A library card isn’t just a passport to all the reading your imagination can handle. It’s an all-access pass to free activities and events, educational and entertaining programs and even a lending library to borrow anything from a metal detector to a karaoke machine. Here are a few more reasons to head to the Long Beach Public Library this summer.
New Borrow-a-Bike program
The “Library of Things” already allows card-carrying patrons to borrow a range of gear, including a Nintendo Switch for fun-filled days or a telescope for sky-watching nights. The library also offers membership passes to a range of museums, including the Long Island Children’s Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
This year, the library introduced a borrow-a-bike program for members over 18 years old. For up to three days, a member can use one of the library’s two cruiser bicycles to ride, safely, around the city. The bikes come with a lock for security and front and rear lights for maximum visibility. Helmets are not provided but are encouraged. Visit the adult reference desk to reserve a timeslot and sign release forms.
“Unearth your story” summer reading challenge
The library has thrown down the gauntlet. From June 29 through August 22, it’s challenging patrons to complete a bingo card filled with tasks to widen reading lists, expand interests and investigate the library’s full offerings. Visit the reference desk for an official bingo card listing 24 challenges and get to work meeting the criteria.
Assignments include some obvious items such as reading a book published in the year you were born, reading on the beach, or reading a classic novel. It’s also a chance to move beyond your comfort zone by trying something new such as borrowing from the seed library, using a database, or watching a movie on Kanopy — a free online streaming service specializing in classic movies, indie films and documentaries.
LBPL celebrates America 250 all summer long
The library isn’t letting the nation’s semiquincentennial pass by without appropriate attention. Informative and enjoyable programs are scheduled through the entire summer specifically to recognize the country’s 250th anniversary. As the paper went to press, the apple pie showdown contest was scheduled for 7 p.m. July 1.
Historian James Coll is presenting a series of three “We The People” lectures to discuss the three branches of government. An array of concerts, children’s arts and crafts and community events — including America-themed meetings of the book club and the vinyl collector’s club — are also planned. Find full program details and event schedules at longbeachlibrary.org.