City Council Sends Bond Measure for Central Library Earthquake Retrofit to the Ballot

The City Council voted 6-2 on Monday adopted a resolution of necessity to issue bonds for the Central Library.

The vote clears the way for a $195 million bond to appear on the ballot in the November election. 

The money will be used to fund a comprehensive earthquake retrofit, repair, and update of the Central Library, including enhanced seismic resilience and modernization of facilities. The Central Library is a vital community resource.

“This is not something we can be ambiguous about,” said Vice Mayor Steve Madison. “Great cities have great libraries.”

Madison called the project very personal. 

The City abruptly closed the library building in 2021 due to seismic safety concerns.

“During COVID when schools went online, for some students the only place they could access WiFi was through the library,” said Councilmember Felicia Williams. “It is not just a place to read books, it’s also a place where people can get services that don’t have access to services.”

Financial projections indicate an average annual tax rate increase of $19.60 per $100,000 of assessed property valuation, with a maximum estimated rate of $28.90 per $100,000. The bonds’ fiscal impact primarily includes issuance costs and debt service payments, aimed at securing necessary funding while managing taxpayer burdens responsibly.

According to the City Manager the bond will have two levels of oversight. A report will be generated to council annually. If Proposition 5 passes, a citizens oversight commission will be empaneled.  

City officials emphasize that the proposed bond measure is essential to safeguarding the Central Library against seismic risks and ensuring its continued service to the community. If approved by voters, the measure would mark a significant investment in public infrastructure aimed at meeting safety standards and enhancing library facilities for Pasadena residents.

The Central Library is one of the three major buildings in the City’s Civic Center District as part of the Bennett Plan. It was dedicated on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, 1927.

The plan, developed by architect Edward Bennett, placed the City’s most important civic institutions — including the library and City Hall — within an area where streets conclude at the buildings: City Hall to the east, the library to the north, and the Civic Center to the south.

Councilmember Jason Lyon said he did not like the process and said that although it was painful he had to vote no.

“I’m torn,” Lyon said. “I listened to my colleagues and this is obviously going to pass and go on the ballot. Painfully I think it sends the wrong message to send this unanimously to the voters.”  

Councilmember Jessica Rivas said she also wrestled with the item.

“We did not have that moment of soul searching,” Rivas said. “It’s hard to go to the voters with this request without having done that.” 

The City has completed 60% plans and cost estimate and will complete construction drawings by spring of next year.

According to the ordinance, the Public Works Department would oversee the seismic retrofit and renovation project, addressing critical safety and infrastructure needs. The Finance Department would manage the issuance of bonds and ensure the repayment structure, with an estimated annual cost of $12 million over a 30-year period.