Bits 'n' Pieces

Downtown Main Library Temporarily Closes

On Saturday, Jan. 19, the Main Library, located at 101 Pacific Ave., will close in preparation for its summer 2019 grand opening at the new Main Library at 200 W. Broadway.

The closure is necessary to move the library’s extensive collection of books, media, periodicals and special collections, including the Long Beach History Collection, Miller Room Fine Arts Collection and the Petroleum Collection, into the new building. It also allows for the Automated Services Bureau, which provides library acquisitions and cataloging functions and is responsible for library-specific technology, to prepare for the relaunch of services.

During the closure, library materials may still be returned to the Main Library outside book drop and will be checked daily. Items may also be returned in person at any open Long Beach library location. The closest neighborhood libraries to the current Main Library are:

• Alamitos Library, 1836 E. 3rd St.
• Mark Twain Library, 1401 E. Anaheim St.
• Burnett Library, 560 E. Hill St.
• Bret Harte Library, 1595 W. Willow St.

During the Main Library closure, patrons will be able to place requests for books and other materials and choose their temporary location for pick-up. Requests can be made in person at any open library location or through the library’s online catalog at encore.lbpl.org.

“We are excited to service the community through our new and improved Main Library facility,” said Glenda Williams, Director of the Department of Library Services. “In addition to regularly scheduled do-it-yourself maker workshops and 3D design and printing, residents will have access to expanded services and studio programs such as video and sound production classes and much more.”

The new Main Library will be a state-of-the-art facility, offering residents expanded services in the Family Learning Center and Information Center for People with Disabilities and an art studio and expanded early literacy area in the Children’s library.

The new library will offer more public computers with a variety of software, four study rooms that feature collaborative tools and software and two large public meeting rooms. Self-checkout kiosks will be added for patron convenience, as well as an automated handling system that automatically checks in and sorts material, allowing staff to return available items to the shelves quicker.

The public can obtain information regarding the temporary closure through informational flyers posted at Long Beach libraries, by visiting the Main Library’s website (www.lbpl.org) for announcements or by calling (562) 570-6016.

Recreation Programs in Parks During Winter Break

During the upcoming school winter break, the City of Long Beach will offer free youth and teen recreation programs at various parks throughout the city. Parents and guardians also have the option of registering their child for an El Dorado Nature Center workshop for a low-cost fee.

Winter Fun Days – Free

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine will offer “Winter Fun Days,” extended supervision (drop-in, non-custodial care) recreation programs at neighborhood parks. The programs are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Dec. 24, 26, 27, 28 and 31 and Jan. 2 through 4. The parks will be closed on Dec. 25, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019.

“Parks, Recreation and Marine’s free programs provide safe and fun opportunities for kids to stay active over the two-week school break,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “The youth and teen activities are held in parks throughout the city, so all families have easy access.”

Youth ages five to 12 can enjoy free games, crafts, sports tournaments, field trips and holiday celebrations at the following park locations:

Admiral Kidd, 2125 Santa Fe Ave.; Bixby, 130 Cherry Ave.; Chavez, 401 Golden Ave.; Coolidge, 352 E. Neece St.; Drake, 951 Maine Ave.; M.L. King Jr., 1950 Lemon Ave.; McBride, 1550 M.L. King Jr. Ave.; Orizaba, 1435 Orizaba Ave.; Pan American,5157 Centralia St.; Ramona, 3301 E. 65th St.; Scherer*, 4600 Long Beach Blvd.; Seaside, 1401 Chestnut Ave.; Silverado, 1545 West 31st. St.; Somerset, 1500 E. Carson St.; Stearns Champions, 4520 E. 23rd St.; Veterans, 101 E. 28th St.; Wardlow, 3457 Stanbridge Ave.; Whaley, 5620 Atherton St.

*Houghton Park Winter Fun Days moved to Scherer Park due to construction activity.

Free Teen Programs

Teens can also participate in free winter break activities at Chavez, Coolidge*, McBride and Silverado Parks and the Freeman Center. The public can visit https://bit.ly/1Ga7Boi for daily program schedules.

*Houghton Park teen activities moved to Coolidge Park due to construction activity.

El Dorado Nature Center Winter Break Workshops

Children ages five to eight (must have kindergarten experience) can participate in nature-themed workshops during winter break at El Dorado Nature Center. Each one-time session is from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $20. Those interested can register at www.lbparks.org. Below is a list of upcoming workshops:

Dec. 26, Puppeteria Nature Land, Course #29398.

Dec. 27, Go Nuts for Squirrels, Course #29399.

Dec. 28, Down the Ancient Trails, Course #29400.

Jan. 2, Claws and Paws, Course # 29401.

Jan. 3, Game On!, Course # 29402.

Jan. 4, Wild About Art, Course # 29403.

For more news on what is happening at Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine, residents can visit www.lbparks.org, “Like” PRM on Facebook and follow PRM on Twitter @LongBeachParks and Instagram @longbeachparks_rec.