Pasadena Public Library Celebrates 140 Years With Commemorative Video

The Pasadena Public Library is commemorating 140 years of service to the community with a special video presentation set to premiere on YouTube at noon on Wednesday, July 17. The video, featuring staff from every branch and Library Director Tim McDonald, will showcase the institution’s evolution and impact on Pasadena’s residents.

Established in 1884 by forward-thinking community leaders, the library has grown from a single location to a system comprising nine branches. The library’s journey began when Abbot Kinney initiated the Pasadena Library and Village Improvement Society, raising money to open the first library on Feb. 26, 1884.

As Pasadena expanded, so did the library, relocating to a larger location in 1886, a newly constructed site in 1890, and finally settling in its current central location in 1927. The Pasadena Public Library became one of California’s first to offer branch services, beginning as early as 1908.

Today, the library system provides a wide range of services, including on-site programs for all ages, access to printed materials, cloud-based eBooks, and free Wi-Fi. These offerings underscore the library’s role as a lifelong learning center and cultural beacon for the greater Pasadena area.

The celebration comes amid challenges for the Central Library, which has been temporarily closed since May 2021 due to seismic vulnerability. An assessment revealed the building’s susceptibility to earthquake damage because of its unreinforced masonry construction.

The library is encouraging residents to learn more about the Central Library’s future, including plans for a necessary earthquake retrofit. Information is available on the city’s website at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Central-Library-Earthquake-Retrofit/. 

Despite these hurdles, the Pasadena Public Library remains committed to its founding principles.

“The Pasadena Public Library’s commitment is still the same: providing enriching opportunities to connect as a community and grow together through uninhibited access to information,” said  Catherine Haskett Hany, Communications representative at the library. 

Throughout 2024, the library will be reflecting on its past, observing the present, and looking ahead to continued service. Residents can follow the celebration on social media using the hashtag #PPL140 and visit cityofpasadena.net/library for more information.