Pasadena Public Library, Tx
Pasadena Public Library is a City of Pasadena, Texas municipal library system founded in 1922 that operates two branches (Central Library and Fairmont Branch) providing free lending materials, digital resources, educational programs, maker equipment, and community services to all Texas residents.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1922
- HeadquartersPasadena, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Pasadena Public Library, Tx does
Pasadena Public Library, founded in 1922, is a municipal public library system operated as a department of the City of Pasadena, Texas. It serves all Texas residents through two physical branches — the Central Library at 1201 Jeff Ginn Memorial Dr. and the Fairmont Branch Library at 4330 Fairmont Pkwy. — providing free library cards (physical and digital) and access to physical and digital collections, educational programs, maker equipment, and community services. The library runs approximately 88 monthly events spanning children's storytimes, teen programs, adult education, maker workshops, and family programming. Bilingual and trilingual support (English, Spanish, French) is available through digital learning stations and dedicated Recursos en Español resources.
The technology stack centers on the EBSCO Stacks web platform and Sirsi Enterprise (Symphony/Websters) online public access catalog, with mobile applications on Android and iOS. Digital lending is delivered through a portfolio of third-party platform integrations — Libby and OverDrive (ebooks/audiobooks), Boundless (kids/teens always-available), Axis360, Kanopy (streaming), Freegal (music), and Playaway/Vox Book/Launchpad pre-loaded devices. Specialized equipment includes a Maker Lab with Prusa 3D printers, a Glowforge Plus laser cutter, Cricut machines, sewing machines, and heat presses. Interlibrary loan is operated through the Texas Armadillo system. Additional services include free notary, free test proctoring, meeting spaces, mobile printing, faxing, a microfilm/microfiche reader, and event programming co-developed with 10+ community partners including Harris County Public Health, Houston Astros, Texas A&M AgriLife, Pasadena Film Society, Armand Bayou Nature Center, and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.
The library's revenue model is primarily tax-funded via municipal allocation. User-facing pricing is overwhelmingly free: library cards, digital resources, programs, notary, and proctoring are offered at no charge to Texas residents (the library eliminated overdue fines in 2021). Secondary fee streams are transactional and modest — printing ($0.15-$0.50/page), copying ($0.15/page), faxing ($1.75 first page, $1.00 additional), earbuds ($2), meeting room rental, and Friends of the Library bookstore revenue (book sales plus $10/year memberships). The library supplements its municipal budget through donations, Kroger Rewards, and Friends of the Library fundraising. Customer segments are horizontal (all Texas residents) with dedicated personas for children (0-11), teens (6th-12th grade), Spanish-speaking patrons, and adults/professionals. Marketing is predominantly organic via Facebook, Instagram, NextReads/LibraryAware newsletters, the website, mobile apps, and community partnerships.
Pasadena Public Library, Tx firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pasadena Public Library, Tx
- Legal name
- Pasadena Public Library
- Website
- https://www.pasadenalibrary.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1922
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Pasadena Public Library is a City of Pasadena, Texas municipal library system founded in 1922 that operates two branches (Central Library and Fairmont Branch) providing free lending materials, digital resources, educational programs, maker equipment, and community services to all Texas residents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pasadena Public Library, Tx industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (519), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF)
Keywords
Where Pasadena Public Library, Tx is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pasadena
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Pasadena Public Library, Tx business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Public Library Services: Free services funded by municipal tax revenue for Texas residents. Library cards are free to all Texas residents with photo ID and proof of address. Digital library cards are also free and expire after one year.
- Technology and Reproduction Fees: Fee-based services including printing ($0.15 B&W, $0.50 color), copying ($0.15 per page), faxing ($1.75 first page, $1.00 additional pages), and earbuds ($2.00)
- Meeting Space Rental: Large meeting rooms available for a fee to non-profits and local organizations when not in use by library or city departments
- Friends of the Library Bookstore: Used book sales and bookstore operated by Friends of the Library nonprofit organization
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Annual | Free Library Card - Texas Residents |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Printing Services |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Fax Services |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Meeting Room Rental |
| Subscription | Annual | Friends of the Library Membership |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Pasadena Public Library, Tx product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pasadena Public Library provides free lending of physical books, media, and maker/educational equipment, plus free digital access to ebooks, audiobooks, streaming video (Kanopy), music (Freegal), databases, and research tools to all Texas residents. The library operates two branch locations (Central Library and Fairmont Branch) that deliver children's, teen, and adult programming, notary and proctoring services, public meeting spaces, and a Maker Lab with 3D printing, laser cutting, and other fabrication tools, all funded by municipal tax revenue.
Product overview
Pasadena Public Library, Tx is a public library system operating two locations (Central Library and Fairmont Branch) offering a unified catalog of physical and digital materials alongside specialized services. The core offering centers on the Sirsi-powered online public access catalog providing access to books, media, and digital downloads. Digital services are delivered through integrations with third-party platforms including Libby, OverDrive, Boundless, Axis360, and Kanopy. The library features a Maker Lab at Central Library with advanced equipment (3D printing, laser cutting, Cricut machines, sublimation, sewing) available by reservation. Children's and teen services include dedicated spaces with specialized collections like Playaway devices, Vox Books, and the Lucky Day Collection, supported by programs like the Summer Reading Program. Additional services include notary, proctoring, interlibrary loan, meeting spaces, and mobile printing. The library offers both physical cards and digital library cards to Texas residents.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pasadena Public Library Catalog Online public access catalog (OPAC) allowing patrons to search and discover books, ebooks, movies, and other physical and digital materials available across both Pasadena library branches.
- Digital Library Cards Free digital library cards providing access to all electronic resources, including Libby and Boundless, available to all Texas residents and valid for one year.
- Maker Lab Technology and maker space at Central Library providing 3D printing (Prusa), laser cutting (Glowforge Plus), Cricut cutting machines (Maker 3, Venture), sublimation printing, heat presses, and Brother VX1445 sewing machines for patron use by reservation.
- Summer Reading Program Annual reading incentive program running June 1 through July 31, using Beanstack for registration and tracking reading progress, with accompanying events such as live reptile shows and mascot appearances.
- Interlibrary Loan Services Service allowing patrons to request materials from other libraries through the Texas Armadillo System, available to established customers with valid library accounts who meet specific criteria.
- Notary Services Free notary service available to library card holders at both Central and Fairmont locations, Monday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Proctoring Services Free test proctoring services for patrons, with tests administered online, on paper, or via computer, available by prior arrangement with library staff.
- Mobile Printing Print release service allowing patrons to send print jobs from mobile devices to library printers at standard library print rates.
- Meeting Spaces Large and small meeting rooms available at both library locations; large rooms primarily reserved for library and city departments but rentable for a fee to nonprofits and local organizations; small rooms for 1-4 people available same-day on a first-come basis.
- Microfilm/Microfiche Reader Microfilm and microfiche reader and scanner available at Central Library in the computer lab for viewing, saving, printing, and emailing historical records.
- Databases Collection of research databases and digital resources covering government information, career resources, and other specialized content available to library patrons.
- Teen Central Dedicated teen space and services at Central Library offering homework help, college prep resources, book clubs, gaming, virtual escape rooms, and teen-specific programming for grades 6-12.
- Children's Department Dedicated children's services including ebooks, early literacy programs, homework help, storytimes, and age-appropriate reading materials and activities for children birth to 11 years old.
- Pasadena Public Library Mobile App Mobile applications for Android and iOS devices enabling patrons to access library services, catalog search, and account management on the go.
- AWE Digital Learning Stations Educational early literacy computer stations for children birth to 5 years old, available in English, Spanish, and French with interactive educational content.
- Friends of the Library Bookstore Used book sales and bookstore operated by Friends of the Library, a $10/year membership nonprofit that funds programs and materials for the library.
Quantifiable outcome
- Free services to all Texas residents with no overdue fines since 2021
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Pasadena Public Library, Tx
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Pasadena Public Library, Tx technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
Feature4 records
Pasadena Public Library, Tx partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Friends of the LibrarycoreNonprofit support organization that operates the library bookstore, runs book sales, and provides funding for programs and materials. Membership available for $10/year with special book sale pricing.
- Pasadena Film SocietycoreCommunity film society that screens classic and contemporary films at library locations, followed by group discussions.
- Armand Bayou Nature CenterminorNature center providing live reptile shows and wildlife education programs for children during Summer Reading Program.
- Gulf Coast Regional Blood CenterminorBlood donation drives hosted at Central Library; donors receive promotional items like Puffer Tote bags and Blue Bell ice cream.
- Texas A&M AgriLifeminorProvides free child booster seat safety checks and educational programs on child passenger safety.
- Harris County Public HealthminorHealth and wellness programming including nutrition classes, healthy aging workshops, and physical activity sessions with take-home resources.
- Henna LoveminorHenna art workshops taught by Macy Ulbricht covering art history, tradition, and safe application techniques.
- Houston AstrosminorMascot Orbit makes special appearances at library for Summer Reading Program celebration events.
- Pasadena Little TheatreminorLocal theater company with promotional presence on library website and event calendar.
- Salsa Y Bachata PasadenaminorDance instructor Mireya Fernández Zacarías leads bachata dance classes at the library.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pasadena Public Library, Tx competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Austin Public Library: Texas municipal library system with comparable two-branch-to-multi-branch footprint, free library cards to residents, maker spaces, digital lending platforms, and community programming models closely aligned with Pasadena's offerings.
- San Antonio Public Library: Major Texas municipal library system offering comparable services including digital catalogs, maker programs, summer reading challenges, and community partnerships to a similar urban demographic.
- Houston Public Library: The major municipal library system serving the Houston metropolitan area adjacent to Pasadena. Provides similar lending, digital resource, programming, and community services, and competes for patron engagement in the same regional market.
- Dallas Public Library: Large urban Texas municipal library system offering comparable physical and digital lending, children's and teen services, community events, and free library card programs serving residents within the same state.
- Harris County Public Library: Public library system serving Harris County, Texas—the same county where Pasadena is located. Operates multiple branches with similar offerings including digital catalogs, community programs, and children's services, making it the most geographically and demographically comparable peer.
- Fort Worth Public Library: Texas municipal library system with comparable two-branch-style urban footprint, free card programs, digital resource offerings (Libby/OverDrive), and community programming serving residents in a mid-sized Texas city.
- El Paso Public Library: Texas municipal library system providing similar lending, digital resources, bilingual services (English/Spanish), children's programming, and free card programs—particularly comparable given shared border-region demographic profile.
Broad incumbents
- New York Public Library: A vastly larger and more established public library system serving New York City. Offers a much broader portfolio but operates with the same core model of free public lending, digital resources, community programs, and free library cards.
- LA County Library: Large regional library system in California offering the full spectrum of public library services including maker spaces, digital lending, and community programming. Operates at a much larger scale but in the same broad public-library category.
- Chicago Public Library: Major U.S. urban municipal library system with extensive branches, digital lending platforms, maker labs, and community programming. Operates at significantly larger scale but exemplifies the same municipal library model Pasadena employs.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pasadena Public Library, Tx social profiles
Digital presencePasadena Public Library, Tx financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pasadena Public Library, Tx leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Pasadena Public Library, Tx funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pasadena Public Library, Tx M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pasadena Public Library, Tx
What does Pasadena Public Library, Tx do?
Pasadena Public Library provides free lending of physical books, media, and maker/educational equipment, plus free digital access to ebooks, audiobooks, streaming video (Kanopy), music (Freegal), databases, and research tools to all Texas residents. The library operates two branch locations (Central Library and Fairmont Branch) that deliver children's, teen, and adult programming, notary and proctoring services, public meeting spaces, and a Maker Lab with 3D printing, laser cutting, and other fabrication tools, all funded by municipal tax revenue.
Is Pasadena Public Library, Tx a public or private company?
Pasadena Public Library, Tx is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Pasadena Public Library, Tx founded?
Pasadena Public Library, Tx was founded in 1922. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pasadena Public Library, Tx based?
Pasadena Public Library, Tx is headquartered in Pasadena, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pasadena Public Library, Tx make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Public Library Services are the primary driver. The others are technology and Reproduction Fees, meeting Space Rental and friends of the Library Bookstore.
Who are Pasadena Public Library, Tx's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Austin Public Library, San Antonio Public Library, Houston Public Library, Dallas Public Library, Harris County Public Library, Fort Worth Public Library and El Paso Public Library. Broad incumbents are New York Public Library, LA County Library and Chicago Public Library.
Does Pasadena Public Library, Tx have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pasadena Public Library, Tx.
What industry is Pasadena Public Library, Tx in?
Pasadena Public Library, Tx's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management, with a secondary code of EDAAAFAA, Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries). Its NAICS code is 51921 and its SIC code is 8200.