Pasadena Library Circulation Drops 6% Amid Ongoing Recovery From January Wildfires

Pasadena’s public libraries checked out 49,810 items in October, a 5% decline from the same month last year, as the system continues recovering from January’s devastating wildfire closures.

The drop extends a fiscal year trend. Through October, total branch circulation fell 6% compared to last year, according to statistics that will be presented at the Library Commission meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

All libraries closed in January 2025 during wildfire recovery efforts.

Linda Vista Branch emerged as the lone bright spot. The library’s October circulation jumped 31% to 3,160 items, the highest monthly increase in the system.

Hastings Branch, the system’s busiest location, saw checkouts fall 10% to 13,191 in October. Year-to-date circulation there dropped nearly 9%.

Lamanda Park experienced the steepest October decline at 19%, checking out 4,985 items.

Central Library bucked the downward trend with an 88% year-to-date increase, though its total circulation remains far smaller than branch locations.

Digital materials offered mixed results. E-books and e-media checkouts rose 7% in October to 10,692 items but remain down 7% for the fiscal year.

Hill Avenue Branch posted modest gains, with October circulation up 1% to 4,794 items.

The Library Commission will meet at Linda Vista Branch Library, where Senior Librarian Bernadette Glover will provide updates on branch operations.

Library Director Tim McDonald will present his regular report to commissioners. The meeting will also feature a presentation on the One City, One Story program by Senior Librarian Christine Reeder.

Pasadena’s library system includes nine branch locations plus Central Library and Jefferson Youth Library.

After Nov. 19, the commission’s next meeting is Dec. 17 at Santa Catalina Branch Library.