals including social skills, language and communication development, fine and gross motor skills, and emotional regulation. Biola University has partnered with La Mirada
Library to provide music therapy services once a week from September through December. Supervised by a Board-Certified Music Therapist, a Biola music therapy student will facilitate 45-minute music therapy sessions. All participants must be between ages 3-5. This program is limited to 12 participants. Please email Children’s Librarian Bernadette (BCastillo-Adame@library.lacounty.gov) to register.

Teen Paint Afternoon – Acrylics
Saturday, October 4, 2 – 3 pm
Artist Claudia Hindu will teach students about different types of acrylics and painting techniques (on canvas). For teens and tweens ages 10 – 17. Space and supplies are limited. Please arrive early to get a seat.

Wednesday, October 8, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a Book Adventure! Enjoy a read aloud of “Miguel and the Amazing Alebrijes” by Ricardo De Los Angeles. Learn about alebrijes and the artists who have created their lasting impact. Then create your own foam animal – alebrije style! For ages 6-12 with a caregiver. Space and supplies are limited. No reservations required.

Mental Health Workshop: Preserving Memory
Friday, October 10, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Join us for this workshop presented by LA County Department of Mental Health. As we grow older, occasional forgetfulness can become a common experience—but there are steps we can take to support our memory and cognitive health. Preserving Your
Memory is a practical presentation designed to help you better understand age-related memory changes and provide effective strategies to keep your mind sharp. Through helpful tips and simple brain exercises, this session will empower you to stay mentally
active, enhance your memory, and reduce those everyday lapses in recall. For adults.

Play and Explore
Friday, October 10, 4 – 5 pm
Come join us for an afternoon of play, curiosity, and creativity! Help children learn preliteracy, social, and motor skills through hands on activity and enjoy a unique family bonding experience. A representative from The Whole Child will be available during the program to answer your questions. For children ages 1 – 4 with their parent or caregiver. No registration required. Space and materials are limited.

Organic Gardening Workshop
Saturday, October 11, 10:30 am – 12 pm
Learn the basics of organic gardening. Build healthy soil, grow herbs and vegetables, and address plant pests and diseases using organic methods. Compost bins will be available for purchase after the workshop by cash, check, or credit card. This program
is held in partnership with the LA County Department of Public Works. For adults.

Community Ofrenda: Celebrating Día de los Muertos
Wednesday, October 15 – Nov 1

Monarch butterflies migrate to Central Mexico yearly – amidst the Día de los Muertos festivities. These butterflies symbolize the spirits of departed loved ones returning to their families. Beginning October 15, La Mirada Library will celebrate Día de los Muertos
with a community ofrenda. Patrons are welcome to contribute to the altar by adding a butterfly (colored or adorned with a memory) in honor of a departed loved one. All materials will be provided. For teens and adults.

New Parent Engagement
Wednesday, October 15, 6 – 6:30 pm
New parents, join us at a special program designed for you. Bring your new baby and learn about all the great programs and services we have for parents, caregivers, and children, and connect with other new parents/families in the community. Attendance is
limited and advanced registration is required.

Medicare 101 Workshop
Friday, October 17, 10:30 – 11:30 am
New to Medicare? Join a free community education presented by the Center for Health Care Rights (CHCR)! CHCR is a non-profit organization that provides free, unbiased information and help with Medicare. Whether you are new to Medicare or helping a
loved one with Medicare, this presentation will help you feel more confident and informed. For adults.

Fun Family Movie and Art Wednesday
Wednesday, October 22, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Join us for spooktacular fun! Watch “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Monster Musical” and create a bOOtiful musical craft! The movie is rated TV-Y7 and is recommended for ages 5 and up with a parent or caregiver. No registration required. All
materials will be provided, available while supplies last. Family Movie Day is generously sponsored by the Friends of the La Mirada Library. Parents: Please be aware that light refreshments will be served. A list of ingredients will be available.

Basic Tech Training
Thursday, October 23, 10 am – 6 pm
Experts will cover the basics of computers, digital security, smartphones, apps, email, and the internet. For more information email info@learnbasictech.org or call 562.417.2469. This program is part of the Delete the Divide initiative to advance digital equity. For adults.

Book Club: Mexican Gothic
Friday, October 24, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Book Description: After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find. Noemí is
also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. For adults only please.

Read to a Dog
Friday, October 24, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Practice your reading skills by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog and volunteer handler from the Pet Prescription Team! For ages 7-12 with a parent or caregiver. Attendance is limited. No registration required. Parent permission is required.

Prepare with Pedro
Wednesday, October 29, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Join us for a presentation with American Red Cross where children will learn disaster preparedness through hands-on activities. For ages 4 – 7 with caregiver.

Smarty Pants Storytime
Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 | 11 – 11:30 am
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 – 5 with their parent or caregiver.

*October 30 will be a special holiday storytime. After themed stories, songs, and rhymes, children and their caregivers are welcome to participate in a costume parade!
This program is sponsored by the Friends of La Mirada Library. Parents: Please be aware that refreshments will be shared. A list of ingredients will be available.