MONICA CONTINUES HER EXPLORATION OF GLENDALE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

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Brand Library and Brand Park

by Monica Corpuz - CSUN graduate student

       Brand Library got its name from Leslie Coombs Brand who helped build Glendale in the early 1900’s. He built his house, which he called Miradero, roughly translated from Spanish means  ‘vantage point’, by the Verdugo Mountains in Glendale. Upon his death in 1925 he donated his 5,000 square foot house and the surrounding land to the city. It then became a public library and the adjoining land became Brand Park. 

Arched entrance to Brand Park, Glendale, California. Photo by Monica Corpuz. (click to enlarge imgages)

        The library is much more than a library, however, since it also boasts art galleries and recital spaces. The library specializes in music and the arts, so most of the collections that it houses and the events that it hosts have to do with both. The library also recently underwent an extensive restoration project. You can see the photos from the project here: http://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/library-arts-culture/brand-library-art-center/renovation-information-. The library has since been a cultural destination for the residents of Glendale. Most of the programs and events offered by the library are free.

       Brand Park is a beautiful sprawling estate. There is a parking lot that is central to both the Doctor’s House Museum and the Library. The park is also home to many hiking trailheads that lead into the Verdugo Mountains. There are sculptures and plaques everywhere, telling visitors about the history and heritage of the land. Since there is so much to see and do at the park, it’s a great way to spend a day

Brand Library & Art Center receives $9.5 million renovation

The 5,000-square-foot home of Leslie Coombs Brand are being brought back to life as the Brand Library & Art Center. It has been occupied since 1956. The $9.5 million upgrade is more than halfway complete and  the library's reopening slated for around spring of 2014.
 
The graceful origins of a historic Glendale landmark are being re-created as part of an extensive facelift worthy of any Hollywood star.

Elaborate Victorian-era stencils of cherubs and birds. The rich color palette of a bygone era. Tiffany leaded-glass windows. And an ornamental pedestal embellished with the monogram of the wealthy Glendale pioneer who built the hilltop mansion.

Read more about it:

 Brand Library