The 22nd Annual Grape Expectations Gala—our signature fundraising event benefiting the Long Beach Public Library—will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Billie Jean King Main Library. Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a gourmet dinner with perfectly paired…
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…
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…
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation raised more than $350,000 to support its work to enhance programs, technology, and resources at the city’s 12 public libraries on Sept. 18 at the 19th annual Grape Expectations gala at Hotel Maya. 400 guests…
The Library Foundation is thrilled to announce the 19th annual Grape Expectations gala honorees: Rick Alsagoff and Mary Hancock Hinds,DURNIN FAMILY AWARD Farmers & Merchants Bank,LIBRARY LEADERSHIP AWARD Rick Alsagoff and Mary Hancock Hinds are proud North Long Beach residents…
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 20225:00 to 9:00 PMHOTEL MAYA Join the Long Beach Public Library Foundation for an evening to remember with a lavish gourmet dinner, incredible wines, and exciting online and live auctions! The Grape Expectations gala is the Library…
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…
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…
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…
Share in the joy of reading with recommendations from Long Beach Public Library librarians. The books listed below for children, teens, and adults are part of the Library’s eBook collection on Overdrive. Sign in with your library card barcode and…
Hello Library Supporters! I hope you all are doing well during this extraordinary time of COVID-19. Thank you for joining the Long Beach Public Library Foundation’s Stay Home & Read Edition of Grape Expectations. While I’m disappointed that we won’t…
On June 9, 2019 we celebrated the 16th annual Grape Expectations gala in support of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. Over 300 guests enjoyed premier silent and live auctions featuring fine wines and exciting experiences, dined on gourmet foods…
Many of our Library Foundation donors and the Library’s volunteers provide support because a public library made a difference in their lives and they want to help others who depend on library programs. Sanghak Kan and his family are prime…
On June 9, at the 2019 Grape Expectations gala, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation was awarded the California Association of Teachers of English 2019 Award of Merit for the annual Dictionary Days program. In accepting the award, Kate Azar,…
On June 9, at the 16th annual Grape Expectations gala, we were proud to honor Marathon Petroleum Corporation with the 2019 Library Leadership Award for their support of innovative library programs. Every week, the Long Beach Public Library’s Mobile Studio…
On June 9, at the 16th annual Grape Expectations gala, we were proud to honor Victor and Patricia McCarty with the 2019 Durnin Family Award for their dedication to libraries and literacy. Vic is one of the earliest members of…
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Look out for details about the next Grape Expectations on June 9, 2019. On June 10, 2018 we celebrated the 15th anniversary of Grape Expectations! Nearly 300 guests helped us raise more than $180,000 to support our foundation and the enhancements…
Our upcoming Grape Expectations fundraiser is full of exciting entertainment and extravagant auction items, from a weeklong cooking course in Tuscany to a pie subscription. (Yeah, you read that right.) One of our favorite auction items is a thoroughly unique…