Central Library Sustains Minor Damage From Earthquake

Two new cracks were found inside the Central Library following Tuesday’s earthquake.

The Pasadena Public Works Department sent a crew to Central Library to examine critical infrastructure and check for damage to the nearly 100-year-old building following the 4.4 earthquake, which was centered not far away near the South Pasadena/Highland Park border.

The crew discovered two cracks in the great hall.

The library was closed several years ago to undergo a seismic retrofit.

“Two new cracks were identified in the Great Hall southeast corner approximately 20 feet up the wall,” according to a memo by the City Manager. “Additionally, an existing crack on the northeast corner has increased in size. In the northeast reading room, a light fixture cover bowl shook loose and fell. No other damage has been reported.”

On Feb. 6, 2023, the Pasadena City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with Gruen Associates for environmental documents and construction drawings.

That same year, the Council approved the concrete shear wall earthquake retrofit approach and directed Gruen Associates to proceed with the development of the schematic design of the project.

Construction will cost $195 million on the Pasadena Central Library Earthquake Retrofit, Repair and Upgrade Project.

So far, the City has received $9 million from the state to fund the design process, and will continue to seek additional sources of funding for the construction phase.

Pending appropriation of funds, construction is anticipated to begin next year and could last up to three years.