One year after the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, the library district welcomes families to celebrate Lunar New Year with two programs. On Thursday, January 29, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., storyteller Barbara G. Wong will share multicultural tales at Bob Lucas Library.
The centerpiece follows Friday, January 30, when dance educator and children’s book author Peggy Hongduc Nguyễn introduces her newly published book “Zodiac Animals for Movers” through an interactive reading combining movement-based activities inspired by the Vietnamese Zodiac Calendar.
“Peggy welcomes movers of all ages and backgrounds to engage in a community movement experience to charge into the Year of the Horse with intention and power,” according to the program description. Published in October, the 32-page hardcover is illustrated by Elliot Griffin and invites readers to embody the gifts of each zodiac friend through dynamic illustrations and movement concepts.
Nguyễn, an LA-based dance artist with more than 18 years of experience, is affiliated with the Los Angeles Unified School District Arts Branch. Her creative partner Griffin is an LA-based illustrator and graphic designer with nearly 20 years in the fashion, toy, and trading card industry. Both are LA County High School for the Arts graduates and were born in the Year of the Pig.
The 2026 Lunar New Year begins February 17, marking the Year of the Fire Horse. The festival lasts 16 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival on March 3. The Vietnamese zodiac notably includes a Cat instead of the Rabbit featured in the Chinese zodiac.
Celebrate Lunar New Year with Zodiac Animals will run on Friday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. Bob Lucas Memorial Library and Literacy Center, 2659 Lincoln Ave., Altadena. For more information, call (626) 798-0833 or visit https://www.altadenalibrary.org/programs?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D193672459s.
