Photos by Asia Morris.

The City of Long Beach has announced today that the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library will take place on Saturday, September 10 at 10:00AM, and you’re invited.

Attendees can park in the lot located across from the library on Atlantic Avenue, according to a city release. 

“The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library will be a beacon of learning, imagination and growth for the entire community,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. “With enhanced technology and study rooms available for the public, the new library will be a great place for the community to gather and work collaboratively.”

Attendees can participate in family-friendly activities, watch performers in the large meeting room and visit stations throughout the adult, teen and children’s areas of the library. A children’s book reading will take place in the storytime theater and a drop-in project station for teens in the teen study area. Refreshments will be served in the courtyard.

“The opening of the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library is a defining moment in Long Beach history, and will serve as an inspiration for generations to come,” stated Vice Mayor Rex Richardson. “The added technology and community space will be a vital resource for the residents and youth of North Long Beach.”

The new facility is 24,655 square feet, has three community meeting rooms, an expanded children’s library and separate library areas for teens and adults. The building features a reproduction of the former Atlantic Theatre’s iconic tower, with the refurbished original spire placed atop the structure.

“The new library is a great treasure for the entire community,” said Councilmember Al Austin in a statement. “While we are fortunate to be the ones in office as the ribbon is cut, none of this would have been possible without the work of our predecessors on the City Council, as well as many City staff and community members.”

The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library also features Wi-Fi, a makerspace, 3D printing, self-checkout kiosks and an automated book return and sorting system, according to the release. The library also includes an expanded Family Learning Center (FLC), computers with assistive technology for those with special needs, a designated space for early literacy classes for preschoolers and cozy nooks to read in, according to the announcement.

“The new library will provide services that are most important for the community. We will also offer more of what libraries are providing in the 21st Century to meet the educational and personal goals of our Long Beach residents,” stated Glenda Williams, Director of Library Services. “This is a comfortable and welcoming space and for all.”

The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library is located at 5870 Atlantic Avenue.

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