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News provided by City of South Pasadena
Lifetime South Pasadena resident Bert Edward Carlyle (1940-2022) has left a bequest to the South Pasadena Public Library for the express purpose of adding a “Story Room” to the Library’s Children’s Room. At a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. on August 31, 2022, the Library Board of Trustees considered adopting a resolution to formally accept the bequest. The donation will also be considered by the City Council at its September 7, 2022 meeting.
Mr. Carlyle’s generous gift is conditioned on the Library Board only using the proceeds for a capital improvement to the Children’s wing of the Library, in the form of a “Story Room” with tiered seating. The bequest includes $100,000 in cash and two residential properties in South Pasadena, located at 704 and 712 Mound Avenue. A formal valuation of the properties has not been completed. If the bequest is accepted, the properties would be sold through the probate process and the funds remitted to the Library, to be used for the purpose described in the will.
Library Director Cathy Billings said that the gift was a surprise. “This bequest was totally unexpected. We are so touched by Mr. Carlyle’s generosity. We like to think that his fond memories of attending Storytimes as a child were his inspiration. Whatever his motivation may have been, the fact is that the Children’s Room desperately needs more space to accommodate our large Storytime audience. This gift is a legacy that will profoundly benefit the families and children in our community.”
Library Board of Trustees President Dean Serwin expressed excitement about this unique opportunity to expand the Library’s footprint and make more room for the outstanding services the Library offers youth. “This generous donation, which can only be used to build a new children’s story room, and nothing else, perfectly complements other restricted funds for the Library which can only be used for operations like programs, staff and books: one to build, one to fill!”.
The South Pasadena Public Library is located at 1100 Oxley Street in South Pasadena. The Library Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street. Visit the Library website at www.southpasadenaca.gov/library for information about services and programs. The Library is open Monday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
