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View Winners → Pasadena Central Library Façade Restoration Project
News Jul 23, 2014
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Historic Photo Courtesy of Pasadena Central Library Collection
Pasadena Central Library Facade Restoration Project
Pasadena’s Central Library’s magnificent south facade is impressive to residents and visitors alike. On Sunday, September 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library and the Pasadena Public Library Foundation will co-host a cocktail party in Central Library’s Great Hall, 285 E. Walnut St. to raise funds to restore the eye-catching “face” of the building that overlooks Walnut Street and the historic civic center.
Why is restoration needed? Consider the history of Central Library. Ninety years ago, ten architectural firms competed for the privilege of designing it; the commission was awarded to the firm of Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers. Construction began in 1925, the date inscribed over the front entrance. Dedicated two years later, the library now ranks on the National Register of Historic Places. The last restoration took place between 1984 and 1990, funded in large measure by the Pasadena Public Library Foundation. Now the magnificent arched windows, stonework and exterior wall of the south façade are in critical need of restoration, repair and painting due to decades of sun exposure and general weathering. Funds raised from this event will restore the façade to its former glory.
The fundraising gala will highlight the year-long celebration of 130 Years of Reading in Pasadena. Tickets for the event are $130 each and available for purchase through the Pasadena Community Foundation website; www.pasadenacf.org.
Pasadena Public Library is extremely grateful to the two hosts for their sponsorship of this event, The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library and the Pasadena Public Library Foundation, true friends and supporters of the library. The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, founded in 1975, funds the library’s programs, special services and cultural events. Pasadena Public Library Foundation, now an endowment fund of the Pasadena Community Foundation, was established 31 years ago to refurbish and maintain the beautiful and historic Central Library building.
Tickets and donations benefiting the organization are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. For more information, contact Catherine Hany at (626) 744-4207 or chany@cityofpasadena.net.
