Answered By: Wei Zhang
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2023     Views: 22

This is a model of the second library building formerly at the corner of Walnut and Raymond. It was built by Rex Petty and donated to the library on May 10th, 1961. The model is built to scale. The stone was salvaged from the original building when it was torn down; the windows are glass, and the shingles, gutters and down-sprouts are copper. Mr. Rex Petty was a barber and the owner of Rex Petty Barbershop in Pasadena. More details of the model can be found at:

"Library model authentic down to tiniest detail." Pasadena Star News, 8/9/1958, p. 3.

While Central Library is closed pending earthquake retrofit and building repairs, this model is not available for public viewing.

However, there is a small portion of that building still standing. You can see the stone archway with "Library" engraved at the top if you visit the northwest corner of Memorial Park.