City of Long Beach, CA

05/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2026 11:52

Long Beach Public Library Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with Event Series

PRESS RELEASE

City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

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5/19/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release #
Subject:
Long Beach Public Library Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with Event Series
Contact:
Maurina Cintron
562.570.6931
[email protected]
Public Affairs Assistant
Department of Library, Arts, and Culture





Above: The Long Beach Public Library marches in the 2025 Long Beach Pride Parade.

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library is proud to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month this June with a month-long series of inclusive, family-friendly programs and events. Through stories, art, music, film and community connection, the Library's Pride celebration honors the strength, creativity and courage of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"Long Beach is proud to celebrate and support our LGBTQIA+ community," said Mayor Richardson. "These Library programs offer meaningful opportunities for residents of all ages to come together, celebrate individuality and foster a stronger sense of belonging throughout our city."

Throughout June, residents and visitors are invited to participate in free programs and events for children, teens, adults and families at Library locations across the city. Community members can also explore curated Pride-themed book and film recommendations and enjoy a full calendar of special events throughout the month. Additional information and full schedule of events is available at lbpl.org.

"The Long Beach Public Library is committed to creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen, valued and celebrated," said Cathy De Leon, Director of Library, Arts, and Culture. "Our Pride Month programs encourage creativity, connection and learning while uplifting the diverse voices and stories that strengthen our community."

Highlighted Pride Month events include:

  • José Enrique Medina Author Talk: Thursday, June 4, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library - Award-winning poet, playwright and novelist José Enrique Medina will host an interactive evening featuring readings from his work, reflections on his creative journey and publishing experience and a conversation about imagination, identity, storytelling and the writing process, followed by audience Q&A. (Adults)
  • Family Pride Storytime: Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, June 17, at 4 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library - Celebrate love, diversity and inclusion through age-appropriate stories, songs, movement activities and crafts designed to build empathy, creativity and belonging for children and their caregivers. (Children and caregivers)
  • Pride Lanterns: Tuesday, June 16, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library - Teens are invited to decorate colorful glass lanterns during this hands-on art activity celebrating Pride in a welcoming and supportive environment. All supplies provided. (Teens)
  • Bibliotherapy Tea: Tuesday, June 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library - An evening of Pride-focused art projects, meditation, journal writing and books by and about the LGBTQIA+ community designed to help participants relax, connect and get creative. (Adults)
  • School Age Crafternoon: Wednesday, June 17, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the El Dorado Neighborhood Library - Children ages 6 and up can enjoy Pride-themed crafts in a fun, friendly and inclusive space. All materials provided. (Ages 6 & up)
  • Pride Party: Saturday, June 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library - Enjoy this family-friendly Pride celebration featuring Drag Queen Loteria, games, music, crafts and activities for children, teens and adults. (All ages)

For more information about upcoming Library programs, 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.

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City of Long Beach, CA published this content on May 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 19, 2026 at 17:52 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]