On Saturday, August 9th, 2025, Altadena Library District's reinvigorated Bob Lucas Memorial Library & Literacy Center re-opened to the public after a 16-month renovation and expansion project. While the devastating fires have left many community homes and businesses destroyed, we're grateful that the library survived so that it can continue its public service both as a place of learning and a community landmark embodying Altadena's resilience, courage in the face of adversity, and civic pride. The ribbon-cutting ceremony opened with a prayer and land acknowledgment by Tribal councilwomen of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation and continued with music, food, crafts, and the participation of local elected officials, community partners, and library leaders to mark the special occasion.
With its charming tree-inspired design, the library includes dedicated children and teen areas, computer and media resources, meeting rooms, outdoor patio, and a literacy center that honors Bob Lucas' conviction that "through making books, literature and literacy skills training more available, others would learn how personal freedom could be achieved through reading." It's been an honor to serve the architect for this project and witness the community's enthusiasm for their library.
Stay tuned for a photographic tour of the building. In the meantime, we're happy to share Amy Crawford's photos from the grand opening along with some artistic black & whites from Frederik Sisa.
#library #publiclibrary #architecture #design #altadena
