With the school routine starting again, weekdays will be made up of early mornings, the get-to-school-on-time rush, homework, and activities. Weekends become a marathon of sports, errands, catch-up, and more activities. It's exhausting just to think about it.

Then, along comes a random Saturday, where you're given permission to do whatever you want to do…just because. Well, guess what? That day just happens to be in August, on the 27th! As if we needed an excuse to shake up the regular routine!

The whole spirit behind Just Because Day is to let go of your responsibility and do something fun-just because. Of course, that doesn't mean you have to do anything too drastic like skipping school or ditching work, but it does give you permission to drop a "must do" or two in favor of a "can do."

Celebrate Just Because day by kicking off the day in dramatic fashion. Have cake for breakfast. Seriously! Serve the kids cake-or cupcakes-for breakfast, and when they ask you why tell them "just because!" After they peel their jaws off the floor, give them the download on Just Because Day. Then, tell them to:

Do something nice for a friend – just because 

Bring flowers to their teacher – just because 

Bring an extra dessert to share with friends at lunch – just because 

Write a quick note to give to a friend – just because

Then, sprinkle their day with fun "just because" surprises too!

• Put a dollar in their pockets for an extra treat.
• Write a note to put in their lunches, with a funny joke they can tell their friends.
• If you're packing yogurt, add a small bag of ice cream sprinkles to put on top.
• Draw funny faces on fruit cup lids, plastic water bottles (remove the label), and sandwich bags.
• Put a coupon for free screen time or an after-school ice cream cone in their pencil boxes.

After school is over on Friday, drop an activity or two for the day and spread a little "just because" cheer. 

Or, greet the kids with a favorite activity: a water balloon fight, a Nerf gun war, freshly baked cookies, a trip to get a cold drink, or even a little shopping spree!
 

For dinner, do something fun and out of the ordinary: 

Turn your meal upside down and do breakfast - just because. 

Have a picnic dinner in the backyard or the living room. 

Have a smorgasbord with a sundae bar for dessert. 

Let them finally have spaghetti tacos. Just because!

And finally, Just Because day isn't all about the kids. Be sure to do something just for you! Drop the kids off at school and go get a manicure. Take your lunch hour at work to order that cute top you've had your eye on for weeks. Let the laundry sit for another day, and make yourself a cup of tea to go with that book you've wanted to read.

After all, Just Because Day comes only once a year, so go for it, guilt-free…just because!

Julie Ward

Just Because Birthday Bash

Your party-loving family can join the Santa Catalina Branch librarians in a "just because" birthday party complete with party hats, noise makers, games, and activities. The fun happens on August 25, from 3:30 PM till 4:30 PM.
 

Kidspace Campout

Kidspace welcomes you and your kids to their 9-week celebration of summer, Kidspace Campout! You'll learn about animal tracks, splash in a mountain spring, go "fishing" in the sandy lake, and so much more. Campout is open from June 30 - September 5 and is free with regular Kidspace admission.
 

Take & Make: Dino-Fossils

Your whole dino-loving family can join the Hastings Branch librarians in making your own dino fossils. Craft kit reservations start August 15 through August 21 or while supplies last. 

STEAM: Potato Power!!

Your kids (ages 5-18) can join the Santa Catalina Branch librarians in lighting things up using the power of potatoes - literally! It all happens on August 18, from 3:30 PM till 5:00 PM.

Color & Chill

Your family can join the Santa Catalina Branch librarians in a chill-out with coloring books session on August 20, from 2:30 PM till 4:30 PM.

National Dog Day Picture Day

Your family, including the well-behaved and leashed canine members, can join the La Pintoresca Branch librarians for a doggy portrait day on August 26, from 2:00 PM till 5:00 PM.

Painting with Play-Doh

Your Play-Doh-loving family can join the Altadena librarians in learning how to paint with Play-Doh on August 18, from 10:30 AM till 11:30 AM. Registration is required.

Take & Make: Fun Fleece Cat Toy

Your family can join the Santa Catalina Branch librarians in celebrating International Cat Day (yay!) starting August 8 - 31 or while supplies last. Register for a craft kit to make a cat toy for your favorite furry friend (and if you don't have one, Custard is happy to take any toys off your hands). 

Art Exhibit: Around the World with Dolls

The doll lovers in your family are invited by the family of Pasadena Library patron Dorothy Rusch to enjoy her collection of dolls from around the world. The exhibit is open all month long.

Take & Make: Back to School!

Your school-age kids (5-19 years old) can reserve a Back to School kit to decorate. Kit reservations are open from August 1-15 or while supplies last. Kits can be picked up starting August 8 at the library branch of your choice.

These events are regularly scheduled, and many do not require registrations. That said, please check with the event host in case of holidays, weather, COVID, or other reasons to cancel or reschedule.
 

Afternoon Games

The whole family is invited to the Villa Parke Community Center Branch Library to play games, from board games to giant dominos. The fun happens on Tuesdays, from 2:00 PM till 4:00 PM.

Infant & Toddler Storytimes

Your little ones (ages 0-2) and their caregiver can join the Pasadena librarians weekly at 10:30 AM for 20 minutes of reading, rhyming, and singing fun! 

Lamanda Park Branch - Tuesdays

Allendale Branch - Wednesdays

Preschool Storytime - Pasadena Public Libraries

Your kids (ages 3-5) can join the Pasadena librarians weekly for a selection of stories, songs, crafts, or a short movie. Activities vary by branch.

Villa Parke Community Center Branch - Tuesdays, 10:30 AM till 11:30 AM

Santa Catalina Branch - Wednesday, 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM

San Rafael Branch - Wednesdays, 11:00 AM till 11:30 AM

Lamanda Park Branch - Thursdays, 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM

Linda Vista Branch - Thursday, 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM

Hill Avenue Branch - Saturdays, 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM

Family Films

Villa Parke Community Center Branch hosts a family movie for you on Thursdays, from 3:30 PM till 5:30 PM. Please contact the branch at 626-744-6510 for the movie title. And this is a BYOS (bring your own snacks) event.

Video Game Club

Your Teen (age 14-19) can stop into the Hastings Branch Library Meeting Room on Thursdays, from 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM, for some gaming fun on the Nintendo Switch. They can make new friends and learn fair play every week. No registration is required. Must play well with others.

Crafting with Tish & Tosh

Join the Pasadena Library online for some all-ages crafting fun. You'll learn new crafts all year round. The crafting fun happens on every-other Monday on Instagram Live from 3:00 PM till 3:30 PM.

 

Teen Switch Hour

Your Tweens (ages 8-12) can join the Altadena librarians for some Nintendo Switch fun playing Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Smash Brothers every Thursday from 4:00 PM till 5:00 PM in the Main Library's Community Room. The library has a limited number of systems available. You are welcome to bring your own Switch. .