Pasadena Central Library Seismic Retrofit Design Phase Now Underway

The Department of Libraries and Information Services said the design works for the Pasadena Central Library seismic retrofit and renovations project is now proceeding.

“The Pasadena Central Library Seismic Retrofit Project is underway and the project is currently in the beginning of the design phase,” said Tim McDonald, Acting Director of the Department of Libraries and Information Services.

Designed by Myron Hunt in 1924, the Pasadena Central Library, which is a designated Pasadena historic resource, closed in 2021 due to seismic safety issues.

Earlier this year, the City Council awarded a $6.104 million contract  to Los Angeles-based Gruen Associates for design services for the Central Library seismic retrofit and renovations project. The library will remain closed until a seismic retrofit can be completed on the nearly 100-year-old building.

McDonald said the environmental and design phase efforts are anticipated to be completed in about two years.

As of now, the  Department of Libraries and Information Services’s priority is to minimize disruptions to library services.

“Soon after closure, Library staff pursued options for the continued operation of Library programs and the relocation of the collection, including use of a modular building in the Central Library parking lot that currently serves as a materials handling location to ensure new materials are making their way into the system and circulating,” said McDonald.

According to McDonald, the City-owned Rose Palace on Raymond Avenue was identified to store a large amount of the collection, where it would be accessible to Library staff to retrieve and deliver to the branches as needed.

Currently, the City of Pasadena is now leasing the vacant Jefferson School for library services.

The temporary Jefferson Branch library is currently housing the Office of the Young Child and Teen Mental Health information centers, which are hosted by the Department of Libraries and Information Services.

The city is now seeing public input from community members on how the library should be used and what features should be included for the future while also preserving the building’s historic character.

“Preserving the architectural integrity of the building is a top priority during the retrofit process,” said McDonald.

He added that preserving the Pasadena Public Library is not only preserving a cherished landmark, but also reaffirming the city’s commitment to the principles of democracy and equal access to information.

“The project will enable the library to continue its vital role as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and democratic engagement, ensuring that generations to come will benefit from the transformative power of education and diverse voices,” McDonald added.

Aside from preserving the historic resource, McDonald said the renovation will also be an opportunity to improve energy consumption and sustainability efforts with the replacement of various building systems.

According to McDonald, while the current design phase is fully funded, efforts were made to secure additional funding.

To date, the Department of Libraries and Information Services has secured $9 million in grant funding from the state for the seismic retrofit and renovation project. This will be used for the Central Library design and engineering work.

Design work is expected to be completed in early 2025, at which point the City will solicit bids for design construction, pending funding.

To follow the progress of the Central Library and attend future community meetings, please visit the Central Library Retrofit & Renovations Project at www.PasadenaPublicLibrary.net.