Pasadena library director says central library construction has entered phase 2; reopening still on track for 2028

Tim McDonald, director of the Pasadena Public Library, said Phase 1 of the central library renovation is finished and Phase 2 — the construction and seismic retrofit — has started, and he told the 1 City, 1 Story audience that the library remains "on track to open in 2028."

McDonald described Phase 1 as the pre-construction work: historic finishes and oak bookshelves have been removed, carefully inventoried and placed in off-site, climate-controlled storage. He said crews will soon begin visible work outside the building, with scaffolding and removal and cataloging of the red roof tiles so originals can be returned at project completion.

"When I saw you last year, I told you we were on track to reopen in 2028. I'm here today to tell you we are on track to open in 2028," McDonald said. He thanked neighborhood branch libraries and community partners for sustaining services while the central library is closed.

McDonald also outlined that the project was divided into two phases: Phase 1 completed the necessary pre-construction inventories and removals; Phase 2 addresses the seismic and structural work required to make the building safe for reopening. He said many of the building's historic elements are being preserved and temporarily stored so they can be reinstalled at the end of the project.

The update came during the Pasadena Public Library's 24th annual 1 City, 1 Story author event at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. McDonald thanked the Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, the Pasadena Literary Alliance and other community partners for supporting the program and the library’s ongoing services.