Old Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Pasadena Public Library
(1890-1927)
Photographed By Denise Boose, January 4, 2014
1. Pasadena Public Library Marker
Designed by Pasadena architect, Harry Ridgeway, the library opened with fanfare on Sept 9, 1890 after three years of stalled construction. It was originally praised for its "splendid...opportunities for service".
The need for an even larger library became evident as Pasadena's population boomed. Although this building was expanded in 1901 and Children's services had moved to a bungalow in Library Park, the existing space was insufficient to meet the needs of a growing city.
In 1915, people called on their city officials via postcard ballot for a new library, which was built in 1927. The structure at this site was renamed "Patriotic Hall" and was home to local patriotic societies from 1927 to 1933.
Sadly, the building suffered a blow in 1933, when the Long Beach earthquake damaged it enough to deem it unsafe. Although many were in favor of restoration for historical value, the cost to renovate proved too expensive. The building was finally razed in 1954, keeping the archway as a memorial, dedicated in 1955.
Erected by The Pasadena Historical Society & The Pasadena
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings • Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1761.
Location. 34° 8.953′ N, 118° 8.925′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Old Pasadena. Marker is on North Raymond Avenue south of East Walnut Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in Pasadena Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pasadena CA 91109, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hopkins Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Pacific Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Legge Alley (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Electric Alley (about 700 feet away); Hayes Alley (about 800 feet away); Former Kendall Automotive Company Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kendall Alley (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pasadena.
Photographed By Denise Boose, January 4, 2014
2. Pasadena Public Library Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, January 4, 2014
3. Pasadena Public Library Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, January 4, 2014
4. Entrance Archway
Photographed By Denise Boose, January 4, 2014
5. First Free Public Library
Stone building of romanesque architecture erected here in the 1880's, financed largely by public subscription, served as Pasadena's main public library from 1890 to 1927: condemned as unsafe in 1933; razed in 1954.
This entrance arch, restored in 1955 by the City of Pasadena, at request of Pasenda Historical Society, is dedicated to the memory of Pasadena pioneers who in early and difficult days established here a public library as an expression of reverence for literature and art. Their spirit, symbolized in this remaining archway lives on. Dedicated September 9, 1955.
Photographed By Denise Boose, January 4, 2014
6. Photo Displayed on Marker
The library in 1889 with newly planted palms.
Photographed By Denise Boose, January 4, 2014
7. Photo Displayed on Marker
Turn of the century Postcard.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 790 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 5, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
