Counterpoint | Susan Mossman : In Response to Rick Cole’s Central Library Op-Ed

Pasadena Now received this opinion piece Thursday, in response to an Op/ed published on Wednesday by Rick Cole entitled “Library Closing is a Moment of Reckoning“

I always appreciate hearing Rick Cole’s opinion. He’s an old friend, and he generally makes good and thoughtful observations. But his column about the Central Library prompted me to respond.

As an historic preservationist first, I must say first that the Central Library is an amazing historic building, designed by a prominent and accomplished architect (Myron Hunt), and was the first of our renowned Civic Center buildings to be completed. It is a place worth saving without a doubt. This building can and should be repaired and remain a treasured part of our history and the legacy of the Civic Center.

It should be noted that the discovery of the Central Library’s seismic deficiencies was part of an overall assessment of the building and its needs, with an eye toward future uses of all kinds, not just as a warehouse for books. As places for personal growth or even just to find peace surrounded by beauty and books – or as spaces for people to come together, learn together, make friends and accomplish great things together — what better setting could there be than a library? And a magnificent, historic library is even better!

In my view, the Pasadena Library system has done a remarkable job of re-inventing itself in recent years and changing and updating the uses, programs, activities that define what is a “public library” in our community. Hundreds of programs of all kinds are organized and offered free to the community through the Central Library and branches every year. Should there be even more innovation and creative use of our library buildings and resources? Yes, indeed! But it should not be suggested that significant change and future thinking aren’t already happening.

Lastly, I admit that I am an avid reader and prefer real books. I have spent countless hours in the library and read hundreds and hundreds of borrowed books that have enriched my life and broadened my horizons. I’ve attended and presented programs in the Donald Wright Auditorium, and my children learned to love libraries and books in the Children’s Room as well as in several of the branches. I want future generations of Pasadena residents and children to be able to have those same experiences, while they may also be doing all kinds of other exciting activities within the Library building.

I join Rick in suggesting that as a plan emerges to meet the Central Library’s immediate physical needs, the discussion should go beyond “bricks and mortar”. But of course it will! Planning for the future was the impetus for this study in the first place, and I’m sure that planning will go forward. This is Pasadena, after all! I hope all who love libraries, and this library in particular, will want to be part of it.