The Long Beach community is gearing up for the grand reopening of the Bay Shore Neighborhood Library after a period of renovations that began in fall 2023. Mayor Rex Richardson and Third District Councilmember Kristina Duggan are set to usher in the new era for the library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 11, as stated in an announcement by the City of Long Beach.
The renovations to Bay Shore branch are a reflection of the city's commitment to community spaces, promising a more accessible and engaging environment. Highlighting the upgrades, Mayor Rex Richardson shared, "The Bay Shore Neighborhood Library renovations are a testament to the City’s commitment to enhancing community spaces and promoting lifelong learning and connection." In addition, Councilmember Duggan revealed her enthusiasm for the library's return, "Bay Shore Neighborhood Library is a center of inspiration and learning, and I am thrilled to see it returning better than ever to meet the needs of our community," as stated by the City of Long Beach.
Patrons can look forward to new energy-efficient windows with views of Alamitos Bay, ADA accessibility features like a front entrance ramp and automatic doors, and refreshed interiors with new carpeting and shelving. The improvements were funded in part by Measure A and designed to extend the useful life of the mid-century building. Library Director Cathy De Leon highlighted the upgrade's impact saying, "These renovations not only enhance the library’s functionality and accessibility but also reaffirm our mission to provide spaces that inspire learning, exploration, and connection," the City of Long Beach noted.
For residents interested in the available services and event lineup, they should visit the Long Beach Public Library's website at lbpl.org or call at 562.570.7500. Information about Long Beach's numerous services, neighborhoods, and cultural events can be found by visiting longbeach.gov.
