Since its establishment in 1928, the Long Beach Public Library has provided a wide range of programs and services to the community. With a main building and three branches, the Library serves the Long Beach City School District, which includes the City of Long Beach, Lido Beach, East Atlantic Beach, and Point Lookout.
The main building is located at 111 West Park Avenue. The telephone number is (516) 432-7201 .
The Point Lookout Branch is at 26B Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout. The telephone number is (516) 432-3409.
The West End Branch is at 868 West Beech Street. The telephone number is (516) 432-2704.
The library is open more than 340 days per year, including five holidays: Columbus Day, Election Day, Veterans’ Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day.
Branch Hours and Directions
All buildings are accessible to the physically challenged.
For our patrons’ convenience, there are book returns located on the following street corners: Regent Drive and Lido Boulevard; Roosevelt Boulevard and Park Avenue; Washington Boulevard and Broadway; and Illinois Avenue and West Beech Street.
The main branch has a technology center, glass enclosed quiet study room, tutoring room, art gallery, program room and a 175-seat auditorium that can be divided into three separate sections for simultaneous events. The library has an expanding collection of books, electronic databases, films and recorded books. There are 17 computers that can access the Internet, and the Long Beach Library is now a Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Free library cards can be obtained at any of the three libraries with verifiable proof of residency. Parents or guardians can register children 12 or under for access to all collections.
A five-member Board of Trustees governs the library and usually meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Trustees are elected at-large and serve a five-year term with one trustee elected each year in the annual school and library board election. The current trustees are Eugene Colon, Paula Freund, Warren Vegh, Fran Adelson, and Kathleen Dwyer.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND SCHEDULES
The library is known for its wonderful programs, ranging from jazz and cabaret festivals to live theatrical performances to discussions of topical issues. The Library’s auditorium has a sound-enhancing system for the hearing impaired users needing this service should give the Library one day of notice. A monthly newsletter, “Channels,” describing library events and services, is mailed free to interested patrons.
FOR THE HOMEBOUND AND SENIOR CITIZENS
The library will deliver books on cassettes with players, and large or regular-type books to medically eligible patrons. Many programs are of particular interest to seniors, including blood-pressure testing, computer classes, defensive driving and free tax assistance.
FOR THE GENERAL READER AND STUDENT
The library has an up-to-date collection of fiction and non-fiction books, electronic databases, compact discs, films and magazines for users of all ages.
Databases are available every day and every hour.
The on-line catalog connects 50 public libraries in Nassau County and provides the shelf status of all materials. The system always enables users to renew and reserve items online. The Youth Services Department has a collection of test-prep books for Advanced Placement, Regents and college entrance exams.
Local newspapers from 1928 and the New York Times from 1939 are on microfilm. Consisting of old photographs and newspaper clippings, the Long Beach local history collection is housed in the main branch.
FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
In addition to a variety of books, films and sound recordings for infants through teens, the Library has many programs, from story times for children from 4 months to third grade; reading clubs for children and teens; book discussion groups for children and special presentations. There is a Technology Center for young people up to 16 years of age and seven computers. The Library is a Family Place library, which includes a parenting collection and a mothers’ center.
THE HOLOCAUST LIBRARY
The Holocaust Library, established in November 1990, is the first of its kind on Long Island. It is co-sponsored by the Long Beach Public Library and the Holocaust Memorial Committee of Long Island. The Long Beach Holocaust Library has books and videotapes. It was originally funded by a New York State grant and continues to be supported by the Holocaust Committee.
For more information or to receive the Long Beach Public Library’s free monthly newsletter, please call (516) 432-7201.
Library Website: http://www.longbeachlibrary.org/
