Pasadena Public Library Sees Circulation Rise in March Despite Central Branch Closure

The Pasadena Public Library system experienced a significant boost in circulation last month, despite the ongoing closure of its Central Library for earthquake retrofitting and renovations.

According to newly released data, total library circulation jumped 9.74 percent in March compared with the same month last year, driven largely by strong performance at branch libraries and continued growth in digital borrowing.

The recently opened Jefferson Youth Library led the way, with its monthly circulation skyrocketing by nearly 140 percent compared to March 2023. The Allendale Branch Library, which had been closed for roof replacement from August 2022 to January 2023, also rebounded strongly, with a 25.69 percent circulation increase from a year earlier.

Other top-performing branches in March included San Rafael, with a 17.15 percent increase; Santa Catalina, up 15.47 percent; and Lamanda Park, which rose 14.98 percent compared to March 2023 levels. E-book and digital media circulation continued its rapid ascent, soaring 30.53 percent versus the prior year.

However, a few locations did see circulation declines, notably the La Pintoresca Branch, which was closed for repairs from August 2023 to January 2024 and experienced a 13.70 percent decrease. Villa Parke, Linda Vista and Hill Avenue branches also experienced modest decreases ranging from 0.44 to 9 percent.

The 1925 Central Library building has been shuttered since May 2022 due to seismic safety concerns. In March, the facility’s circulation plunged 25.06 percent compared with a year earlier, bringing its year-to-date decrease to 67.13 percent.

Last month, library officials hosted a community meeting to provide updates on the Central Library revitalization project. The building is expected to reopen after the completion of a major seismic retrofit and restoration.

The entire library system’s year-to-date circulation is running 2.3 percent ahead of last year. Total branch library circulation for March 2024 was 50,732, a 7.30 percent increase from March 2023, while year-to-date branch circulation is up 3.12 percent compared to the previous year.