Long Beach Public Library Foundation

Celebrating with Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King
Photo: Long Beach Public Library

On September 21, 2019 the City of Long Beach celebrated the Grand Opening of the Billie Jean King Main Library with thousands in attendance. The Library’s namesake was one of the first to enter the newly opened library after a rallying speech to the crowd.

“My dream is that the new Main Library will be a place where the people of Long Beach will keep learning and will be a place where people can connect and prosper,” she said.

Thank you to the hundreds of Founding Donors who donated between $25 and $575,000 to help make Billie Jean King’s dream for the City of Long Beach come true. The Long Beach Public Library Foundation was proud to present a check of $2.09 million during the celebration to fund technology, programs, and resources at the new Library.

Executive Director Kate Azar presenting a check from the New Main Campaign to Director of Library Services Glenda Williams.
Photo: Long Beach Public Library
Library Foundation President Barbara Schwerin speaking at the grand opening.
Photo: Long Beach Public Library
Mayor Robert Garcia speaking at the Library Foundation’s New Main Campaign Founding Donor preview event in the new Library’s KidSpace.
Photo: Element 428
Photo: Long Beach Public Library
Photo: Long Beach Public Library
Photo: Long Beach Public Library