A fire has knocked out the Velma Teague Library in downtown Glendale, forcing the branch that has served Murphy Park for more than 50 years into temporary quarters while officials sort out a repair bill that could run into the millions. The fire damaged the building's electrical system, and its cause remains under investigation. For a neighborhood that has spent years fighting to keep its library where it is, the timing could hardly be more fraught.
ABC15 reported that the fire damaged the library's electrical system. The station also reported HVAC, plumbing, and roof work. Library repairs could take up to a year, the station reports, a timeline that has residents bracing for a long stretch without their neighborhood branch.
A Temporary Home at the Civic Center Annex
Glendale plans to relocate library services temporarily to the Civic Center Annex, a recently remodeled space of roughly 10,000 square feet that should open to the public within 90 days, per the station's report. The annex could remain the library's temporary home well into 2027. The annex had its electrical system and roof renovated within the last five years, according to YourValley.net.
The temporary space will carry a smaller book collection than patrons are used to, but the article notes that patrons can request items from other city libraries, which can typically deliver requested materials within 48 hours. The Gus Bus service will also run daily for patrons who need transportation to the new location. The Velma Teague branch is part of the Glendale Public Library system, which includes the Main Library, Foothills Branch, and Heroes Regional Park Branch, according to Glendale Public Library.
A Librarian's Legacy and a Neighborhood's Fight
The branch's name carries its own history in the fight over Murphy Park. Velma Teague, a longtime Glendale librarian, fought to preserve the park when it was threatened with being paved over for parking, and she later agreed to have the library named in her honor, per ABC15's reporting. Her family has remained active in the Glendale community, the station notes, a detail that has amplified the emotional stakes for residents watching the branch's fate play out.
The library's longstanding connection to Murphy Park helps explain why the community has pushed back against past proposals to move the branch elsewhere.
A Council Election
More than two years earlier, the city had proposed tearing down the library, ABC15 reports. Community members launched a petition opposing demolition that drew thousands of signatures, and that pressure helped keep the library open at least temporarily.
Rory Goree won the Glendale City Council's Ocotillo District election, defeating appointed incumbent Leandro Baldenegro, according to Ballotpedia.
What Comes Next for Murphy Park
Goree, who won the Ocotillo District election, told ABC15 that he distrusted city government. Glendale resident Julia Taggart discussed historic buildings being demolished in an interview with the station.
Money remains a real constraint on any long-term fix. Repairs could take up to a year.
