A few days ago we published an article highlighting the importance of public libraries and their growing popularity, especially during these difficult economic times. This institution is a key piece of public education that today opens the doors of knowledge to all and offers access to an immeasurable wealth of information and culture at a minimum cost.
In this particular case, the economic crisis has hit the public library in downtown Long Beach, the second largest library in Los Angeles County. It was on the verge of closing in an effort to help reduce the city’s $17 million deficit.
The closing of its doors would reduce expenses by $4 million; it also would leave approximately 27,000 low-income children who depend on the library for their education without access to its resources and programs, as well as thousands of retirees, students of all ages, and adults in general. As well, the library provides an important function as a community center in addition to being a pillar of public education. Long Beach must not lose it.
Community pressure against the intended closure bore fruit. Last Friday a city committee rejected the proposal to shut it down and instead moved to keepthe library open five days a week. We hope that Tuesday morning the full City Council will ratify this and the library’s doors will remain open.
Relatedly, there is an interesting local proposal to move the library to a new site, but this is a long-term project that remains to be decided. Meanwhile, the Long Beach Public Library must continue fulfilling its mission to bring education and culture to the whole community.







