Long Beach Public Library Foundation

Ryan Ballard, 2022 Board President

Ryan Ballard has served on the Long Beach Public Library Foundation Board since late 2017. He has contributed to the growth and success of our organization and led efforts for the Board of Directors to better reflect our diverse city as VP of Board Development in 2019. Ballard is also an Advisory Board member of […]

Educational Resources Funded in 2021 Thanks to Your Donations

Thanks to your support, the Library Foundation made the following resources possible in 2021 to help many in Long Beach get their lives and livelihoods back on track. You can give those who depend on the Library even more reason to celebrate in 2022 with a tax-deductible donation to help us support library programs, technology, […]

LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO VERONICA GARCIA DÁVALOS

Long Beach, CA (December 27, 2021) – The Long Beach Public Library Foundation Board of Directors has announced that Veronica Garcia Dávalos will be taking the role of Executive Director/CEO on January 17, 2022. Dávalos will lead the Library Foundation as it begins a new era having just celebrated its 25th anniversary year and more […]

Glenda Williams, Champion of Literacy & Education

In November, the City of Long Beach announced that Director of Library Services Glenda Williams will retire with her last day as the head of the Long Beach Public Library set for December 30, 2021. We at the Long Beach Public Library Foundation are honored to have worked closely with Ms. Williams since her appointment […]

2021 Newsletter

Learn about the new Library programs and resources we supported in 2021 including several early literacy programs, the Studio’s new CurioCity STEAM workshops, and the Tech To-Go Chromebook and wireless internet device check out service.

Library Launches CurioCity: STEAM & Beyond

In October 2021, the Library launched the CurioCity program to introduce youth ages 12 and up to a wide array of creative interests within the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Robotics, interactive electronics, and modular synthesizers are just some of the subjects that students are learning through biweekly workshops. The program involves […]

The Library’s Mobile Studio Powered by Marathon Petroleum

During our Grape Expectations fundraiser on September 19, 2021, we were proud to welcome Brad Levi, Vice President of Refining at the Marathon Petroleum Corporation Los Angeles Refinery, where he announced Marathon’s latest contribution of $60,000 to fund the Long Beach Public Library’s Mobile Studio. The Mobile Studio hosts STEAM workshops at locations throughout Long […]

Grape Expectations Exceeded with More than $215,000 Raised for the Library Foundation

Check back for news about the 19th annual Grape Expectations gala taking place in 2022! On September 19, 2021, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation celebrated significant milestones and champions of literacy at the 18th annual Grape Expectation gala. The gala brought together more than 300 library supporters at the Museum of Latin American Art […]

Champion of Literacy, Vice Mayor Rex Richardson

For his dedication to libraries and literacy, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation was delighted to present Vice Mayor Rex Richardson with the 2021 Library Leadership Award at the 18th annual Grape Expectations gala on September 19. In the early 2010s, North Long Beach’s stunning Michele Obama Neighborhood Library was just a dream. Community members […]

Champion of Literacy, Joseph F. Prevratil, JD

On September 19 at the Long Beach Public Library Foundation’s Grape Expectations gala, we were proud to honor Joseph F. Prevratil, JD, with the 2021 Durnin Family Award for his dedication to libraries and literacy. His leadership and guidance has been key to the Library Foundation accomplishing many goals and developing a sustainable future. From […]