South Pasadena Library analysis reveals high visitor engagement and materials usage

The South Pasadena City Council convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss the Library/Community Center Site Plan Ad Hoc Committee's progress and future plans. The meeting focused on community engagement, library usage statistics, and comparisons with peer libraries.

The committee began by addressing concerns about the ongoing library construction and its potential impact on local residents, particularly regarding traffic and accessibility. Members emphasized the importance of outreach to ensure that community members are informed and can voice their opinions. It was noted that residents in District 2, where the library is located, may have participated in online surveys, but there is a need for more in-person engagement to capture a broader range of feedback.

The discussion then shifted to a presentation on library usage metrics. The South Pasadena Public Library was highlighted as one of the busiest libraries in the region, boasting the highest number of visits per resident among its peers. This popularity reflects the community's strong support for library services. However, the library's space per resident was found to be average compared to other libraries, indicating a potential need for expansion or redesign to better serve the community.

Key metrics presented included the number of materials checked out per item, which was notably high, suggesting that the library's collection is actively utilized. However, the analysis also revealed that the library has a high density of materials relative to its space, which may limit seating and browsing opportunities for patrons.

The committee concluded with a transition to discussing recreation facilities, indicating that further detailed comparisons with peer recreation centers would be provided in future meetings. Overall, the meeting underscored the library's vital role in the community and the ongoing efforts to enhance its services and facilities in response to resident needs. The committee plans to continue its outreach and analysis to ensure that the library remains a cherished resource for South Pasadena.