Questions & Help

Need help figuring out how to use the library or finding the answer to your question? You can ask us a question anytime, whether in-person, on the phone, or online.

In Person

To reach us in-person, just visit one of our ten library locations situated throughout Pasadena during their open hours.

On the Phone

To call us on the phone, dial (626) 744-4066 and follow the prompts to access the correct department for your needs. Select option 7 to access the adult reference staff.

Ask Us!

Want to ask a question online? Visit our “Ask Us” service to search common questions and submit research and assistance requests to library staff.

Catalog

To get help with the library’s catalog, which is called "Enterprise," try our Catalog Help playlist of videos about Enterprise on the Library YouTube.

Book Us!

To get in-depth research help from a librarian one-on-one in-person, schedule a consultation using the form below.

Subject specialists are available to meet with you one-on-one for uninterrupted, personal assistance with your research questions and information needs in a variety of subject areas. This service is available to Pasadena Public Library card holders who live or work in Pasadena (except for Pasadena history related requests) and requires a 3 day advance notice during regular business hours. Book Us! allows you to skip the line and meet with reference staff when it is most convenient for you. The service is in addition to our popular walk-in, phone, and email reference services. Choose what works best for you! Forget the line! Book Us today!

When requesting a consultation, let us know what day and time works best for you, and we will do our best to accommodate your request based on availability. Staff will contact you by email to confirm your appointment within 2 business days or less (excluding Sundays).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The library staff is always available to help you find answers to your questions. Having a Book Us! consultation can be more convenient for you and save you time. Please choose the option that works best for you.

Except for those who are researching local Pasadena resources, this service is limited to Pasadena residents or those who work or own property in Pasadena. A valid Pasadena Public Library card is also required.

This service is free.

Appointment times for Book Us! consultations are mutually arranged between customers and staff Monday through Saturday during regular library hours. Due to limited staffing resources, consultations are not available on Sundays.

Book Us! consultations take place inside Pasadena Public Library buildings. You and your consultant can arrange meet at a branch library convenient to you.

Library staff will arrange a meeting place with you while setting up your appointment.

A subject specialist in your field of interest will be assigned to work with you.

A Book Us! session typically lasts between half an hour and 45 minutes.

You may make an appointment for a consultation in the same subject area twice a month.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the branch library where your meeting was scheduled to take place as soon as possible.

If you have any paperwork or documentation you feel will help us answer your question, please bring it with you.

Email us at http://cityofpasadena.libanswers.com. If you prefer to reach us in-person, please call a branch location and speak to staff or ask for help at the service desk of any branch library.

The staff will use all the resources at Pasadena Public Library to help you with your question. Please bear in mind that we cannot offer direct advice in legal, medical, or personal matters. We can however, direct you to reliable resources that may help you with your research.

If the library has staff that speaks your language, we will do our best to have that person available to consult as necessary.