Long Beach Public Library to Host Unveiling Ceremony for Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) is pleased to invite the community to the official unveiling ceremony of the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). The event will feature remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie and representatives from the Department of Library, Arts and Culture, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and open use of the new courtyard space.

"The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard is more than just a beautiful outdoor space-it's a reflection of Long Beach's commitment to creating places where neighbors can come together, learn and connect," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This new courtyard will serve as a welcoming extension of the library and a vibrant hub for the community."

This celebration marks the culmination of the Library's vision to transform the formerly garden-focused site into a welcoming, accessible and engaging outdoor courtyard environment for reflection, programming and community gathering. During the unveiling event, attendees will be the first to stroll through and experience this new courtyard space while enjoying a short program, music, light refreshments and community mingling. Community members will have an opportunity to participate in a guided walkthrough that highlights key design features such as a new stage area, shaded seating, native plantings, interactive elements and pathways including a StoryWalk that supports both quiet reading and community activity, and a designated plant bed for educational programs.

The project has been guided by extensive community engagement and feedback and careful planning to ensure that the courtyard meets the needs and aspirations of local residents and library users alike.

"The unveiling of this new courtyard at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library is more than just a renovation, it's the culmination of a community vision. This beautiful outdoor space truly belongs to the neighborhood, offering a dedicated place to read, relax, connect and be inspired," said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie. "This project breathes new life into our beloved library and is a direct testament to the power of resident feedback. We are proud to officially present this vibrant new asset to the residents who helped bring it to life, and we look forward to the countless ways it will serve our community for generations to come."

All community members, library patrons, neighbors and public space enthusiasts are warmly invited to attend this event. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual tour of the courtyard will be made available on the LBPL website following the ceremony.

"The voices of our residents shaped this project, and we are grateful for their input," said Department of Library, Arts, and Culture Director Cathy De Leon. "Our mission is to provide spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity and connection, and we are excited to welcome the community into this new courtyard where learning and gathering can thrive."

The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard renovation project was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of several community partners, including the Long Beach Conservation Corps, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, the Port of Long Beach, and the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the library at 562.570.7500 or visit lbpl.org.

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 https://www.lbpl.org and follow @lbcitylibrary on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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