Long Beach Public Library launched a partnership with Alexander Street by ProQuest to give cardholders a key to a trove of multimedia. Locals can now stream performances from top-tier venues like the L.A. Theatre Works and the Royal Shakespeare Company without spending a dime.

According to a recent announcement on their official website, Alexander Street's offerings also put a spotlight on California's homegrown talent, with video performances from the Los Angeles Symphony and San Francisco Opera. 

The digital collection includes international dance recordings, jazz performance videos, and lectures on acting techniques by professionals from the Golden State. Mayor Rex Richardson told the Long Beach Public Library, "This multimedia collection enriches our community with performances from renowned institutions and collaborations with legends like Judith Baca and Herbie Hancock."

The collection indicates a larger trend of libraries transforming into hubs of digital resources, a shift from the silent book-laden halls traditionally associated with hushed whispers and the occasional sound of a stamp on a return date card. "We are thrilled to introduce this unparalleled collection to our patrons," said Library Director Cathy De Leon, ensuring the community's tie to cultural and artistic experiences remains unbroken.

Patrons itching to explore the new additions can visit the LBPL’s Digital Library post-haste.