The Long Beach community now has a new space to come together at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library’s new courtyard.
Formerly a garden-focused site, city leaders say they hope the new courtyard will provide a welcoming, accessible and engaging space for reflection, programming and community gathering.
The Long Beach Public Library will welcome the community to the official unveiling ceremony of the courtyard from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 8, at the neighborhood branch, 5870 Atlantic Ave.
The event is free and open to the public. It will feature remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Ninth District Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie, and representatives from the Department of Library, Arts and Culture, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open use of the new courtyard space, according to a press release.
“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,” Richardson said in a statement. “This new courtyard will serve as a welcoming extension of the library and a vibrant hub for the community.”
The celebration will mark the culmination of the library’s vision to revitalize the area, according to a press release. The project was guided by extensive community engagement and feedback, and careful planning to ensure that the courtyard meets the needs and aspirations of residents and library users alike.
During the event, attendees will be the first to stroll through and experience the new courtyard while enjoying a short program, music, light refreshments and community mingling. Community members will have an opportunity to participate in a guided walk-through highlighting key design features, such as a new stage area, shaded seating, native plants, interactive elements and pathways – including a StoryWalk that supports both quiet reading and community activity – and a designated plant bed for educational programs.
“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,” Ricks-Oddie said in a statement. “This beautiful outdoor space truly belongs to the neighborhood, offering a dedicated place to read, relax, connect and be inspired.
“This project breathes new life into our beloved library and is a direct testament to the power of resident feedback,” Ricks-Oddie added. “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.”
The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard renovation project was made possible through the 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, according to the press release.
For those unable to attend Saturday’s event, a virtual tour of the courtyard will be made available on the Long Beach Public Library website following the ceremony.
“The voices of our residents shaped this project, and we are grateful for their input,” Department of Library, Arts and Culture Director Cathy De Leon said in a statement. “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.”