2nd Pasadena Public Library, 1901 (Photo by Charles J. Crandall, courtesy of Pasadena Museum of History)
Established in 1884 by future thinking community leaders, Pasadena Public Library has spent 140 years shaping the past, sculpting the present, and building towards a brighter future.
By News Desk
In 1882, Abbott Kinney started the Pasadena Library and Village Improvement Society with the goal of establishing a library in the area. The Village Improvement Society raised enough money to open the first library in Pasadena on Feb. 26, 1884.
As the community grew, so did the library, moving to a larger location in 1886, a newly constructed location in 1890, and finally landing in the heart of the city in 1927 where Central Library currently resides awaiting retrofitting. With the strength of a vibrant Central Library, the Pasadena Public Library system created branch libraries as early as 1908, becoming one of the first libraries in California to offer branch services.
Library resources and services have evolved over the past 140 years. Nine branch libraries offer virtual service, accessible technology, audio/visual collections, education-based programing and much more. 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.
Throughout 2024 Pasadena Public Library will be reflecting on its past, observing the present, and looking to the future of continued service to the people of Pasadena.
The Central Library as it looked shortly after it officially opened for visitors, circa 1927-1928 (Photo – PPL collection @pdhc2019)
Older than the city itself
To celebrate 140 years of service, the library is planning a year-long celebration highlighting the past, present, and future through the contributions of trailblazers, innovators, and future thinkers.
“We are excited to celebrate this milestone with our community and continue the tradition of offering impactful service to all,” said Pasadena Public Library Director Tim McDonald.
Central Library
The Central Library stands as the cornerstone of the Pasadena Public Library, offering vital support to its nine branch libraries. In May 2021, the Central Library temporarily closed following a structural assessment that uncovered its susceptibility to seismic activity due to unreinforced masonry. (See articles of the process).
Pasadena Central Library (Photo – cityofpasadena.net)
Time capsule and celebrations
Residents can participate in a time capsule program on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 11:00 am, at Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St. Community members of all ages are invited to help draft the story of the library’s future with mementos from the present. There will be craft activities and light refreshments. Residents are urged to bring photos, letters, artwork, or trinkets to include in the time capsule or add the items you make during the program. The time capsule will remain open all month to collect more memories before being sealed for ten years.
Throughout the anniversary year, Pasadena Public Library will host a different feature program at each branch location, January – October. It will release limited edition merchandise, launch a 14-book reading challenge to celebrate 14 decades of library service, collect and feature community stories, and broadcast videos of interviews with library staff. These monthly vignettes will offer a glimpse into how the people of Pasadena have shaped the library from the beginning and will continue to guide its growth into the future.
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