Happy 125th Birthday, Long Beach Public Library!
2021 marks two important anniversaries — the Long Beach Public Library Foundation’s 25th and the Long Beach Public Library’s 125th year of service to the Long Beach community. On January 1, 1896, the Long Beach Library Association with books donated by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union opened the City’s first library in a small structure […]
17th of December 2020
Champion of Literacy J.P. Shotwell
As new technology emerges and informational needs change, libraries evolve to better serve their communities. Long Beach Public Libraries are no different. They now house 3D printers, virtual STEAM camps, laptop and Internet hotspot checkout programs, music recording studios, state-of-the-art adaptive technology for disabled patrons, and a wide arrange of e- and audiobooks. Much of […]
10th of December 2020
Champion of Literacy, Mary Lamo-Putnam
Mary Lamo-Putnam frequented Long Beach Public Libraries all her life. During her childhood in Long Beach, she and her friends would ride their bikes to Los Altos Library. Little did Mary know, she would go on to make an incredible impact on the City’s libraries. Mary was first introduced to the Long Beach Public Library […]
23rd of November 2020
Recently Honored Books by Native American Authors in the Long Beach Public Library’s Collection
Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month with these recently honored books. Find these books and more by Native American writers in the Long Beach Public Library’s collection. Books for Children and Teens The following books have all been recognized by the American Indian Youth Literature Awards (AIYLA) which honors the very best writing and illustrations […]
17th of November 2020
Welcome to Our Newest Board Member, John Mathews II
John Mathews II currently serves as Director of Community Engagement and Senior Legal Counsel for The Justice Collaborative (“TJC”), which is an independent, nonpartisan research and advocacy organization devoted to reforming the criminal justice system and building healthier and safer communities. In addition to advocacy and policy work at TJC, John also serves on the […]
16th of October 2020
Voter Guide for Library Supporters
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library, two nonprofit organizations that raise funds and advocate for the city’s 12 public libraries, have jointly created a Voter Guide for the November 3, 2020 General Election. The guide, available at lbplfoundation.org/voters, allows voters who recognize the critical role libraries play […]
8th of October 2020
Hispanic Heritage Month: Re-inventing Ourselves in the Pandemic
By Gregorio LukeGregorio Luke is an expert on Mexican and Latin American art and culture. He is the former Director of the Museum of Latin American Art, Consul of Cultural Affairs of Mexico in Los Angeles and the First Secretary of the embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C. There is after all a silver lining […]
Library Learning Guides Staff New Hotline Connecting the Community with Digital Resources
The digital divide in Long Beach is estimated to have grown significantly this year, leaving many without a connection to the Internet when they need it most for schoolwork and job searches. We are proud to share that several of the Learning Guides of the Library Foundation supported Family Learning Center program are helping to address […]
21st of September 2020
Over $3.3 Million Raised for the Billie Jean King Main Library
On, September 21, 2020, the one-year anniversary of the Billie Jean King Main Library Grand Opening, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation is proud to announce the completion of its New Main Campaign and more than $3.3 million raised for technology, programs, and enhancements at the City’s newest library. Nearly 500 community members, book clubs, foundations, […]
17th of September 2020
Summer 2020 Newsletter
Despite all of the challenges we faced, the Library Foundation helped the Library serve thousands this summer with innovative services thanks to your support. Check out our summer newsletter with details about virtual programs, how the Family Learning Center proved pandemic proof, social distance celebrating, and our fund for race, equity, and justice resources at […]