April is National Library Month – Here’s How You Can Help
April is Library Month!
Library Giving Day, April 4
National Library Week, April 23 – 29
We need your help to raise support for the 12 Long Beach Public Libraries! The Library’s dynamic literacy programs, STEM workshops, and one-on-one homework help are needed now more than ever to help kids succeed and thrive. Recently released student test scores show the pandemic’s continuing impact on student achievement. More than half of LBUSD students failed to meet state standards last school year, with about 52% failing to meet the standard for English and about 67% failing to meet the standard for math. Your support helps get them back on track!
Help us reach our $10,000 fundraising goal for National Library Month, which includes Library Giving Day on April 4 and National Library Week April 23-29. You can help by hosting your own fundraiser on Facebook or through email. We recommend setting a personal goal of $250 or more. You may inspire your friends to give if you kick things off with a donation of your own.
Please note that Facebook does not charge any fees for donations and, in fact, covers the credit card fees so the total amount donated directly supports the Library Foundation.
Facebook Fundraiser Toolkit
This toolkit includes:
- Step-by-step instructions to create a Facebook fundraiser
- Suggested copy for posts when sharing your fundraiser
- An email template if you choose to fundraise by email instead
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Creating a Facebook Fundraiser
If you choose to create a Facebook fundraiser, we recommend that you set it up by April 1 so that you can fundraise for Library Giving Day. This will give your friends and family time to see your fundraiser and help you reach your goal.
Sign into Facebook and click the link below to get started.
https://www.facebook.com/fund/LBPLFoundation/
- The window below will appear with “Long Beach Public Library Foundation” automatically set as the organization you are raising money for.
- Scroll through the “Details” section on the left and:
- Enter $250 or more for “How much money do you want to raise?”
- Enter April 30 for “When should your fundraiser end?”
- Add a message for “Why are you raising money?” such as:
April is Library Month! As a Long Beach Public Library cardholder and patron, I call on you to join me in supporting free educational resources for the Long Beach students and families who need help getting back on track.
The Library’s dynamic literacy programs, STEM workshops, and one-on-one homework help are needed now more than ever to help kids succeed and thrive. Recently released student test scores show the pandemic’s continuing impact on student achievement. More than half of LBUSD students failed to meet state standards last school year, with about 52% failing to meet the standard for English and about 67% failing to meet the standard for math.
At the 12 public libraries, the Library Foundation funds many early literacy programs in English and Spanish including Dive into Learning and the annual Summer Reading program. The Library Foundation also funds the Family Learning Center program which provides one-on-one tutoring for students of all ages and job search support for their families.
I hope you will join me in celebrating Library Month with a gift that will make a difference for Long Beach families! Visit LBPLfoundation.org to learn more about the programs your donation will support.
- Click “Create.” The fundraiser will automatically be shared on your Timeline.
- Invite your friends! This is the best way to tell all your friends about your fundraiser. Facebook gives you the option to invite either all of your friends or to select individual friends to donate to the fundraiser. Those who have been invited will receive a notification.
- Share your fundraiser and re-share throughout April to get more support.
Suggested copy for posts when sharing your fundraiser:
- Post on April 4: Today is #LibraryGivingDay and I am proud to support the 12 Long Beach public libraries as a library lover and patron. Help me reach my fundraising goal!
- Post on April 23: Today is the start of #NationalLibraryWeek and I am proud to support the 12 Long Beach public libraries. Help me reach my fundraising goal to support our libraries!
- Happy #NationalLibraryWeek! I’m fundraising to support the Long Beach Public Library Foundation’s work to provide resources to students, job seekers, families, and everyone who depends on the Library.
- Celebrate #NationalLibraryWeek by supporting the Long Beach Public Library Foundation! Our public libraries and their free programs are needed now more than ever.
Suggested Email
If you prefer not to use Facebook for your fundraiser, we encourage you to email potential supporters asking them to donate on our website or to send a donation through the mail. You might say:
Hi _____,
Happy National Library Month! As you may know, I proudly support the 12 public libraries in Long Beach. This week, I call on you to support free educational resources at the libraries by helping me reach my $250 (or more) fundraiser goal.
The Library’s dynamic literacy programs, STEM workshops, and one-on-one homework help are needed now more than ever to help kids succeed and thrive. Recently released student test scores show the pandemic’s continuing impact on student achievement. More than half of LBUSD students failed to meet state standards last school year, with about 52% failing to meet the standard for English and about 67% failing to meet the standard for math.
At the 12 public libraries, the Library Foundation funds many early literacy programs in English and Spanish including Dive into Learning and the annual Summer Reading program. The Library Foundation also funds the Family Learning Center program which provides one-on-one tutoring for students of all ages and job search support for their families.
I hope you will join me in celebrating National Library Month with a gift that will make a difference for Long Beach families! Visit LBPLfoundation.org to learn more about the programs your donation will support.
I hope you will join me in celebrating Library Month with a gift that will make a difference for Long Beach families! Visit lbplfoundation.org/donate to make a donation of any size. To support my fundraiser, please enter my name in the Comment section of the form. You may also mail your donation to Long Beach Public Library Foundation, 200 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. Please include a note with your donation to have it applied to my fundraiser.
Thank you for making a difference for our Libraries and the people they serve!
This is just one way you can help support our public libraries this April during National Library Month! Our Foundation has a goal of $10,000 and we hope you can help continue to ensure library programs like the Family Learning Centers, The Studio Maker Spaces, the Adaptive Center for Technology and the Dive into Learning programs continue to serve the Long Beach community.
To donate directly to our Foundation and these programs, please click here.
What’s happening in The Studio in March
The Studios are community workspaces where people can meet, socialize, innovate, and collaborate using technology and resources. There are currently two permanent spaces – The Studio inside the Billie Jean King Main Library and The Learning Lab at the Michelle Obama library, plus a mobile Studio available at all 12 LBPL branch locations on a rotating monthly schedule.
Your generous donations help make these programs possible. Learn how you can become a donor.
Check out this month’s Studio events and workshops:
A design thinking workshop series specifically for 7th and 8th graders! Do you know of a middle schooler interested in creative thinking and problem-solving? Do they love collaborating and working with others to come up with a unique solution to a challenge? This series is for them! In 10 weeks they will learn new strategies to designing a life that inspires them.
The Studio is made possible by the Long Beach Public Library Foundation through grants from the Rudolph J. and Daphne A. Munzer Foundation, the Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation, the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation, Edison International, and more.
The Mobile Studio is made possible by the Long Beach Public Library Foundation through grants from Marathon Petroleum Corporation, the LGA Family Foundation, and the California Resources Corporation.
Library Launches CurioCity: STEAM & Beyond
In October 2021, the Library launched the CurioCity program to introduce youth ages 12 and up to a wide array of creative interests within the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Robotics, interactive electronics, and modular synthesizers are just some of the subjects that students are learning through biweekly workshops. The program involves experts in these fields to help lead the workshops and inspire young minds.
This program is the latest from the Library’s makerspace Studio which provides expert instruction in 3D modeling, graphic design, coding, and more. The Library Foundation is proud to provide funding for the makerspace Studio thanks to generous support from the Rudolph J. and Daphne A. Munzer Foundation, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and many donors across Long Beach who support the Library’s innovative programs.
The Library’s Mobile Studio Powered by Marathon Petroleum
During our Grape Expectations fundraiser on September 19, 2021, we were proud to welcome Brad Levi, Vice President of Refining at the Marathon Petroleum Corporation Los Angeles Refinery, where he announced Marathon’s latest contribution of $60,000 to fund the Long Beach Public Library’s Mobile Studio. The Mobile Studio hosts STEAM workshops at locations throughout Long Beach, including branch libraries, parks, schools, and community events. This makerspace on wheels is stocked with technology and supplies for instruction in 3D printing, robotics, coding, graphic design, and other science, engineering, and art projects. The workshops invite children, teens, and adults to develop 21st century marketable skills.
Marathon has supported the Mobile Studio since its launch in 2017. In 2019, the Library Foundation awarded Marathon with the 2019 Library Leadership Award for their support of library programs.
“Make Time!” Video Series
The Library’s makerspace Studio has launched a new educational workshop series for creators of all ages. These videos instruct viewers through engineering and creative projects using household items. Thank you to our donors for supporting the makerspace Studio programs.
Makerspace Studios Helping to Protect City Staff
Thanks to donations to the Library Foundation, the 3D printers and sewing machines in the Library’s makerspace Studios have found a new calling. Library staff are 3D printing components for face shields and sewing face masks. The personal protective gear will be used by City staff who must report to work to keep the city functioning.
Honoring Marathon Petroleum Corporation
On June 9, at the 16th annual Grape Expectations gala, we were proud to honor Marathon Petroleum Corporation with the 2019 Library Leadership Award for their support of innovative library programs.
Every week, the Long Beach Public Library’s Mobile Studio hosts workshops at locations throughout the city, including branch libraries, parks, schools, and community events. This makerspace on wheels is stocked with technology and supplies for instruction in 3D printing, robotics, coding, graphic design, and other science, engineering and arts projects. The workshops invite children, teens, and adults to develop 21st century marketable skills.
This is possible thanks to generous support from Marathon Petroleum Corporation, formerly Andeavor and Tesoro. The Mobile Studio officially launched in 2017 with their support, along with that of the California Resources Corporation and the LGA Family Foundation. At last year’s Grape Expectations gala, Marathon Petroleum donated $150,000 to support a new Mobile Studio Coordinator position. This position ensures that the Mobile Studio is utilized to its full potential and expands the program’s reach.
Learn about upcoming Mobile Studio workshops. Click HERE.
About Marathon Petroleum Corporation:
Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a leading, integrated, downstream energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system with more than 3 million barrels per day of crude oil capacity across 16 refineries. MPC’s marketing system includes branded locations across the United States, including Marathon brand retail outlets. Speedway LLC, an MPC subsidiary, owns and operates retail convenience stores across the United States. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interests in two midstream companies, MPLX LP and Andeavor Logistics LP, which own and operate gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure.
Mobile Studio STEAM Activities – February
Look out for the Mobile Studio powered by Marathon Petroleum Corporation bringing STEAM activities to neighborhood libraries across Long Beach. The Mobile Studio is a makerspace on wheels equipped with a 3D printer, robotics and other technological resources. This program is made possible thanks to donations to the Library Foundation.
Robocoders: Tues, Feb 5th, 3:30-5pm at Los Altos Library
Cardboard Robo Arms: Wed, Feb 6th, 4-5pm at Bach Library
Cardboard Pantograph: Wed, Feb 13th, 4-5pm at Bach Library
Cardboard Robo Arms: Tues, Feb 19th, 4-5:30pm at Harte Library
Cardboard Linkages: Wed, Feb 20th, 4-5pm at Bach Library
Cardboard Robo Arms: Sat, Feb 23rd, 2-3:30pm at Brewitt Library
Cardboard Automata: Wed, Feb 27th, 4-5pm at Bach Library
Summer Travels of the Mobile Studio Powered by Andeavor
From left to right: Andeavor Director of Government and Public Affairs Tiffany Rau, Library Foundation Board President Susan Redfield, Director of Library Services Glenda Williams, and Library Foundation Executive Director Kate Azar at the Library Foundation’s Grape Expectations gala on June 10, 2018.
Officially launched in the spring of 2017, the Long Beach Public Library Mobile Studio is a makerspace on wheels bringing exciting STEM learning opportunities to libraries, parks, schools, and community events throughout the city. The Mobile Studio is equipped with resources for instruction in 3D printing, robotics, programming, graphic design, music production, and more.
Thanks to very generous donations, this program is fully funded by the Library Foundation. We were honored to be joined by Andeavor Director of Government and Public Affairs Tiffany Rau at our 2018 Grape Expectations gala in June where Andeavor gifted $150,000 to the Mobile Studio. This is Andeavor’s second major gift to the Mobile Studio, allowing it to continue bringing innovative learning opportunities to Long Beach.
The Mobile Studio has 20 scheduled stops this summer and counting! Find out when the Mobile Studio will be in your neighborhood at the link below.
Click for the Mobile Studio Calendar
Makerspace Studio Creates New Tech Experiences
Photo provided by Long Beach Public Library.
The Long Beach Public Library makerspace Studio kicked off the first week of March 2018 with two events that highlighted the new technology and instruction that our Library Foundation supporters make possible for creative minds of all ages.
March 3 marked the second annual Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Showcase at Main Library bringing together artists, companies, and scholars to show off the possibilities of VR. According to the American Library Association, VR – the computer-generated simulation of images or whole environments that can be experienced using special electronic equipment – is progressing in several ways. Immersive storytelling or VR storytelling will become a more frequent tool for conveying information, especially as major media outlets invest in in-house virtual reality production. The Library’s makerspace Studio VR technology and design instruction allows library visitors to explore opportunities in these new economies.
The Library then participated in Teen Tech Week from March 6-10, a nation-wide celebration that encourages teens to take advantage of all the great digital tools offered through the library to become content creators. Teen were invited to Main, Michelle Obama Neighborhood, and Dana Neighborhood Libraries to create battle bots, produce music, learn graphic design and more!
Check out the highlight video below created by the Long Beach Public Library.
https://www.facebook.com/LongBeachPublicLibrary/videos/10156030540220761/