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Mountain View News Saturday, June 28, 2025

THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR THE SIERRA MADRE PUBLIC LIBRARY By Jujube Hutt

Renovations are currently underway to revitalize the Sierra Madre Public 
Library, with the new-and-improved building expected to reopen in 
June of 2026. The Sierra Madre Library Foundation is raising funds to 
support this exciting project. 

The library has served the community for over a century as the fourth 
oldest city library in LA County. With a catalogue of over 70,000 items, 
it provides the community access to information in the form of books, 
movies, and eBooks, as well as hosting numerous programs promoting 
reading and learning for all ages. 

Even in the digital age, libraries like Sierra Madre’s are vital for creating 
connections and providing resources. “I think libraries bring communities 
together, and the beauty is it doesn't cost anything to rent a movie 
or check out a book,” shared Sierra Madre Library Foundation board 
member Tonja Torres. “The whole community benefits when people 
have access to information.” 

The planned changes will add about 5,000 square feet to the library, featuring 
a new reading balcony, teen’s room, expanded children’s room, 
more study areas, and community meeting room. “Now we're going 
to have a meeting space that's going to hold 200+ people,” stated Sierra 
Madre Library Foundation board member Dawn Denison, “that's 
a huge thing for our town to be able to have and help build the community 
and connection that we need.” 

In addition, the library will also include a maker space where various STEAM activities will be hosted and crafting resources will be available. This includes knitting lessons, 
sewing machines, a 3D printer, a Cricut cutting machine, and more. 

Finally, the downstairs area will include a climate-controlled historical archive, which will protect and provide open access to the town’s historic documents. “Not every town 
has that kind of amazing research,” noted Denison.

To fund these renovations, the library received state and federal grants totaling around $10.6 million dollars. This money covers the building expansion and improvements, 
ADA and seismic upgrades, fire suppression equipment, and improving green spaces. However, the grants do not cover furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), such as 
bookshelves, tables, computers, and technology resources needed 
to reopen the library. 

The Sierra Madre Library Foundation is working to raise $1.5 
million to purchase the library’s FF&E. Approximately $1 million 
has already been raised, with substantial contributions from the 
Friends of the Sierra Madre Library, Mary Tumilty Fund, and Day 
Trust. Additionally, the library’s new teen room is being funded 
by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. 

Other local organizations have also donated to support the library’s 
renovations, such as the Rotary Club of Sierra Madre, 
Sierra Madre Community Foundation, Sierra Madre Historical 
Preservation Society, Kiwanis Club of Sierra Madre, and Sierra 
Madre Civic Club. 

The Sierra Madre Library Foundation still needs to raise about 
$500,000 to reach their goal. Those interested in supporting can 
visit the foundation’s website at https://sierramadrelibraryfoundation.
org/. 

With continued help from the community, these renovations will 
begin a new chapter for the Sierra Madre Public Library.


Library Front Elevation


Library Artist Rendition


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com