Pasadena Central Library
Plans for a civic center in Pasadena, which included a library, trace back to the influence of a nationwide “City Beautiful” movement at the turn of the 20th century. An architectural competition was held to choose the architects for all the buildings and the firm of Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers placed first for the library. Myron Hunt imaginatively combined a somewhat formal Italian style and a very simple California style in the Library design. Construction of the Central Library began May 19, 1925, and it was dedicated on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12, 1927. It was the first building to be completed in the Civic Center. The building underwent a massive, historically sensitive restoration and renovation between 1984 and 1990. The Central Library is a contributing structure in the Pasadena Civic Center District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pasadena, Los Angeles County
Photographer: John Bare