History
The story of Pasadena’s Central Library begins in the early 1900s, influenced by the nationwide “City Beautiful” movement. In 1923, voters approved a $3.5 million bond to create a Civic Center, which would include the Central Library, City Hall, and Civic Auditorium. The Central Library’s design, created by the renowned firm Myron Hunt & H.C. Chambers, was selected in 1924. Construction began in 1925, and the library officially opened in 1927.
For nearly a century, Central Library has been a vital community hub, offering everything from access to technology, job search resources, and a creative space with 3D printers and sewing machines, to housing Pasadena’s rich local history archives. It also hosted the Office of the Young Child, a city initiative focused on early childhood resources.
A Need for Restoration
By 2020, as Central Library neared its centennial, a structural assessment revealed troubling news: the building’s unreinforced masonry structure was vulnerable to seismic activity. The analysis showed that the building did not meet current safety standards, prompting a necessary closure in May 2021 for earthquake retrofitting and repairs.
Though the library’s nine branch locations continued operations, the Central Library’s collection of nearly 300,000 items couldn’t be relocated easily. In the interim, materials were stored in a modular building and at the City-owned Rose Palace. Additionally, a temporary Jefferson Branch was set up to during the Pasadena public library renewal provide services for children and teens.
The Path Forward: Pasadena Public Library Renewal Via Measure PL
In November 2024, Pasadena voters overwhelmingly supported Measure PL, a ballot initiative to fund the library’s restoration and retrofitting. With 72% of voters in favor, the project is now set to move forward, ensuring Central Library’s reopening by 2028.
Measure PL will fund critical repairs and retrofitting to make the library earthquake-resistant while preserving its historic charm. The goal is to update the building’s infrastructure, improve accessibility, and enhance functionality to meet the needs of future generations.
Project Goals and Timeline
The Pasadena public library renewal aims to balance preservation with modernization, guided by these key goals:
- Earthquake Resilience: Improve seismic performance to protect the library in future earthquakes.
- Life Safety: Ensure safe evacuation of Pasadena library goers during an emergency.
- Historic Preservation: Protect the Pasadena library’s architectural integrity and character-defining features.
- Accessibility: Implement universal access for all users, including wheelchair ramps, access for the hearing and vision impaired, etc.
- Functionality: Enhance space flexibility for community needs.
- Technology Upgrades: Modernize building systems and technology.
With the renovations steadily approaching, make sure to check our Pasadena News Blog for the latest updates in the Pasadena library renewal process.
