PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Public Library has revised its circulation policy, making it easier than ever for California residents to register for a library card. Beginning May 3, 2022, residents may qualify for a full-service Long Beach Public Library (Library) card by presenting a picture identification (ID) and proof of California mailing address. A full-service card allows users to enjoy the maximum cardholder benefits, such as checkouts, instant access to all resources in the Digital Library, access to public computers and printing services, Chromebook and Mifi hotspot borrowing, participation in the ZipBooks program, and checkout of California State Library Parks Passes.

“Our city’s award-winning library system has so many incredible resources for every resident,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “A library card can connect you to amazing free services, from downloading an audiobook on your phone, to homework and resume assistance, to joining a book club.”

The Library’s updated policy expands the acceptable forms of picture IDs, required for a full-service Library card, to include any U.S. state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport, Military identification, U.S. permanent resident card, work or student visa, foreign consulate ID card, or foreign passport. Residents who are not able to provide a qualifying picture ID and proof of mailing address may still register for alternative library card options, such as limited-use and computer-use only cards.

“The revised policy is significant progress toward addressing equity in library service delivery and eliminating barriers that some Long Beach residents may face when trying to make full use of all our programs and services,” said Christine Hertzel, Acting Library Services Director. “The Library is excited to introduce these changes and we look forward to reviewing other ways we might expand access to all Long Beach communities.”

The updated circulation policy also increases the number of items that may be borrowed at one time. Also beginning May 3, all full-access Library cardholders may borrow up to 50 items at a time, which is a 100 percent increase over the current limit. As part of the 50-item limit, borrowers may checkout up to 15 DVDs, 25 CDs, 25 audiobooks, 1 Chromebook and/or 1 Mifi device.

For more information about these changes or any other Library program or service, visit lbpl.org or call 562.570.7500 during open hours.  

About the City of Long Beach 

Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services and more. The City also has a highly-respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 171 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths, and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Long Beach Public Library 

Long Beach Public Library, founded in 1896, serves a diverse urban city of close to half a million people. The Long Beach Public Library system includes the Billie Jean King Main Library and eleven neighborhood libraries and a vibrant online presence. In summer of 2017, the Long Beach Public Library was awarded the National Medal for Library and Museum Services in recognition of successful community-collaborations, innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and literacy-focused programs to the residents of Long Beach. With an emphasis on providing free and equal access to information and support for learning for a lifetime, the Library offers books, media, databases, Internet access, Family Learning Centers, makerspaces, and a variety of events ranging from story times to educational and cultural programs.  

For more information, visit http://www.longbeach.gov/library, “Like” the Long Beach Public Library on Facebook, and follow along on Twitter and Instagram.