Friends of the Long Beach Public Library

10/08/2026

Stop by and say hello to us at First Congregational Church of Long Beach this Sunday, October 11 from 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. We will be sharing information about banned books and ways you can help advocate for access to books for all.

09/25/2026

Stop by and say hello to us in front of the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach today during 4th Fridays at Retro Row! We’ll be there from 6–9 p.m. and will be sharing information about banned books and advocating for access to books for all. 📚

Let Books Be Poster by Lovels Wels for the American Library Association

09/17/2026

The Michelle Obama library celebrated its 10th anniversary last Saturday and the Friends were there just as they were at the opening. Our V.P. of Membership Arlene Gale spoke, and we had a table to showcase how the Friends of the Library support our libraries, to give out free books to children, and to invite all to join us.

The special anniversary celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12, featured storytelling, music, dancing, food and more.

09/14/2026

The Long Beach library just gave dozens of adults a second chance to earn high school diplomas

Demand has surged recently for the library’s free, online high school program. “It was life-changing,” one graduate said.

09/06/2026

The Friends will be there handing out a free book to every child and teen.

As the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library approaches its 10th birthday, the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) invites residents…

09/02/2026

PEN America's report on the use of libraries in politics. Worth the read.
And a reminder that Banned Book week is coming up Oct 4-10 this year.

Attacks on public libraries have been worsening in recent years, threatening freedoms that form the bedrock of American society.

08/29/2026

🎉Congratulations to all of the winners of the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library and the Helen Fuller Cultural Carrousel Essay Contest.

We were happy to see that some of you have checked out the books that inspired other essay contest winners as well.

Thank you to everyone who participated. To every young writer: keep writing, keep exploring, and keep sharing your unique voice.

A special thank-you to Derrick the Parrot, mascot for the Long Beach Coast baseball team (Long Beach Coast), for joining us at today’s awards ceremony! 🦜🏆

08/27/2026

No more library cuts!

Residents brought up these resources and many more at Long Beach’s budget hearing Tuesday, as the Library, Arts and Culture Department laid out the impacts of its $1.47 million budget reductions.

08/22/2026

Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Essay Contest! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who participated and for sharing your words with us. We encourage all of you to keep writing.

The award ceremony will take place next Saturday, August 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating our winners. Free parking is available.

06/20/2026

☀️📖Calling all young readers ages 6-18!

What book kept you turning the pages this year? Tell us about the coolest book you read and what your favorite part was.

Submit your entry to our Summer Essay Contest by emailing [email protected] by August 8.

Winners will be announced here and on our website on Saturday, August 22.

Good luck!