Jefferson Branch entrance (Photo – cityofpasadena)
The Pasadena Public Library has been named a Top Innovator for 2025 by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing urban libraries across North America.
By News Desk
This prestigious recognition comes in honor of the library’s Building Resilience After the Eaton Fire project, which transformed the Jefferson Branch Library into a vital community hub for recovery, education, and wellness.
Following the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire, the Pasadena Public Library adapted its services to meet the urgent needs of the community, particularly those of families impacted by the disaster. The Jefferson Branch was repurposed into a flexible, structured space that provided innovative childcare alternatives, education programs, and disaster response resources. By January 2025, these efforts had successfully connected 2,628 children with emergency learning programs and facilitated wellness sessions for 533 individuals.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized by the Urban Libraries Council for our efforts to build resilience after the Eaton Fire,” said Tim McDonald, Director of Pasadena Public Library. “The transformation of the Jefferson Branch Library into a community hub for education, healing, and recovery was an opportunity to reimagine our services to support the community at a time of great need. This project exemplifies our commitment to community well-being and innovative service delivery.”
McDonald also highlighted the critical partnerships formed during the recovery efforts, including those with the Pasadena Unified School District and local fire and police departments. These collaborations have enabled the library to provide a wide range of services in a shared space, redefining how public institutions can work together to address community needs.
ULC’s Innovations Initiative, which celebrates the most impactful library projects across North America, received more than 180 submissions in six categories. Pasadena’s Building Resilience After the Eaton Fire project was selected as the winner in the Health and Wellness category for its originality, measurable impact, and the potential for replication by other libraries.
This year, six libraries received the Top Innovator designation, and six others were given honorable mentions. Notable winners include the Dayton Metro Library in Ohio for Education, the Gwinnett County Public Library in Georgia for Equity and Inclusion, and the DC Public Library for Library Operations and Management.
“The Innovations Initiative highlights the best of what libraries across North America offer their communities,” said Brooks Rainwater, ULC President and CEO. “In a year that has proved especially challenging for libraries, this year’s winners and honorees demonstrate that urban libraries are as important, resilient, and forward-thinking as ever.”
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