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Billie Jean King Main Library Unveils New Children's Terrace in Downtown Long Beach

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library has announced the grand opening of its new Children's Terrace at the Billie Jean King Main Library. The vibrant outdoor space will be a hub for community programming and organized activities, furthering the library's commitment to creating welcoming environments for families to learn, play, and connect.

The ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. Mayor Rex Richardson, First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, and other city leaders will be in attendance to give remarks before the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will also feature family-friendly activities such as story time, water and bubble play, crafts, and popsicles.

According to Mayor Richardson, the Children's Terrace reflects the city's vision for a more family-friendly and connected Downtown Long Beach. He believes that by investing in spaces that center children and creativity, they are strengthening the cultural fabric of the city and creating places where families can gather, learn, and thrive.

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Councilwoman Zendejas also expressed her excitement for reintroducing the terrace as a family-oriented hub that reflects its original purpose of being a vibrant space for connection and inclusion. She sees it as an investment in both children and the community as a whole.

The new children's area is enclosed by new fencing that complements the refreshed design of the terrace. The six-foot-tall fencing along West Broadway and eight-foot-tall fencing along Pacific Avenue and Lincoln Park sides will reduce noise, minimize indoor interruptions, and create a more secure space for positive community-focused programming.

Cathy De Leon, Director of Library Arts and Culture, shared her enthusiasm for the project stating that it expands their ability to diversify youth programming with increased opportunities for creativity, art, and interactive play. She sees it as a space where early learning, imagination, and outdoor play come together to invite families to engage with the library in new and meaningful ways.

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The Children's Terrace project was made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Library, Arts, and Culture, Long Beach Public Works, and City leadership. It reflects their shared commitment to enhancing public spaces for residents of all ages. The project was funded by a $723,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Civic Center Fund in Fiscal Year 2024. This funding was dedicated to the design and construction of terrace improvements at the Billie Jean King Main Library.

Before construction began in March 2026, outreach was conducted with community members and library patrons to share the plan for the Children's Terrace and reaffirm the City's original vision for the space as a welcoming area for families to enjoy inclusive programming and events.

The grand opening event is free and open to the public. For more information about this event and upcoming library programs, please contact the library at 562.570.7500 or visit lbpl.org. The Children's Terrace is sure to be a beloved addition to the Billie Jean King Main Library, providing a welcoming space for families to gather, learn, and grow together.

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