Jefferson: Reimagining a Campus for the Community
Pasadena Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
When Pasadena’s Central Library closed for required seismic retrofitting, the City needed alternative space for library services. In collaboration with the Pasadena Unified School District, a temporary library branch focused on children’s and teen services was established at the vacant Jefferson School. As primary tenant, the library broke silos by inviting other City departments to join the campus. The City had lacked space for essential programs such as technical and career training, and opportunities for recreation and youth leadership development. A firefighter training academy, Police Athletic League program, and sports facilities joined the library’s campus. This innovative partnership transformed the neglected site into a community hub, bringing together the City’s Fire, Police, Parks, Recreation, & Community Services, and Libraries & Information Services Departments as teammates, turning what initially seemed like a challenge into opportunities for innovation.
Challenge/Opportunity
The unexpected closure of Central Library posed a significant challenge for the community: the Library is a central resource housed in a 120,000-ft2 building. Finding an equal-size, centrally located property in Pasadena was impossible. The closure acutely impacted youth and family services, which are essential to the community. In response, the City established a makeshift youth library within a decommissioned school building, designed to operate for five years. The school campus presented challenges: reusing small rooms, the temporary nature, and coordinating facility responsibilities. However, these challenges led to innovative solutions, creating partnerships with various City departments, fostering connections, and developing shared programming and resources.
As a result, a central hub for families and youth was developed, leading programming across all library branches and transforming the campus into a unique community space that goes beyond traditional departmental silos.
Key Elements of Innovation
Public spaces at the Jefferson Branch include an early learning hub, Kids' & Teen rooms, an art gallery, an Innovation Lab, and programming areas. Leveraging the proximity of various City departments, the Police PALs program integrated library services into their curriculum, the Parks Department collaborated on circulating pickleball equipment, and the Fire Department partnered with Pasadena City college to build a pipeline of future first responders through an EMT certification program. With the school district, the library enhanced the free lunch service, adding mindful activities. What makes this initiative unique and cutting-edge is its integration of modular and wellness-centered design elements, and the collaborative and shared use of space by multiple city departments. This redefines library spaces to include wellness and educational activities, creating a multifaceted community hub that addresses the needs of youth and families in innovative ways.
Achieved Outcomes
Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Patrons are advocating for its permanent status, praising the location, services, staff, programs, design, and atmosphere. Since opening in 2023, the branch has achieved significant milestones: 377 programs with 9,901 attendees; 167 community outreach events reaching 13,935 people; and 117 community meetings. Unique and new services include programs tailored for children with special needs; a city-wide Kindergarten initiative; free summer lunches; office hours for nonprofits; and embedded library services in City programs; moreover: play and study spaces for parents with young children, open gaming areas, and shared programs with City departments. Due to its proven success, new partnerships have been established, including office hours for health screenings with the Health Department, collaboration with the Fire Department and City College with 33 graduates to date, and a youth conference with the Police and Parks Departments.
