The Billie Jean King Main Library in Downtown resumed normal operating hours with enhanced security measures Wednesday after it closed last month due to safety concerns, library officials announced.
The library, located at Broadway and Pacific Avenue, had been open on a limited basis with additional security guards since Oct. 20, after a month in which it only offered to-go service following a recent rise in volatile incidents involving people with mental health challenges, according to library officials.
A long-term security plan for the facility is now in place, said Library Director Cathy De Leon. This means both levels of the library are now staffed with special services officers provided by the Long Beach Police Department during all regular open hours, according to De Leon. De Leon added that there is also enhanced communication now between library staff and security.
“We’ve developed a better internal protocol for ensuring that security coverage is more consistent across the civic center campus,” said De Leon.
Library officials insist that the city’s entire public library system is safe for the community.
“Library staff look forward to welcoming visitors and patrons back inside Main Library to take advantage of all the literary and educational resources, events and workshops offered,” officials said in a statement issued Tuesday.
Starting Wednesday, the Main Library’s operating schedule will be as follows:
- Wednesdays, noon – 6 p.m.
- Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Fridays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
All city public libraries are closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Main Library will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 8, for the Election Day holiday.
Long Beach main library in Downtown to reopen Thursday, officials say
Long Beach main library in Downtown closed due to security concerns, officials say