The sun peaking from behind Pasadena Central Library on Dec. 12, 2025 (Photo – W.K.)
The City of Pasadena marked a major milestone in restoring one of its most cherished civic landmarks on Friday, December 12, with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Pasadena Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovation project.
By John Boucher
The event, held from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the parking lot of the historic library at 285 E. Walnut St., gathered a group of local elected officials, city staff, community partners, library supporters, and project stakeholders.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo, District 3 Councilmember Justin Jones, Public Works Director Greg De Vinck, and Library Director Tim McDonald delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the project, one that the city has been planning since the library’s closure in 2021 due to seismic safety concerns.
City leaders emphasized that the project represents a commitment to fiscal responsibility, historic preservation, and public access. The ceremony celebrated not only the beginning of preconstruction work but also Pasadena’s broader vision for a revitalized Civic Center anchored by a fully restored library.
Preserving History While Preparing for the Future
In his remarks, Library Director Tim McDonald reflected on the meaning and legacy of the 98-year-old building. He reminded attendees of the inscription carved above the library’s entrance: “Be made whole by books, as by great spaces and the Stars.” McDonald described it as the unofficial motto of the library, a guiding sentiment for its restoration.
“You will see that again when you walk into the building,” McDonald said, noting that the renovation will preserve historic architectural features while greatly expanding services for future generations. When the library reopens, patrons will find traditional collections, early literacy programs, job-seeker resources, free technology access, and new study rooms.
McDonald also unveiled several new amenities planned for the revamped facility, including a state-of-the-art makerspace equipped with 3D printers and sewing machines, an exhibit hall in what was once the library’s janitor’s residence, and major upgrades to the Donald Wright Auditorium such as advanced audiovisual systems and enhanced backstage spaces. Accessibility upgrades will ensure that all members of the community can navigate and use the building comfortably.
The director reflected on nearly a century of community gatherings at the library, including the Tuesday Musical organization, which has been giving free weekly concerts there since 1927. “Access to a place for the community to gather is an important part of our mission,” McDonald said, reiterating the library’s dedication to democratic ideals and intellectual freedom.
He closed with a quote shared by former Library Commission chair Arnie Siegel: “Everyone should have a library card. It’s like a bicycle for your brain.”
“That is what this library does,” McDonald said. “It unlocks the ability to explore the world, for every member of our community.”
Behind the Scenes: A “Dream Team” Restoration Effort
Public Works Director Greg De Vinck provided a detailed look at the highly technical process underway inside the closed facility. The interior is currently undergoing selective demolition, removal of hazardous materials, and full replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
The most painstaking work, he said, involves the building’s extensive historic millwork. “Every board in there is being cataloged and carefully removed and computer coded,” De Vinck explained. The wood is being transported to a climate-controlled warehouse to ensure it does not warp or crack before it is reinstalled in its original place.
De Vinck said that cost estimates for the project are progressing well, with final numbers expected in January and a council vote anticipated in February. If approved, construction is projected to last about 30 months.
“We hope to see everyone back here for a ribbon cutting,” he said, praising the project team as a “Dream Team” dedicated to delivering a meticulous restoration.
A Symbolic “Checkout” and a Vision for 2028
In a playful twist on the traditional ceremonial shovel, McDonald presented Mayor Gordo with a symbolic book titled How to Retrofit a Library, stamped with a due date representing the project’s target completion: summer 2028.
“We would like to be open for the Olympics when the world is looking at Pasadena,” McDonald said, hinting at plans for “Olympic reading events” during the 2028 Games.
Attendees were also given a unique memento, a brick from the historic building, to take home as a souvenir of the day the community celebrated the beginning of the library’s next century.
Library construction is underway (Photo – W.K.)
Renderings display (Photo – W.K.)
Mayor Victor Gordo (Photo – W.K.)
Library Director Tim McDonald (Photo – W.K.)
Councilmember Justin Jones (Photo – W.K.)
A symbolic book titled “How to Retrofit a Library” presented by McDonald and stamped by Mayor Gordo with a due date of Summer 2028 (Photo – W.K.)
A brick from the historic building given as a memento to attendees (Photo – W.K.)
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