The Library Foundation supports free programs, resources, and enhancements available at all 12 Long Beach public libraries.
The Family Learning Center Program
Family Learning Centers (FLCs) offer drop-in homework help, homework support materials, and computer-based learning to enrich student study skills and develop parent participation and support.
FLCs offer valuable resources to adults, too. They are a great place to develop resumes and apply for jobs, take courses through our Digital Library, conduct research, or work on marketing plans.
The FLC at Billie Jean King Main Library also includes the Center for Adaptive Technology (CAT), which is designed to support Long Beach residents who are living with physical, visual, hearing, and developmental disabilities by providing adaptive hardware and software, library materials, and library staff to assist with research and technology use.
FLCs can be found at: Billie Jean King Main Library, Burnett Neighborhood Library, Harte Neighborhood Library, Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. Visit here to see each location's hours.
Family Learning Centers Benefit our Community by Providing:
- Supervised homework assistance for students on a drop-in basis;
- Computers with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to help students complete their homework assignments;
- Books, reference materials, and online resources to support student information needs;
- Opportunities for parents to interact with library staff, get assistance using library materials, and learn how the Library can help children and families; and
- Space, support, and technologies for adult learners and job-seekers.
The Studios
- The Studios are community makerspaces and technology labs at Billie Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library where people can meet, socialize, innovate, and collaborate. Both Studios include laptops, tablets, 3D printing, sewing machines, crafting materials, and more.
- Each Studio offers instruction in 3D printing, robotics, coding, graphic design, audio and visual recording, video game design, and a variety of mediums for school projects, art installations, and business concepts. Our highly talented Studio Guides provide workshops and one-on-one assistance for patrons of all ages and skill levels.
- The Mobile Studio brings these classes and workshops—such as computer coding, illustration, 3D design and printing, and robotics—to all 12 LBPL branch locations on a rotating monthly schedule.
Literacy Support
- Hundreds of new books purchased every year to update the Library’s catalog
- Ebook and audiobook databases with popular titles that can be accessed at home
- English and Spanish early literacy programs to help families raise lifelong readers including Dive into Reading/Sumérgete A Leer, Circle of Stories/Círculo de Cuentos, Cuentos y Cantos, and more
- Books that promote the voices, narratives, and histories of Black authors and authors of color as well as educate the public on institutional racism and human rights issues that plague our society
- One-on-one tutoring through the LB Reads adult literacy program
- Engaging K-12 youth and their families through the Summer Reading Program
- Homebound Reader Services for ill or injured patrons
Helping Students Succeed
- Dive into School!/¡Sumérgete en la Escuela! educational workshops in English and Spanish for families with children ages four and five to teach age-appropriate language, literacy, math, and social-emotional skills that children should acquire before entering kindergarten
- Scholarships for adults to earn their accredited high school diploma through the Library’s Career Online High School
- Online educational databases and lessons for students of all ages, whether they would like to learn a new language or research their own genealogy
Bridging the Digital Divide
- New computers, laptops and other technological resources accessible to all Library card holders
- The Tech To Go Chromebook and prepaid wireless internet device lending program which allows Library cardholders to check out these devices at all 12 libraries
- Specialized resources, adaptive technologies, and peer assistance for adults with special needs at the Billie Jean King Main Library and neighborhood branches