The Long Beach Public Library will reopen four locations—Billie Jean King Main Library and Bay Shore, Mark Twain and Michelle Obama neighborhood libraries—with limited capacity starting May 18, the city announced today.

Visitors will be allowed up to 30 minutes to browse book stacks and use public computers and printing services. The city’s libraries have been closed for most in-person services since March 14, 2020.  

“The limited reopening of these libraries is another positive signal that our city is turning a corner on the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “Our residents have been wanting to once again visit our wonderful libraries and we are happy that we can now start to slowly and safely open the doors.”

According to the city’s announcement, the four libraries will be open during the following hours:

Billie Jean King Main Library

  • Tuesdays, noon to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesdays, noon to 6 p.m.
  • Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bay Shore, Mark Twain and Michelle Obama neighborhood libraries

  • Tuesdays, noon to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesdays, noon to 6 p.m.
  • Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other rules will also be in place, including limited capacity, face mask requirements and a “health self-assessment” before entering the buildings.

The city said other library locations will stay closed for the time being. And seating areas, study rooms and community rooms will remain off limits at the four open branches.

“Library staff are excited to begin welcoming residents back into our buildings in the safest ways possible, adhering to all State, County and City orders,” Glenda Williams, director of library services, said in a statement. “We’re confident that the new limited reopenings, which features book browsing, checkouts, materials returns and computer use, will provide patrons with the most frequently requested library services. As always, our online digital library is available to cardholders 24/7.”

Library officials said they plan to phase in more services and reopenings as staffing and coronavirus conditions allow.

More information is available by visiting lbpl.org or by calling 562-570-7500.