Library Director Cindy Cleary re-opens the Central Library (photo by Armenian American Museum)

After a $15 million renovation, the Glendale Central Library re-opened to the public this past Monday, May 1. Originally designed by Welton Becket Associates in 1973, the renovation by Debra Gerod’s team at Gruen Associates modernizes the Library’s technology infrastructure for the 21st century. The renovation also relocates the Library’s main entrance to face north, opening to a new grand staircase that cascades towards Harvard Street and the downtown retail districts.

The Library renovation is part of a multi-phased strategy to redevelop the Central Park, bringing both the Library and Park into a the urban design framework of the Downtown as a whole.

Of course, the reopening was covered by the Glendale News Press / LA Times:

“‘Reimagined’ Glendale Central Library celebrates its grand reopening” Glendale News Press / Los Angeles Times [May 2, 2017]

“‘We’ll be a regional destination’: Glendale Central Library’s $15-million renovation is unveiled” Glendale News Press / Los Angeles Times [April 14, 2017]

A Magician entertains children (photo by Tim Berger / LATimes)

The new grand staircase (photo by Glendale Library Arts & Culture Dept)

People gather for the ribbon cutting at the Glendale Central Library (photo by Tim Berger / LATimes)

City Council members cut the ribbon to reopen the Central Library (photo by Glendale Library Arts & Culture Dept)

Ribbon Cutting Opening the Central Library (photo by Cindy Cleary)

Library Director Cindy Cleary accepts a proclamation at the Central Library reopening ceremony (photo by Glendale Library Arts & Culture Dept)