A Tribute to a Life of Service, Love, and an Unwavering Belief in the Next Generation
Carmen O. Perez believed libraries are more than just buildings; she saw them as sanctuaries of possibility. She believed in the endless potential of children and the importance of supporting the next generation of leaders. And she fiercely believed in a more just and compassionate world, shaped through education, access, and community.
As a devoted member of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation Board, Carmen championed literacy and lifelong learning with quiet strength and a boundless heart. She mentored young people, showed up for families, and never stopped fighting for those whose voices had gone unheard.
We launched the Carmen O. Perez Legacy Fund for Youth and Literacy at our Grape Expectations gala on September 28, 2025 to serve as a lasting tribute to a woman who gave so much to our city.
This fund supports the SEED (STEAM Ecosystem Expansion Demonstration) Creativity Lab program, a vibrant part of the Library’s Family Learning Centers and Studios. SEED programs guide middle school students in engaging in hands-on learning, creative exploration, storytelling, and design. Through the SEED Creativity Lab, students gain confidence, discover their voices, and build the tools to shape a brighter future.
This is more than a fund. It is a continuation of Carmen’s love.
It is her spirit in every child who dares to dream.
It is her voice in every page turned.
It is her legacy, living on.
Join us in honoring Carmen. Your gift helps carry her light forward.