Department of
Health & Human Services

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will host its fifth annual Celebration of the Young Child, a free annual event to showcase City departments, nonprofit organizations and vendors who provide services and resources for young children and their families and caregivers in a fun and exciting way. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway).

"As a father of two young children, I am honored that our city is hosting this annual event dedicated to investing in and supporting the youngest members of our Long Beach community," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "I invite all families to join us for a day of enjoyable, family-friendly entertainment that celebrates our shared commitment to the well-being and growth of our children."

The Celebration will include information booths from local and regional education centers, agencies and vendors who provide services to families and children up to age 8. Booths will be set up outside on the library terrace and will feature educational handouts that promote healthy child development, resources for parents and fun activities for kids.

Highlights include:

• Interactive Storytimes, presented by MiJa Books, from 10 to 11 a.m.: Emmy award-winning journalist and award-winning author Naibe Reynoso brings to life her books "El Cucuy and Other Spooky Legends from Latin American Folklore" and "Courageous Camila: A Story About Finding Your Inner Warrior." 
• Special appearances by children’s music performers:
  • 11 a.m. – Nathalia
  • Noon – The BeatBuds
  • 1 p.m. – George Makinto
• Hands-on activities, such as Play-Doh sculpting, hula hoop games and drumming sessions.

“Community events, like the Celebration, can be valuable to a child’s early development as they provide a healthy outlet for young children to explore, learn and play,” said Director of Health and Human Services Kelly Colopy.

Other event activities include lawn games such as Connect Four, corn hole, songs and movement for toddlers and preschool-aged children, hosted by Library staff, and performances by local children's performing groups that will take place in the adjacent Lincoln Park, among other entertainment offerings. Free parking will be available in the Civic Center parking garage located at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut Avenue.  

"Libraries play a vital role in helping children develop critical early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading," said Library Directory Cathy De Leon. "Celebration of the Young Child and similar community events are a great way for parents to connect not only with our award-winning library system but also a multitude of local resources. We are excited to serve as host to this annual event again this year."

In partnership with LAZ Parking, the event will provide free shuttle transportation from the following libraries to the event: Bret Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.), Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.) and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Shuttles will run every half hour on the hour starting at 10 a.m. The last shuttle will leave Billie Jean King Main Library at 2 p.m. The Celebration of the Young Child event is a citywide event made possible by a collaboration between the Health Department’s Early Childhood Education Program, and the Long Beach Public Library.