Pasadena Public Library - Central Library

The Pasadena Public Library's Central Library, located at 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena, stands as a pillar of the city's Civic Center. Since its dedication on Lincoln's birthday, February 12, 1927, the library has been a vital resource for the community. Designed by Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers, the building exemplifies Mediterranean Revival architecture, characterized by its walled entrance courtyard with a central fountain, red clay tile roofs, and stucco exteriors adorned with cast stone trim. The library's history dates back to 1882 when Abbott Kinney started the Pasadena Library and Village Improvement Society. The first library opened in 1884 and moved to larger locations in 1886 and 1890 before the Central Library was constructed. The Central Library is the third building that the Library has occupied since its founding in 1882. In its early days, community members supported the library by purchasing shares for as little as $5. In 2021, a structural assessment revealed that the Central Library is comprised of unreinforced masonry and requires a seismic upgrade. As a result, the library is currently closed for seismic retrofitting, with renovation set to begin in 2025 and projected completion in 2028. During the closure, library services and resources are still available at branch locations and online. The Central Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has been featured in major motion pictures. The building underwent a historically sensitive restoration and renovation between 1984 and 1990. The Pasadena Public Library Foundation has been instrumental in raising funds for the library's preservation.