About Us

Mission Statement

The Paso Robles City Library is a welcoming community hub where excellent information-seeking experiences ignite discovery and learning.

Library Strategic Plan

2022-2026  Library Strategic Plan (PDF)
2017-2022  Library Strategic Plan (PDF) 

Library Facilities Master Plan

The Library Facilities Master Plan (PDF) is a concept plan approved by City Council to meet the information needs of the current and future Paso Robles community.

History

Red-brick Carnegie Library building in park settingChronology of the Paso Robles City Library:

  • 1902 The Paso Robles Improvement Club establishes a temporary free reading room in the Blackburn Building. The Ladies Auxiliary to the Improvement Club is established to aid the library efforts.
  • 1903 The City Trustees pass an ordinance to establish a free public library.
  • 1904 The Library is turned over to municipal ownership by general city election.
  • 1907 The Ladies Auxiliary petitions Andrew Carnegie for funds to erect a suitable building. They are granted $10,000 if the city guarantees $1,000 yearly support for the library. The Trustees agree. Plans by architect W H. Weeks of Watsonville are adopted and a construction contract is awarded to R. O. Summers of San Jose. Work begins in November, 1907.
  • 1908 The cornerstone of the Carnegie Library is laid on January 28.
  • 1995 A new library building is built across the street; the Carnegie Library building becomes home to the Paso Robles Historical Society.
  • 2017 City Council approves the 2017-2022 Library Strategic Plan (PDF).
  • 2018 City Council approves the Library Facilities Master Plan (PDF), a concept plan that will allow for the expansion of library programs and services.
  • 2022 City Council approves the 2022-2026 Library Strategic Plan (PDF).