Thursday, January 1, 2026

Altadena Literacy Program Marks 37 Years of Free English Classes

Community initiative continues volunteer-led language instruction at renovated library

For 37 years, the “Let’s Read Altadena” program has quietly transformed lives just north of Pasadena. This January marks another session of the community literacy initiative.

The program has helped thousands of immigrants and non-native speakers master English. Free classes meet Monday through Thursday at Bob Lucas Memorial Library. They continue a nearly four-decade tradition of volunteer-led language instruction.

The program costs participants nothing. But it opens countless opportunities.

Classes run from 10:30 a.m. to noon four days a week. They’re designed for beginning English learners in small, casual group sessions.

The program operates at the library’s location at 2659 Lincoln Avenue in Altadena. The facility recently completed a major expansion in August 2025 after 16 months of renovations.

The expansion added over 1,000 square feet – approximately 50 percent more space. New features include a dedicated literacy center with learning rooms and classroom space.

The building survived the 2025 Eaton Fire. It has been fully restored and made accessible to the community.

The ESL classes are part of the Altadena Library District’s Adult Literacy Services. The program has been operating since 1988 and receives partial funding from a California State Library grant.

Instruction is provided by trained volunteer tutors who complete a self-paced, online tutor training course administered by the library district. This volunteer model has sustained the program for over three decades.

The library operates three integrated components of adult English language services. ESL classes provide group instruction for beginning learners. One-on-one literacy tutoring matches volunteer tutors with students for individualized instruction. A conversation club offers weekly informal practice sessions for intermediate-level English speakers.

The Altadena Library District, an independent special district established in 1926, is distinct from Pasadena’s library system, serving the unincorporated community.

The newly reopened library includes computers and internet access, a children’s center and an outdoor reading garden. Full accessibility accommodations are available.

Prospective participants can register by calling (626) 798-0833, extension 102. Diana Wong, Bob Lucas Memorial Library manager, oversees the program.

The library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in December. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spring 2026 schedule details will be announced by the library district. Interested participants should contact the library in late January for updated enrollment information.