Altadena Breaks Ground on Main Library Renovation

Nearly 60-year-old building to undergo major upgrades while preserving mid-century character

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Altadena Main Library, a community hub since 1967, has begun a major renovation project to address seismic safety, aging infrastructure, and expand public access. The project will add nearly 20% more usable public space, new meeting rooms, a maker space, a passport office, and improved outdoor areas, while preserving the building's mid-century design.

Why it matters

The Altadena Main Library has served as a vital gathering place and learning center for the community, even playing a key role in recovery efforts after the Eaton Fire. This renovation will ensure the library remains a welcoming and accessible hub for generations to come, reaffirming its enduring role in the lives of local residents.

The details

The renovation plans call for a new entryway, elevator, and other accessibility upgrades to make the building fully accessible. Specific new spaces include the Thomas A. Tombrello Jr. and Sherstin Arusha Reading Pavilion, the Kathy Mahaffey Friends Bookstore, and the Anthony Mitchell Sr. and Justin Mitchell Children's Area, which will prioritize wheelchair accessibility.

  • The Altadena Main Library first opened in 1967.
  • The groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation project took place on February 25, 2026.
  • The library is expected to reopen in mid-2027 if the work proceeds on schedule.

The players

Judy Chu

U.S. Representative

Sasha Renée Pérez

California State Senator

John Harabedian

California State Assemblymember

Mark Schumann

Architect at ABA Studios

Nikki Winslow

Altadena Library District Director

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What they’re saying

“For nearly 60 years, this building has been more than just a place to borrow books. It's been a gathering place, a learning center, and a cornerstone of civic life.”

— Judy Chu, U.S. Representative (pasadenanow.com)

“With new spaces for gathering, learning, and creativity, the library will remain a welcoming haven for everyone.”

— Sasha Renée Pérez, California State Senator (pasadenanow.com)

“The facelift was needed, the upgrades were needed. This is really for the next generation of library users.”

— John Harabedian, California State Assemblymember (pasadenanow.com)

“When you step into this library, it will be your library. You will recognize everything because our goal is not to change it, but to bring it into the reality of the next two or three generations.”

— Mark Schumann, Architect at ABA Studios (pasadenanow.com)

“The main library is far more than a building. It's a gathering place, a safe haven, a center for learning, creativity, and connection.”

— Nikki Winslow, Altadena Library District Director (pasadenanow.com)

What’s next

Reopening of the renovated Altadena Main Library is projected for mid-2027 if the work proceeds on schedule.

The takeaway

This renovation project demonstrates the enduring importance of public libraries as community hubs, preserving the mid-century character of the Altadena Main Library while modernizing it to serve the needs of current and future generations of residents.