Community Development

ALAMITOS NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY

alamitoslibrary
In March 2016, at the recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Commission, the Alamitos Neighborhood Library became the first property to be designated as a historic landmark in Long Beach in nearly a decade. Located at 1836 E. Third St., the two-story library building has been continuously used as a library and is the oldest remaining branch within the City network of libraries.  Built in 1928, the a 7,475 sq ft Spanish Colonial Revival style building was designed by the City of Long Beach Department of Engineers opened in January 1929. The Alamitos Neighborhood Library features a main reading room, community room, offices, and an exterior courtyard and fountain. The structure embraces and promotes the California environment and lifestyle of the 1920s and embodies the history of library development and the significance of civic life during the early development of Long Beach. The building is an excellent illustration of a well-designed public building, and features hand-painted ceiling beams, wrought iron railings, window grates, and terra cotta tile, which have been remarkably maintained throughout the years. The Alamitos Neighborhood Library’s designation as a historic landmark will enable the unique site to continue operations, while also ensuring the protection and preservation of this neighborhood library for generations to come.