Pasadena’s One City, One Story novel events (Photos – ‘Dream Hotel’ cover, Laila Lalami: Beowulf Sheehan)
A series of free community events will take place across Pasadena this month as the Pasadena Public Library hosts the 24th annual ‘One City, One Story’ community reading celebration. This year’s featured selection is The Dream Hotel by author Laila Lalami.
By Melanie Hooks
The month-long program brings residents together through book discussions, a conversation with the author, and a public session exploring the realities of artificial intelligence reflected in the novel. Additional information about programming is available on the One City, One Story official website.
About the Novel
The Dream Hotel is a dystopian novel set in a near future where dreams themselves are monitored. The story follows Sara, a woman detained by agents from the Risk Assessment Administration after an algorithm analyzes data from her dreams and predicts she will soon commit a crime.
Held in a retention center, Sara’s detainment is repeatedly extended whenever she deviates from the facility’s constantly shifting rules. Her chances of release appear remote until the arrival of a new resident disrupts the system, pushing Sara into conflict with the companies responsible for her confinement.
The novel explores themes of freedom, surveillance and technological advancement, questioning whether even the most invasive monitoring systems can truly define who people are.
Introduction to Generative AI
One event will examine real-world artificial intelligence and separate fact from fiction. “Introduction to Generative AI” offers a hands-on overview of large language models and their practical uses.
The session will be presented by Bridgid Fennell, a USC librarian and Pasadena Public Library commissioner. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops or use library computers. The program is sponsored by the Linda Vista Library Associates.
Saturday, March 7 — 2:00 pm
Linda Vista Branch Library
1281 Bryant St.
Author Event
The public is also invited to a conversation with author Laila Lalami and Pasadena Public Library Director Tim McDonald. A question-and-answer session will follow the discussion, and copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Saturday, March 21
1:45 pm — Prelude
2:00 pm — Conversation with the Author
Pasadena Presbyterian Church
585 E. Colorado Blvd.
Community Book Discussions
Residents can join a number of community discussions throughout March centered on the 2026 One City, One Story selection. Most events are intended for adults ages 18 and older unless otherwise noted.
- iBook Club of Pasadena — Monday, March 9, 3:00–5:00 pm (Zoom; registration required)
- Lamanda Park Book Discussion — Monday, March 9, 3:30 pm, Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
- Allendale Book Discussion Group — Saturday, March 14, 10:30 am, Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave.
- Pasadena Readers — Monday, March 16, 3:00 pm, Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
- Online Book Group (Ages 50+) — Saturday, March 21, 10:30 am (Zoom; registration required)
- West Pasadena Book Discussion Group — Saturday, March 21, 10:30 am, San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd.
- Great Literature & Discussion Group — Mondays, March 23 and March 30, 10:00 am, Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
- Octavia E. Butler Sci-Fi Book Club — Saturday, March 28, 3:00 pm, La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
The One City, One Story program encourages the Pasadena community to read the same book and engage in conversations about its themes through shared events across the city.
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