The Pasadena Public Library Foundation (PPLF) is dedicated to preserving the historic Central Library building.
PPLF was founded in 1983 to raise funds for the refurbishment and restoration of the beautiful Central Library building. Through the hard work of volunteer board members and generous public support, the Foundation raised $2 million over a six-year period toward major restoration. The Foundation established an endowment to support significant projects at the Central Branch, which over the years have included renovations of the Children’s Room and the Donald Wright Auditorium, replacement of the cork flooring in the Great Hall, the restoration of the outdoor fountain, and significant upgrades to technology.
PPLF and PCF formed a partnership in 2011 to continue the PPLF’s mission to restore, preserve, and maintain the architecturally and historically significant Central Library Building. PCF manages the Library Foundation’s endowment as one of its 450 funds, which, along with donations from the community, provides grant money to fund special library projects.
Central Branch Renovation
In May 2021, the City of Pasadena ordered the closure of Pasadena Central Library for seismic retrofitting. The PPLF board remains committed to protecting and preserving the Central Library during its closure. Measure PL passed in November 2024, providing critical funding to make the necessary earthquake repairs to reopen the historical Central Library, as well as numerous upgrades for future generations. The revitalized library is expected to reopen in 2028.
The Central Library will reopen with improvements that both preserve its historic elements and modernize the structure to serve the community for another century. Library resources and services have evolved over the past 140 years to include accessible technology, audio/visual collections, education-based programming, and much more. At the Central Library, prior to the closure, upwards of 800,000 patrons visited annually to take advantage of these services and to find their next great read. The 10 branch libraries continue to support the myriad needs of our community – they collectively welcome nearly 400,000 visitors each year. Our libraries are here for everyone.
During the three-year renovation of the Central Library, the Library Foundation will seek opportunities to support the needs of historic buildings among the 10 branch libraries, including the nearly 100-year-old Hill Avenue, La Pintoresca, and Santa Catalina branches. We continue to work closely with Pasadena Library Director, Tim McDonald, to identify critical needs related to their preservation.