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South Pasadena Library reports strong summer programs, donations and asks city for ICE‑response guidance
Summary
Library Director Kathy told trustees that summer events and outreach are drawing high participation, staff are handling a staff leave, the Friends have increased membership and donations, and the board asked staff to seek clarity from the city about procedures in the event of ICE activity.
At the June 12 City of South Pasadena Library Board meeting, Kathy, the library director, reported on operations and community programs: a busy summer reading launch, new donations of historical materials, completed sustainability grant signage in the park, and an active schedule of summer events.
Kathy said the summer reading sign‑up day enrolled about 310 people, and that staff and partners had a successful public kickoff event. She reported that the library received donated historical videos and print materials from a resident whose family had ties to South Pasadena, and that Olivia, a library staff member, had helped digitize those materials. The library also completed a sustainability grant project that installed interpretive signage about the park and certain trees.
Friends of the Library update A Friends of the Library representative reported 164 members and more than $17,000 in contributions to date, ahead of last year, and said the group is positioned to support programming and potential fundraising around the site plan.
Staffing and emergency preparedness Kathy said one employee is on maternity leave and staff are covering duties. Board members asked whether the library has a plan if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were to operate in or near library property. Kathy said the city has issued a press release and a policy stance but that library staff do not yet have full clarity on operational steps; she said staff will follow city guidance and that the library will seek more explicit direction so employees know what to do in such situations.
Why it matters: the reports reflect active community engagement and fundraising capacity ahead of the site‑planning process, and trustees flagged the need for staff guidance on handling enforcement or immigration agency encounters.
Next steps Staff will share county and city preparedness resources with librarians, confirm the city’s operational guidance regarding ICE actions, and coordinate with the Friends and other community groups for outreach and event support.
