From The Friends’ President:

What a year! The Friends truly hope you and your loved ones survived the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic without heartache.

Of course, we’ve been eager to reopen our popular bookstore at Central. That date was set for mid-June, but plans were dashed when Central was abruptly closed upon discovery that the historic building requires retrofitting to survive earthquakes.

Not to worry: The Friends are not abandoning book sales. Library Director Michelle Perera assures us that space will be found for The Friends’ Bookstore once the Central operation relocates to temporary quarters. We just don’t yet know the “where” or “when.” Until then, we cannot accept book donations, but we are looking for opportunities to stage outdoor sales of some of our great inventory, starting with a “parking lot” sale at Central on Saturday, August 14.

Central’s closure does not alter The Friends’ mission. Indeed, it only underscores our commitment to support programming throughout the Pasadena Public Library system, which is fortunate to have nine branches.

During the lengthy pandemic closure of our public libraries, The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library worked hard to find new ways to help the library serve the community. One good result: The Friends purchased 110 Wi-Fi hotspots that will be added to the lending collection of the library branches in September 2021. Check one out! And do keep checking our website to learn our next move(s).

Sincerely,

Janice Segall
President

ONE GIFT CAN GO A LONG WAY

Now you can buy a book at Vroman’s Bookstore to be donated immediately to the Pasadena Public Library. You can help two beloved institutions with a single purchase. Simply select a title from the 150-plus books listed here and follow instructions below as you fill out your order form.

To make certain your gift joins the Pasadena Public Library collection, you’ll need the help of The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, which first proposed the Vroman’s project and agreed to facilitate it.

Just follow the ABCs (and D) below!

1. Visit https://www.vromansbookstore.com/wishlist/2733 to select a title.
2. In the checkout process, select the “curbside pick-up option.”
3. In the comments box at bottom of order form, write “To be picked up by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.”
4. Upon receiving your pick-up notice from Vroman’s, forward notice to friendsppl@yahoo.com.