The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library is celebrating a decade in operation on Sept. 12, 2026.

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library invites the community to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) with a free, family-friendly celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Over the past decade, the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library has been a hub for learning, creativity and connection," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the library's lasting impact on North Long Beach and look ahead to all the possibilities still to come."

The special anniversary celebration will bring the community together for an afternoon of creativity, storytelling, music, dancing and fun. Guests can enjoy special story times and performances, participate in hands-on activities, create commemorative items and celebrate a decade of the library serving as a welcoming space for learning, connection and discovery.

"Libraries are at their best when they reflect the people and communities they serve, and the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library has been doing exactly that for the past 10 years," said the Director of the Department of Library, Arts and Culture, Cathy De Leon. "This celebration is a chance to recognize the creativity, curiosity and community spirit that make this library so special."

Highlights of the celebration include:

• Ina, the Sunshine Storyteller - Noon to 1 p.m.
  All ages are invited to gather for a lively performance by Sunshine Storyteller Ina Buckner-Barnette. Sing and dance along as the story train travels through stories about community, unity and hope from around the world.
• Teen Sketch-n-Nibble - 12:30 to 2 p.m.
  Teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to celebrate the library's 10th anniversary by sharing their creativity and artistic skills. While enjoying snacks, participants will sketch their vision of what the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library could look like in another 10 years. Participants will vote on their favorite designs, with the top three designs receiving prizes and being displayed at the library.
• Customize Your Tote - 1:30 to 3 p.m.
  Adults ages 18 and older can design their own commemorative library tote bag using a variety of decorating materials, including stamps, iron-on patches, sequins, rhinestones and beads. The program will take place in the Community Room while supplies last.
• Decorate Your Party Hat - 2 to 3 p.m.
  Children ages 12 and younger and their families can get into the anniversary spirit by decorating their own party hats with sequins, colors, streamers and more.

Throughout the celebration, attendees can also enjoy additional special activities, commemorative items and anniversary-themed fun for the whole family.

Since opening its doors in 2016, the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library has provided residents with access to books, technology, educational resources, cultural programming, creative opportunities and community services. The 24,000-square-foot library features a children's area, teen space, community meeting rooms, study areas and spaces designed to support lifelong learning and community connection.

The anniversary celebration is free and open to the public. Free parking is available on site.

For more information about the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library and upcoming programs, visit the Long Beach Public Library website or contact the library at 562-570-1038

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Public Library visit www.lbpl.org and follow @lbcitylibrary on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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