The Latest Library News

50 Book Challenge Update

12/06/2024

50 Book Challenge

50 Book Challenge prizes have been restocked!

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Yeti, Set, READ: A Winter Reading Challenge

12/02/2024

A smiling cartoon snow monster waves hello in front of a wintry mountain landscape. Text reads: Yeti...Set...Read!

Sign up for Yeti, Set, READ—a Winter reading challenge for ages 6-12.

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GetSetUp for the Holidays

12/02/2024

A white card with the GetSetUp logo on top of a red envelope. The card is surrounded by Christmas tree pine needles and shiny ornament baubles.

GetSetUp classes are a quick, simple way for older adults to connect and stay entertained—all from the comfort of home.

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December Author Talks

12/02/2024

Book covers (left to right): The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels by Jeffrey Edward Post. The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave.

Cozy up to this month’s author talks where we’ll hear from gem-expert Dr. Jeffrey Post and bestselling mystery writer Laura Dave.

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WinterFest

11/21/2024

WinterFest-BJK News Card

Join us for a visit from Santa and a celebration of Hanukkah on December 7 at BJK Main Library!

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Introducing Ask Elby!

11/18/2024

Text reads: Ask Elby a question today and let the City know what you think! Chat-bot is a speech bubble with the City of Long Beach logo inside it and the words "Let's Chat" below.

Help test the City of Long Beach's new AI-powered chatbot on the website!

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New in Libby

11/04/2024

Craftsy, Craftsy en español, and LawDepot logos adorned with stars of all sizes.

Craftsy, Craftsy en español, LawDepot, and on-demand comics are now available from Libby.

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A Celebration of Native American Heritage

10/31/2024

A male-presenting Native American adult dancing in traditional powwow regalia featuring a colorful bustle, breastplate, and headpiece—all adorned in large feathers.

Join us at BJK Main Library for an evening of song, dance, and storytelling with RedBoy Productions.

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November Author Talks

10/28/2024

Book covers (left to right): The Paranormal Ranger by Stanley Milford, Jr., Solito by Javier Zamora, A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power.

Join us for this month's author talks to hear incredible stories of paranormal encounters, migration, and dolls in Native life.

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Halloween Parade for Kids & Pups

10/09/2024

Text reads: Halloween Parade for kids and pups. Child dressed as ghost holding a trick-or-treat pumpkin. Pug wearing a bandana that says "Boo!".

Join us on October 26 for the Annual LBPL Halloween and Pup Parades!

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Coming Soon: New Library Catalog

10/04/2024

An online library catalog page displayed on a shining computer.

The Library is launching a new library catalog system this Fall! Here’s what you need to know.

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Festival of Lights: Diwali Celebration

10/03/2024

Left to right: Professional headshot of Indian author Alka Joshi beside her book cover for The Perfumist of Paris. Professional headshot of Zara Raheem beside her book cover for The Retreat. Professional photo of a kathak dance group wearing flowing red dresses and gold jewelry.

Join us on October 19 for our first Festival of Lights: Diwali Celebration!

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2024 Cover to Cover Reading Challenge

09/30/2024

A burger in front of a stack of books and an In-N-Out soda cup.

Sign up for the annual Cover to Cover In-N-Out Reading Challenge beginning Oct. 5! For ages 4-12.

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October Author Talks

09/30/2024

Book covers from October's authors (left to right): Bat Island by the Smithsonian, The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb.

Join us for thrilling interviews with scientists from the Smithsonian, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and therapist Lori Gottlieb. 

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We Value Your Opinion

09/25/2024

We want to hear from you! Strategic Plan Survey.

Complete a short survey that will help us better serve the community as we develop the Long Beach Public Library's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan!

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Meet Author April Showers

09/25/2024

A professional headshot of author April Showers beside the book cover for Afro Unicorn: The Land of Afronia. Image background features watercolor butterflies and a flower.

Join us on October 5 at the BJK Main Library for a special storytime with April Showers, author of the graphic novel Afro Unicorn: The Land of Afronia.

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Vida Latina 2024

09/10/2024

Vida Latina: A Celebration of Latin American Heritage

Vida Latina will return Sep. 17 through Oct. 12! Join us for activities for adults, teens, and kids—including beloved classics such as Lotería and Cuentos y Cantos.

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Meet Author Laura Numeroff

09/09/2024

Headshot photograph of author Laura Numeroff next to the mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Join us on Sep. 21 for a storytime and activity with the author of the bestselling picture book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Laura Numeroff.

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KOALA Quest Is Here!

09/04/2024

A koala laying in an open book surrounded by leaves and the words "Koala Quest."

Are you KOALA-fied? Join LBPL's brand new 500 Books Before Middle School reading challenge for children ages 6-12.

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September Author Talks

08/30/2024

The authors' book covers (left to right). The Only Plane in the Sky: An on oral history of 9/11 by Garrett Graff. Open: Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World by Nate Klemp, PhD. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty.

This month the Library will host discussions with authors Garrett Graff, Dr. Nate Klemp, and Liane Moriarty.

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Storytime and Craft with Author Arlene Abundis

08/16/2024

A photo of author Arlene Abundis and her book Into the Mighty Sea over an illustrated graphic of a beach shoreline with seaweed and jellyfish.

Join us at BJK Main Library on Sep. 7 for storytime with author Arlene Abundis (Into the Mighty Sea).

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Get Ready For Your Future Using LearningExpress

08/15/2024

Decorative icons symbolizing learning, such as an open book or person wearing a graduation cap, hovering over the words "LearningExpress Library."

Improve your academic skills, prepare for important exams and certifications, and explore colleges and careers – all in one place.

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CAreer Pathways Program Ending

08/14/2024

Coursera, Northstar, and VetNow

Due to the sunsetting of the State Library's CAreer Pathways program, LBPL will no longer offer Coursera, Northstar, and VetNow after Sep. 2024.

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August Author Talks

07/29/2024

August author talk book covers (left to right): Behind the Scenes at the Space Station, The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays, Remarkably Bright Creatures.

Join us online for brand new author talks and learn about life in outer space, college admissions, and Remarkably Bright Creatures.

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Learn In-Demand Skills with the Digital Library

07/15/2024

Graphic illustration of three characters working on charts, spreadsheets, and data analysis.

Earn CEUs and certificates, stay up to date in your field, and achieve your career goals with Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, available in the LBPL Digital Library. 

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Author Talk @ Burnett Library

07/09/2024

The author's headshot next to his memoir's book cover. The book cover showcases a family portrait photograph with Agustin's parents and himself as a child. The cover is glittered with white stars, like in the American flag, and the title and author's name are shown in red, white, and blue.

Join us on August 10 at Burnett Library for a chat with award-winning screenwriter Rafael Agustin. Acompáñenos el 10 de agosto en la biblioteca Burnett para una conversación con el galardonado guionista Rafael Agustin.

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Enjoy Art at the Library

07/09/2024

Gallery installation of the "Amplifying Heritage, Empowering Futures" exhibition in the lobby of the Billie Jean King Main Library.

A new exhibition, "Amplifying Heritage, Empowering Futures," is on display at BJK Main Library from June 13 to August 31, 2024.

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July Author Talks

07/01/2024

Book covers (left to right): Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat.

Join us Tuesdays at 11 AM for a special summer series with some of the biggest names in children’s books!

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LBPL Digital Resources Survey

06/24/2024

A stack of books in an 8-bit style to the left of the words "LBPL Digital Library".

Share your thoughts about the LBPL Digital Library and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card!

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Calling All Small Businesses!

06/01/2024

A row of business fronts illustrated in blues, grays, and whites. The words "Data Axle: Reference Solutions" hovers over the buildings.

The Library is your new business partner! Find out how our free online resource, Reference Solutions, can help you grow and expand your business.

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Adventure Begins at Your Library – Summer Reading 2024

05/30/2024

Tropical birds flying across a jungle landscape featuring lush greenery, an active volcano, and a rocky waterfall. A crocodile is resting in a teal body of water.

From Saturday, June 8 to Saturday, August 10 readers of all ages can take part in the fun, with prizes, programs, and special events designed to entertain and educate.

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PROUD VOICES: A Celebration of the LGBTQIA+ Community

05/30/2024

Rainbow diagonal stripes next to the words "Pride 2024 Proud Voices".

The Library will celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month throughout June with an array of special programs, curated book and film lists, and engaging activities for visitors of all ages.

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'All the Tea' Book Club

05/28/2024

Watercolor illustrations of a teacup and saucer, pink rose, and red rose collaged over a sepia-toned photograph of an open book in a field of wildflowers.

Join us every month at BJK Main Library for a cup of tea while we discuss a hand-picked romance read.

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June Author Talks

05/27/2024

Three book covers. From left to right: For the Love of Mars by Matt Shindell, The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden, and Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School by Tiffany Jewell.

Join us for our monthly author talk series and learn more about the mysteries of Mars, the third installment of the Housemaid series, and antiracism in education.

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One Book, One County / Un libro, un condado

05/23/2024

One Book One County. Join the largest book club in LA: June 1–July 27, 2024.

One Book, One County is a community reading program that celebrates collaboration, education, and conversation across our county.

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May Author Talks

04/29/2024

Three books written by May's authors: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel by Douglas Brunt, Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon, and Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.

You're invited to thrilling conversations with this month's bestselling authors: Douglas Brunt, Nina Simon, and R.F. Kuang.

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AAPI Heritage Month @ LBPL

04/22/2024

National Asian flowers (such as cherry blossoms, plumerias, and padauk flowers) framing the words 'AAPI Heritage Month.'

Join us for A Bouquet of Cultures, a dynamic array of events and programs in observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (May 1–31, 2024).

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TID 26 Community Survey and Workshops

04/18/2024

A man taking a photo of a powerpoint presentation at a workshop.

Share your feedback and help shape the City's information technology strategic plan, TID 26. Survey closes May 17, 2024.

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5th Annual Celebration of the Young Child

04/08/2024

An illustration of families at the park with young children and the words "City of Long Beach: Celebration of the Young Child" floating above in the blue sky.

Enjoy activities and resources for children and their families at BJK Main Library on April 27!

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Boost Your Grades with HelpNow

04/01/2024

HelpNow: Live Online Tutoring

Calling all K-12 students! Use Brainfuse HelpNow to get live, personalized tutoring and study tools.

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April Author Talks

03/29/2024

April Author Talks

This month's incredible conversations feature the Smithsonian, Colum McCann & Diane Foley, and Xochitl Gonzalez. Register today!

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The Studio's 10th Anniversary Celebration

03/27/2024

The Studio Presents: A 10-Year Retrospective of Art and Maker Innovation

Join us at BJK Main Library for The Studio's 10-Year Retrospective of Art and Maker Innovation!

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