The Alhambra Public Library
through the Years

 
This beautiful Greek-style Alhambra Public Library building, opened in 1914,
and stood for fifty years until it suffered massive structural damage from an
earthquake in 1968, after which the building had to be demolished.

The Main Street Library opened in 1975. Between 1970 and 2000,
the city's population increased 38.1%, so that today the library is
hampered by inadequate space, mechanical and electrical systems
are not up to par, parking is insufficient, there is no space to add new
materials, computers need to be rebooted often, children have to sit on the floor
to read, and the community room had to be reconfigured for other purposes. 
Due to the nature of the building and property site, the current facility is not
opportune for expansion or rehabilitation to meet future needs.
 

 
 
The Alhambra Civic Center Library was completed in 2008
and includes a total floor area of 45,000 sq. ft. and
a two-level underground parking garage with approximately
240 spaces. Service areas feature specially-designed portals
for each section, including areas for young children, teens & adults, and
a Literacy Center and International Language collection. There is a
spacious multi-purpose room with an attached kitchen and
outside access doors.