Library History

The first public library in San Marino was established in 1915 as a branch of the Los Angeles County system and was located in the Mayberry house, which was also the site of the city hall at the time. Open on Wednesdays only, there were forty-two registered borrowers after the first year. After five years, it was moved to the San Marino Grammar School, which is now the site of Huntington School and was run largely by the teaching staff of the school.

In 1932, the City Council terminated the relationship with Los Angeles County and established a city library. A board of trustees was formed and a library tax was levied to fund the new library, which was opened in 1933. High usage and an expanding collection necessitated consideration of a new building by 1939. It wasn't until 1949 that funds were finally secured so that construction of the current building could be begun. The new Library was opened in December of 1951.

Many small changes have taken place in the physical appearance of the library building, though the overall appearance inside the building has changed relatively little. Great changes have taken place in library materials and services, however. Audiotapes, musical compact discs, videotapes, computers have all found an important place in the Library. The Library continues to change with the community to serve the needs of the residents of San Marino.