More than a Facade

More than two hundred donors, supporters, and friends of the Pasadena Public Library gathered yesterday evening in the Great Hall of Central Library to celebrate the raising of more than $75,000 to restore the Walnut Street building’s South Facade.

The façade restoration brought together the Pasadena Public Library Foundation, as well as The Friends of the Pasadena Library, for the latest building improvement project.

“This event celebrates one of Pasadena’s most revered institutions—the Pasadena Public Library,” said Mayor Bill Bogaard, “and it’s wonderful relationship between the Library Foundation and the library for the care and the restoration of this fabulous architectural treasure.”

“This has been a wonderful event,” said Foundation president Peter McAniff. ‘We are thrilled with the number of people who are here, as well as the eclecticism of the people who are here. We’ve already reached our goal of $75,000, and the City has pledged to match that amount. We think the project should be completed by next spring.”

McAniff continued, “It’s really a nice reflection of the people who appreciate the library and support it, and is a wonderful reflection of Pasadena. There are a lot of calls on the City’s resources and this is an opportunity for private investments to be directed in a way that supports everybody.”

Both The Friends of the Library and the Foundation help to support the library’s work. The Friends help with programming, daily and monthly book sales, as well as the summer reading program, while the Foundation brings together investors to help with physical improvements or additions to the Library.

Over the years the Foundation has helped bring new computers to the library, make improvements to the fourth floor including new facilities, as well as donate 75 computers to the library.

The restoration of the South Façade is due to begin in a few months, said McAniff.