Kickoff Event for Library Exterior Beautification Project

On Thursday, August 27th the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Phase 1 of the Library Exterior Beautification Project was conducted on the Oxley Street side of the Library. Phase 1 brought more than $35,000 worth of improvements, including wrought iron park benches and waste receptacles, trees, plants, brickwork, flowers, a sculpture, and giant urns.  Despite the 100 degree temperature, approximately 75 were in attendance. Opening and closing remarks were made by Mayor David Sifuentes, Councilmember Michael A. Cacciotti, and Councilmember Philip Putnam.

The welcome and acknowledgments were provided by the President of the Library Board of Trustees, Margaret Leong and City Librarian Steve Fjeldsted. The major supporters of the project were thanked: The Carole Kretzer Estate, City of South Pasadena, The Friends of the South Pasadena Library, LandSpaces Landscape Design, Public Library Fund of the State of California, Rotary Club of South Pasadena, and South Pasadena Beautiful. Others thanked were the City Council, the City Manager’s Office, the Cultural Heritage Commission, Library Board of Trustees, South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Community Services,  South Pasadena Public Works Dept (and special credit goes to Gonzalo Maravilla and Reuben Vargas for all their hard work), the South Pasadena Review, and Williams Art Conservation. The Library Exterior Beautification Committee also deserves special thanks: Jesse Barajas, Former Mayor Dorothy Cohen, Glen Duncan, Brendan Durrett, Judy Graven, Pam Hames, Linda Puchalski, Kristin Roche, Scott Van Sant, Yolanda Valdez, and Yvonne Voisin.  Lerna Kayserian representing Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and Teresa Lamb Simpson from Congressman Adam Schiff’s office attended the ceremony.

A brief overview of the Library facility’s history was offered: “Even before the City of South Pasadena was incorporated in 1888, local residents already had established a public library because this community has always placed such a high value on knowledge, learning, and culture.  In 1907 with the help of a Carnegie grant, this particular Library facility was built with its entrance on El Centro Street. It was designed by nationally-known South Pasadena architect, Norman Foote Marsh. Today it’s one of the last Carnegie Libraries in California still operating as a public library. Now most Carnegies are used as museums or other types of public buildings. Others are in private hands and, sadly, many have been torn down. In 1982 the Library was expanded and remodeled with its entrance on Oxley Street. As beautiful as it is, surrounded by a lovely park with stunning original artwork by Leo Politi, Judson Studios, and Merrell Gage, the exterior entryway area previously looked rather plain compared to the historical entrance on El Centro. But that has changed with the installation of Phase I, a true community-wide effort more than 2 years in the making.

Although wonderful discoveries have been occurring simultaneously and consecutively at the South Pasadena Library every day for more than 120 years, today nevertheless marks an important milestone. In the coming months we will see the addition of an ADA wheelchair ramp for the Community Room and fresh paint for the outside of the Library. But no matter what we do for the Library, it’s not nearly as important as what the Library will do for us.”

Walter Zooi from South Pasadena Music and Conservatory introduced a dynamic musical performance from AlmaNova, comprised of Almer Imanovic and Jessica Pierce, and Bryan Langholz offered the play-by-play for a demonstration by members of the South Pasadena Juggling Club. Those interested in supporting Phase II which seeks to restore and preserve the unique, original artwork by Merrell Gage that surrounds the Library are urged to contact the City Librarian at 626 403-7332.

 (L to R) Library Trustees Marcia Battin, Brendan Durrett, Margaret Leong, Linda Puchalski, Mayor David Sifuentes, Councilmembers Michael A. Cacciotti and Philip Putnam, City Librarian Steve Fjeldsted, and Councilmember Mike Ten.




(L to R) Library Trustees Marcia Battin, Brendan Durrett, Margaret Leong, Linda Puchalski, Mayor David Sifuentes, Councilmembers Michael A. Cacciotti and Philip Putnam, City Librarian Steve Fjeldsted, and Councilmember Mike Ten

AlmaNova performed an original tune

Donald Barrett, an 11th Grader from South Pasadena High School, was one of the
performers from the South Pasadena Juggling Club who entertained the audience
during the Library Ribbon Cutting



Children’s Librarian Spenser Coates Displays Her Courage




Gonzalo Maravilla and Reuben Vargas from Public Work Complete the Plaque Installation



The Shade Was Appreciated at the Noontime Event



Two Tents Came in Very Handy



The New Plants and Flowers are Already Growing
as the Friends Refreshment Committee Looks On