History | Characteristics & Population | Political Districts | Local Schools | Neighborhood Associations

Lamanda Park Branch and Neighborhood History
     Lamanda Park Branch Library opened for business on January 3, 1922, in a small room in Emerson School. Continued growth of the branch necessitated another move on July 5, 1923, this time to larger, rented quarters on the second floor of a store building at 2614 E. Colorado Boulevard. A permanent home was established for the branch when the building that had formerly housed the Central Boys' and Girls' Department was relocated from Memorial Park to 2520 Morningside Street. On August 5, 1927, the branch, in its newly-redecorated and refurbished quarters, officially opened its doors to an enthusiastic crowd of 650 people.

     The early 50's saw a rapid growth in population in the eastern and northeastern sections of Pasadena. Industry was locating in the area and new housing subdivisions were constructed in the Hastings Ranch and Coronet areas. This branch was serving the entire eastern end of the city and over one-third of the total elementary school population. The opening of Hastings Branch in February, 1959, brought about an anticipated loss of juvenile patrons and a subsequent drop in circulation. The branch's immediate neighborhood had gradually begun to change. There were now traffic and parking problems, due to the building of multiple dwellings in the area. Patrons varied in economic level -- from those living in poverty in trailer courts to the wealthy in the Chapman Woods and East California areas. By 1961, there were more elderly people and middle-aged parents with older children living in the neighborhood than couples with young children.

     Lamanda Park did get a new building, completed on October 14, 1967, and built on the same site as the old library building, which was demolished in order to make room. By 1970, the neighborhood consisted largely of older, modest, well-kept homes and new apartments. Spanish-speaking families were starting to move in, but there was not a heavy concentration of families with school-age children. The remainder of the 70's showed a neighborhood in transition, with high turnover in store occupancy in the commercial area north of the branch and a steady movement of people into the area.

Neighborhood Characteristics and Population

Source: 2000 Census. Lamanda Park's service area is represented by tracts 4632, 50% of 4628, 10% of 4634. These areas include 5,621 people, of whom approximately 20% are age 17 and under.

Political Districts (based on library's address, service area may cross district boundaries)

Local Schools

Neighborhood Associations
Arroyo Gardens Neighborhood Association
Greenwood Neighborhood Association
Lamanda Park Merchants and Neighborhood Association
Monte Vista Grove (retirement home)
The Oaks of Pasadena (retirement home)
Pasadena Women's Club

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                                                                                                              Last update: December 14, 2006