LONG BEACH, Calif. — September 9, 2026 — The Long Beach Public Library Foundation thanks Mayor Rex Richardson and the Long Beach City Council for approving the FY27 budget, which restores Monday service hours at five neighborhood libraries and establishes…
LONG BEACH, Calif. — August 31, 2026 — The Long Beach Public Library Foundation applauds Mayor Rex Richardson’s recommendation to restore Monday service hours across the Long Beach Public Library system and establish a three-year partnership with the Foundation to…
Long Beach City Councilmember Megan Kerr has represented the Fifth District since she was first elected in 2022. A steadfast supporter of Long Beach Public Libraries, she has also focused on strengthening infrastructure, improving public safety, and expanding access to…
Ajala Sen is the current Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate and former LA County Youth Poet Ambassador (2025-2026). She is a senior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and is a published poet and musician, active with her community. Ajala…
Dr. Mike Muñoz has led Long Beach City College (LBCC) as Superintendent-President since 2021, serving as the chief executive officer and overseeing its administrative operations. He is a dedicated champion for equity who has been widely celebrated as a transformational…
Ky-Phong Tran and his family fled to the United States at the end of the Vietnam War when his mother was six months pregnant with him. He was raised on the north side of Long Beach and educated in public…
Over 250 Supporters to Gather for Long Beach Public Library Foundation Fundraiser LONG BEACH, CA – On Thursday, April 16, in celebration of National Librarian Day, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and the Art Theatre will host a special…
Nancy Lynée Woo is an eco-centric poet, teaching artist, and community organizer based in Long Beach, on traditional Tongva land. Her first full-length poetry collection, I’d Rather Be Lightning, is a love song to the earth, celebrating what we stand…
Monica Leff serves as the current chair of Literary Women of Long Beach, which she’s been a member of for 20 years. The group hosts an annual Festival of Authors, of which the Foundation is a sponsor, to highlight the…
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation is excited to announce the appointment of Bette Ann Baker and John M. Edmond to its Board of Directors. Both individuals bring a broad range of professional experience and a deep commitment to community…
Dr. Joni Ricks‑Oddie serves on the Long Beach City Council representing the Ninth District. Elected in 2022, she chairs the Budget Oversight Committee and serves as Vice Chair of both the Government Operations & Efficiency Committee and the Housing Authority.…
Join us for a private screening of The Librarians, the acclaimed documentary produced by Sarah Jessica Parker highlighting librarians’ key role in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment rights. All proceeds from the event will benefit Long Beach Public…
John Mathews II serves as President of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, leading advocacy and philanthropy on behalf of Long Beach Public Libraries. John also serves as Chief of Staff for the LA County Public Defender’s office and has…
Steven Keesal served in Afghanistan and Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, United States Army Special Operations Command and was Grand Marshal of the 2022 Long Beach Veterans Day Celebration. He is a First Vice President – Financial…
By Daniel Pineda Book bans have always been an ongoing issue in the United States, with many discussing and protesting the idea of literary censorship. And as more attempts to ban or censor certain literature from the public continue, several…
Roberto Uranga is the Vice Mayor of Long Beach and has served as the 7th District Councilmember since 2014. He resides in the Wrigley Neighborhood, where he raised his family, with his wife (and former Councilmember), Tonia Reyes Uranga. Vice…
As a career librarian, it’s no surprise that Cordelia Howard is passionate about books. When a curious mind and broad interests in history, political science and literature caused her to veer from her original goal of being a theater set…
Dr. Jane Close Conoley serves as the 7th president of California State University, Long Beach and is the first woman to hold the position on a permanent basis. Dr. Conoley is retiring from her post at the end of August…
By Annie Goodykoontz There were 10,000 instances of book bans at public schools in the 2023-24 school year, according to PEN America. In 2024, 5,813 titles were challenged in public libraries and schools nationwide, says the American Library Assn. “So…
By Natalie Canalis Free digital Long Beach Public Library cards will soon be available to teens across the nation in an effort to offset bookbanning in other parts of the country, thanks to a new partnership between Long Beach and…
Ezequiel Correa, the current Youth Poet Laureate of Long Beach, is a multifaceted author with a wonderfully unpredictable style. His boundless enthusiasm for discovering quirky treasures, analyzing the vast world of literature, and everything in between truly reflects his core…
When the 2025 National Library Week theme is “Drawn to the Library,” who better to feature than Long Beach comedian, actor, podcaster and author Jesús Trejo? His award-winning children’s books Papa’s Magical Water Jug-Clock and Mama’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas come to life with vibrant…
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of Carmen Ornelas Perez, whose leadership, vision, and boundless compassion left an indelible mark on our organization and our community. Carmen was more than a Library Foundation Board…
Reading has the power to inspire and uplift, much like the remarkable leaders in our community. In Long Beach Leaders Are Readers, we celebrate the individuals whose dedication and vision shape the city we call home. This March, in honor…
Reading has the power to inspire and uplift, much like the remarkable leaders in our community. In Long Beach Leaders Are Readers, we celebrate the individuals whose dedication and vision shape the city we call home. This February, in honor…
Join the Long Beach Public Library for their monthly online author talk series! Each event offers the opportunity to submit questions for an author Q&A. Registration is required for the live event. All events will be recorded and uploaded to the author talk archive. January Author…
Reading has the power to inspire and uplift, much like the remarkable leaders in our community. In Long Beach Leaders Are Readers, we celebrate the individuals whose dedication and vision shape the city we call home. For our January Long…
Great leaders share a passion for reading, a practice that fuels imagination and broadens perspective. In Long Beach Leaders are Readers, we highlight these inspiring figures in our community as they share their favorite books and stories. This month, we’re…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads. This month,…
When the Long Beach Stitch ‘n Beach Knitters lost a treasured member to pancreatic cancer, it was an easy decision to collect a memorial donation in honor of Kathy Scott. It was also easy to decide that the donation should…
This year, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation is excited to participate in Long Beach Gives, happening from September 12 – 19! Long Beach Gives is a city-wide online fundraising event designed to support and uplift local non-profit organizations. We’re…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads. As we…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caitlin Yoshioka Long Beach Public Library Foundation Cait@LBPLFoundation.org 562-628-2441 x4 Long Beach Public Library Foundation Welcomes New Board Member, Olga G. Chavez Long Beach, CA – August 19, 2024 – The Long Beach Public Library Foundation…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads. This August,…
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation team is excited to share some updates with you! 2023 Annual Impact Report Has Arrived! We are thrilled to announce that our 2023 Impact Report is now available! We are deeply grateful for the…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads. In July,…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads. In June,…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.…
April is Library Month! National Library Week, April 7-13 Help us reach our $2,500 fundraising goal for National Library Month, which includes Library Giving Day on April 3 and National Library Week April 7-13. Three things you can do to raise support…
The Studio is made possible in part by the generous support of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. Donate today! Opening Reception & “A 10-Year Retrospective of Art and Maker Innovation” Exhibition Saturday, April 13, 2024 12 PM – 4…
Join the Long Beach Public Library for their monthly author talk series! Registration is required for the live events and each comes with the opportunity to submit questions for an author Q&A. The Foods, People, and Innovations That Feed Us —…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.…
Join the Long Beach Public Library for their monthly author talk series! Registration is required for the live events and each comes with the opportunity to submit questions for an author Q&A. A 50-Year Friendship with RBG with NPR Correspondent…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.…
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sean Reilly as the new President of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. With extensive experience in finance, community development, and event production, Sean…
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.…
