La Pintoresca Branch Library
Branch Calendar
Branch Brief
La Pintoresca ("the picturesque") Branch Library, built in 1930, was named for the hotel which had previously occupied its northwest Pasadena site. Its parkland location centers La Pintoresca in the most highly populated service area of any Pasadena Branch. La Pintoresca Branch Library serves also as a community center, providing local residents with a welcoming, informal meeting place.
The La Pintoresca Branch Library neighborhood profile provides more details about where the branch is located.
The Branch on Video
Service and Programs
Book Groups
See book groups at all branches.
Adult Programs
- Pasadena READS
Based on community needs and changing customer expectations Pasadena READS, Pasadena Public Library’s adult literacy program, is transitioning from a one-on-one live tutoring format to self-paced online tutorial programs featuring new CD and DVD formats and skill-driven workshops. These programs will provide access to self-paced learning software and skills-based instructional classes taught in partnership with other literacy agencies. The software will cover basic reading, writing, computer technology, foreign languages and English as a Second Language. The new software programs are:
- Pasadena READS Literacy Guide – an online reference database with links and information regarding the City of Pasadena literacy programs and events.
- Reading Horizons – self-paced software that includes lessons, assessments, exercises, and audio and video features.
- WYNN – software that reads and enlarges documents and websites.
- SARA – a machine that allows the user to read in large print or listen to any printed material placed on the device.
- GCF Learn Free – a free online tutorial source for information on literacy as well as math and computer skills lessons.
- Mango Languages – a language database, including English as a Second Language.
- Literacy Collection – a new reference section, a SmartReader series on CD, and the Gander series on DVD (coming soon).
- H.O.T. (Hands on Technology)
WWant to learn to use the computer? Learn how every other Saturday from 10 AM to 12 noon. No experience necessary. Start whenever you want and come whenever you can. Depending on how many classes you take, you can learn to search the internet, write and send email, and learn the basics of computer use.
- Courage to Write
Do you have a story to tell? Are you afraid to tell it? Don’t worry, it’s just a story. Put your thoughts and feelings down on paper in a supportive environment. Creative writing isn’t about grammar and spelling – it’s all about you. Call (626) 744-7268 for more information.
- Career Programs
La Pintoresca Branch Library provides career assistance to job seekers on a regular basis through their partnership with Women at Work. Fresh Start Tuesdays provides job seekers with one-on-one professional career counseling, resumé writing, interview skills, and job applications.
- The Professional Job Club Network
A networking group of professionals, meets weekly on Friday mornings at 10 AM at La Pintoresca to share their search experiences and leads with others going through the same process. Other branch libraries also offer career programs periodically. Please check the library newsletter or call (626) 744-4066 for upcoming programs.
For special and holiday programs, call (626) 744-7268. Or, for more information about programs here and throughout the Pasadena Public Library, you can visit our Library Calendar.
La Pintoresca Branch Library Collection
The collection of approximately 56,000 volumes includes several special collections, including African-American history and literature, arts and music, and international and regional cookery. The branch has special section of career and small business books along with job listings from various sources, as well as an extensive Spanish language collection, both juvenile and adult, with an emphasis on browsing and casual reading material. Unique to this branch is a comic book collection, including the history and artwork of comics, cartooning and animation.
Meeting Room
The meeting room with tables and chairs will accommodate up to 53 people. This room is free to groups who do not charge an admission fee or restrict admission on the basis of membership. It is available Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is handicap access through the north entrance. A meeting room reservation form must be submitted two weeks in advance.
Special Features
La Pintoresca is the home of Pasadena READS, our adult literacy program.
La Pintoresca is pleased to offer free wireless Internet access to patrons with appropriately equipped wireless devices. For more information on this service, please visit our Wireless Internet Access page.
La Pintoresca is also the home of a computer lab, used for public training and used by the general public. The lab is open after school from 3 to 6 Monday through Thursday, with a homework-only hour from 4 to 5, and from 2 to 5 on Saturdays. The lab is open mornings from 10 to 2 for adults looking to use our career databases and FC Search grant writing software.
School Services
In the 2008-2009 school year, La Pintoresca Branch provided 487 programs for children with 11,586 in attendance. Of these, 174 were class visits, with 3,824 total attendance. The branch also has public computer workstations and a homework reference collection.
Branch Characteristics
| Opened/Expanded |
1930 |
| Building Size (Sq. Ft.) |
6,225 |
| Meeting Room Seats |
50 |
| Parking Spaces |
8 |
| Collection |
56,861 |
Branch Use Statistics
| Fiscal Year |
Circulation |
Total Visitors |
| 2004/2005 |
84,460 |
77,434 |
| 2005/2006 |
88,863 |
78,287 |
| 2006/2007 |
92,218 |
71,061 |
| 2007/2008 |
104,725 |
72,557 |
| 2008/2009 |
64,558 |
74,710 |
| 2009/2010 |
68,177 |
91,303 |