What I like about this library: This is a massive, beautiful facility right in the heart of downtown Long Beach. One of the coolest features is the archive and history room, which houses a lot of fascinating historical books as well as the Medal of Honor awarded to the library's namesake, Billie Jean King! That's definitely something you don't see every day. The interior is well-designed with plenty of space between the books, computers, and study tables, making it easy to browse their extensive collection of media. Additionally, the recent installation of the steel cage barriers outside has resolved the issues with the homeless population loitering right at the entrance, making the exterior look much cleaner and more welcoming. What I don't like about this library: The parking situation is a bit frustrating. The lot directly adjacent to the library only offers 30 MINUTES of FREE PARKING. By the time you walk to and from your car, you really only have about 25 minutes to find your books and check out if you want to avoid paying. Your other option is to park in the lot behind the F&M building, which gives you two hours free, but that requires about a 10-minute walk each way. read more

Billie Jean King Main Library - Medal of Honor - Libraries Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Billie Jean Library presents itself as a semi-public, inclusive space intended to provide accessibility, community engagement, and a safe environment for patrons of all backgrounds. While there are several aspects of the library that show thoughtful intention and potential, the overall execution remains inconsistent and in need of significant improvement. One of the strongest qualities of the library is its spacious layout. There is generally ample seating throughout the building, along with a reasonable number of outlets available for patrons working on laptops or other devices. If patrons are open to shared tables, seating is usually accessible, and many times individuals are still able to maintain personal space comfortably. The library also consistently offers activities and programming for teens and adults, often including snacks and community-oriented events. While the intention behind these programs appears positive, attendance seems noticeably low. The atmosphere of the library does not consistently feel welcoming or engaging enough to encourage stronger participation from the public. Another positive feature is the rotating local art display area, which highlights artwork from community artists. This is a thoughtful and culturally enriching concept that adds personality to the space. Additionally, the availability of water refill stations throughout the building is convenient and considerate for patrons carrying reusable bottles. Unfortunately, the maintenance of these amenities is where major concerns begin to emerge. The water refill stations appear poorly maintained, with little indication that the filters or surrounding areas are cleaned regularly. The same issue extends throughout much of the facility. The bathrooms, floors, carpets, stairways, tables, seating areas, and common spaces consistently appear unclean and inadequately maintained. Soap is frequently unavailable in the restrooms, which raises basic hygiene concerns. The library provides both upstairs and downstairs access to printing stations, research computers, and basic office-style resources such as pencil sharpeners. The children's section is minimal but visually pleasant and appropriately designed for younger visitors. There are also additional seating options downstairs, including small cushioned seating pods that are visually appealing, though not particularly practical for extended use. One recurring issue is the condition of the staircase leading upstairs, which is often sticky and clearly requires more consistent upkeep and cleaning. This becomes more concerning during closing procedures. The library typically keeps one primary entrance and exit open while designating another set of doors for exit-only use near closing time. During these periods, multiple librarians often gather together near the staircase while sheriff personnel remain positioned at the top of the stairs. The result is an unnecessarily crowded and restrictive flow of foot traffic that creates avoidable safety concerns, particularly given the condition of the stairway itself. Another major issue is the inconsistency in how library staff enforce rules and manage disruptive behavior. Staff appear selective regarding which situations they choose to address and which they ignore. The library regularly experiences excessive noise disturbances from patrons, including prolonged yelling, screaming, disruptive phone conversations, and other inappropriate behavior that often continues without intervention. On one occasion, a patron seated near me spent an extended period loudly yelling into his phone. After tolerating the disturbance for quite some time, I approached a librarian and directly identified the individual causing the disruption. Despite the situation being obvious and ongoing, the librarian responded by approaching me afterward and asking me to identify who the disruptive individual was, even though the patron remained actively yelling nearby. The handling of the situation felt dismissive, unproductive, and avoidant rather than solution-oriented. Overall, Billie Jean Library has the foundational structure and resources to be an excellent community space. However, the facility currently suffers from inconsistent professionalism, poor sanitation standards, inadequate oversight of disruptive behavior, and operational practices that diminish the experience for patrons attempting to use the library respectfully. With stronger maintenance, improved accountability, clearer enforcement of standards, and a more welcoming approach to community engagement, this library could significantly improve its public impact and functionality. read more

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This is truly a stunning and wonderful main library here in Long Beach. The other reviews are NIMBYs who are offended by people just living their lives and trying to make it in the city. I've been to this library multiple times and no one has bothered me. I've never felt unsafe either. Wonderful staff, lots of space, great books to borrow, and plentiful rooms to study/work in. I love this library so much! read more

Walking distance to my apartment and went to scope it out the other day. The wonderful staff helped me get a library card and the process was nice and easy. All they needed was my California ID with an up-to-date address on it. Lots of DVDs and books here. I ended up getting a few books, which are available to checked out for 3-weeks at a time. You can take out as many as 10+ books at once! The library card they gave me work at some of the other LB libraries as well. There were conference rooms upstairs which you could reserve for private work and study sessions as well. Beautiful building and a great community library. read more

Long Beach really stepped it up with the new library. Venue - Really nice modern building with cool little spaces to lounge, study, private rooms, kids play area, game areas, art and crafts, and so much more. Parking - They have a parking structure that makes it easy to park. Staff - Nice people that work here and very helpful. Selection - From what I've seen the Selection of books offered is fairly large and well organized. They also opened a new park in the back that's great for the kids. Overall great experience and would be coming back. read more

Billie Jean King Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Long Beach, California

Theres no gd mf book drop This is the flagship of long beach and took years to build Yet i cannot return the items i checked out Next time i get an overdue notice Kindly eat a bag of dicks No wifi Standing right here and nada Actually this describes lb perfectly read more

Beautiful library inside and out. Staff is super friendly and helpful. The children's area has lots of books to choose from, 4 computer stations and blocks for them to play with. The reason for the 2 stars is because as everyone mentioned all the homeless people. As soon as you walk up to the library they are all around the building with their belongings. I do not feel safe with my kids. Upstairs, the adult section, all you see for the most part is homeless people sitting at the tables either sleeping or eating. Their bags/things against the windows or on the floor. Sadly, there is a smell to this section of the library. I will not be returning due to not only not feeling safe but on our last trip a homeless man started yelling profanities as we were leaving the library. read more

This library would be a great if there wasn't so many homeless people. unfortunately because of all the homeless people this place reeks of piss and body odor. Also the people here are pretty loud, like this IS A LIBRARY YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE QUIET!!!!! Other then the homeless people being here this place would be nice but as for me I won't be coming back to study or check out books. I Don't recommend coming here, it's a homeless shelter now :( read more

Billie Jean King Main Library - Homeless man :( - Libraries Near Me - Long Beach, California

Great place to easy your mind and have an great kids section great place to be good WiFi and great

Beautiful library , very nice staff but I felt so unsafe with my 2 kids when I saw many homeless people with their small carts , blankets occupying 2 tables for themselves . There is also another homeless guy occupying the whole table by himself with several electronics and a cellphone having a snack like it's his kitchen table . There are chairs all over the library and you see them Lounging there too.I don't have against a homeless people educating themselves but it felt to me like it's their free home when it's open . I don't trust my kids to wander by themselves looking for books and we won't be back . It's a shame though coz it's really a beautiful library . I love that there is a parking . read more

Today was the Grand Opening of the Billie Jean King Long Beach Public Library Main Branch! This was a significant event and Ms King herself, a Long Beach native was the inaugural speaker and ribbon cutter. Inspirationally, well put together due to her rousing speech and her near seventy-six year youthful appearance. I found my favorite part of her address, "Always learn, and always learn to learn". Perhaps I have mangled the exact words but the message is clear. The library is a handsome building. After ceremonies it was open to the public. Never did I see so many crowded into any library. A happy selection of Long Beachers soon to be making their book selections. read more

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Was a little odd this library opens at 12 to me since where I live they open at 8 I sat outside early and like other people mentioned there were a lot of homeless people, some seemed recently homeless, the smell was rough. The lady who opened the gate scowled, it was real weird. I think what stood out to me was how dystopian this location feels surrounded by luxury apartments while qued with a bunch of homeless or seemingly homeless people. Adding to this is I think I was one of maybe three people with maybe plans to study entering the building... As I entered I was asked to wear a mask and I forgot about masks since I spend so much time studying... Literally... Surrounded by homeless people and luxury apartments and the biggest stand still was "do you have a mask" and I'm vaccinated... :S it was so bizarre all these people just sitting there with masks behind plastic screens and the floor was super slippery... it was really bizarre... I can't recommend so far... This entire experience was just confusing and awkward and I don't understand what was wrong with the previous library... Why demolish a perfectly good library and rebuild it like this? I read an article I've posted at end of this after asking this question and it appears the answer is "aesthetics" To be worried about aesthetics and then surround something with intent of aesthetics to surround by a giant gated fence is just the most perplexing experience. Like I know people talk about the homeless issues and stuff but, this sort of seems to be a feedback loop of sorts regarding this issue. There is something ironic about a place of learning being so invested in aesthetics as to damage its own community, which appears to me now largely homeless as the luxury buildings are looking for renters. https://www.archpaper.com/2020/03/brutalist-long-beach-city-hall-to-be-torn-down-replaced-with-apartments/ I don't recommend. I can't imagine wanting to move back to this city at this rate, its abysmal. read more

My first time here at (Billie Jean King Main Library) omg what a great place for the city of Long Beach. It has an open floor plan 2 levels. I specially visited for the sewing class, I haven't seen in a long time so this was my chance to sew. Gabriel and the other staff were very helpful with every one, I actually made a couple of items. It's a great asset to the community to have something like this. There's also lots of other classes that I will try plus everything is absolutely free and no need to register you just need to show up. I will definitely return very soon... read more

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The doors have finally opened and I couldn't be more excited! This library is gorgeous and has so many resources to offer people of all ages! Some of the things they offer here are: a center for adaptive technology, public computers, audio books, meeting rooms, study rooms, and the list goes on. There will be a store within the library coming soon that will help fund things at the library and will offer books, trinkets, and other fun little things. There are TONS of tables with outlets on them, charging stations, and chairs facing the windows for some amazing natural lighting. This place will be an amazing place to study! Speaking of studying, while I was studying in the main part of the library, it was completely quiet. For their first week opened, I figured there would be some noise, but not at all! There are study rooms if you would like extra quiet or need to be with a study group, which is an awesome feature! Another wonderful thing that this library had is security. There were a couple of security guards walking around keeping things quiet and safe for everyone. I appreciate that a lot! Of course there are tons of books, old and new, and lots of genres to pick from. There are a few computers that are logged into their system to help find the book you're looking for. Of course if you'd like to flag staff down instead, they're more than happy to help you. If you get a library card, you can check out up to 25 items. If you want movies or audio books you are limited to 5 of those. Parking: You can park in Civic Center Garage: first 30 min free. $1.75 for the next 90 min with library validation. $10 max fee. Metered parking on the street (but difficult to find). There are bike racks as well! All and all I'm very excited to see this library completed. It's a very nice treat for us locals and I know I'll definitely be here studying my weekends away! read more

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Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Studios! I was looking to get some parts 3D printed for a project. I reached out to local companies, and they wanted $100 to do the same job! The employees were able to help me out at no cost using their new equipment. I'd definitely recommend. Aside from 3D printing, it looks like they host educational workshops for youth and the general community, such as sewing and painting. Much needed! read more

Billie Jean King Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Long Beach, California

Beautiful outside and in. Google maps right off the Blue Line straight to the library. Chromebook and portable Wi-fi are available to borrow. Two floors of books, music and movies. A mini museum on the first floor of some quite interesting books of American and world history. read more

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I just witnessed two homeless people fighting over a charger in the upstairs section while I was trying to read peacefully. This place is awful, and it's so unfortunate that the city has allowed these individuals to roam around unchecked. It smells, it's loud, and it's UNSAFE. This is indeed not a library, but a by day operating homeless shelter where they come to eat and charge their devices. read more

What can I say? I visited the new Lincoln Park yesterday and, of course, checked out the new Billie Jean King Library. I love libraries. However.......... I'm not too fond of this one.......unfortunately, and I was quite disappointed. This was my first visit here. I live in the Pt. Fermin area of San Pedro and this visit was on my list of things to do. The new park is quite nice and there were a few people enjoying the park and walking around. But when I went into the library and walked upstairs, I noticed immediately there were several, may I say "many," homeless people hanging around with their wads of blankets and other possessions lying on nearby tables and the floor while they talked quite loudly on cellphones (??) and/or to other nearby homeless people (the "fraternity of brothers and sisters"). This was not what I would call a "library atmosphere." No one was hollering or yelling at imaginary people, but they certainly weren't adhering to the usually low conversation tones and quietness that one might expect in a library. I walked around and sat in a few places looking through a few books and I stayed for about an hour. But it was not a pleasant experience. Additionally, I had to walk about 2 blocks from where I finally found a place to park my car. That "obstacle" alone will preclude my re-visiting this library. What a shame. It's so beautiful. read more

I didn't realize when I went to the grand opening that it was for a new daytime HOMELESS shelter that just happens to be decorated with books. I thought libraries were places to read, study, research etc., but not anymore. The Webster dictionary needs to add another definition to the word...daytime homeless shelters. There were dozens of homeless people, not one of them actually reading a book or using the library for its intended purpose. Instead the influx of homeless people gathered at the tables with their carts and hoard of belongings and sleeping bags and napped or used the power outlet. One man took the liberty to place a dirty sleeping bag on the table. Make sure to bring your own bleach wipes. read more

What can I say? One of the staff told me to get noise-canceling headphones when I suggested they need to implement more quiet areas. Rude and quite honestly very patronizing. I was looking forward to a quiet place to study but it's impossible to find because people bicker, argue, scream, snore and loudly watch tv on their mobile devices. Parents no longer teach their kids a library is a QUIET space. read more

I had never visited the old main library, but this building is beautiful and payed out well. There is plenty of space to read and there are multiple options to the sit and enjoy your favorite book. It is clean and wide open. read more

Love, love love! This building is simply beautiful, more than books indeed! There is a place for everyone. From the interactive family learning center, to the teen space, the study rooms, large computer area, lots of seating, the green room, full recording studio, and the studio makers space with 3D printing, sewing machine, word press and so much more! Bravo Long Beach! I can't wait to go back again and again. Visit their website for more information on programming. Remember these are all FREE resources :D read more

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I'm a grad school student and I was looking for a change of scenery for a place to study so I thought I'd check out DTLB's new library. The pictures looked beautiful and I have driven past it many times so I was excited. Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed. There were many homeless people inside the library and it seemed to cater to them more than the general public. The smell was pretty bad too. I ended up leaving only a few minutes after signing up and probably won't be going back. I'm all for supporting the homeless with resources, but this doesn't seem like the right place. It's sad that many people will more than likely not utilize such a beautiful building and service due to this. I'm always in awe of how much potential DTLB has, yet fails to capitalize on. read more

It's a beautiful library... But the staff, security, and mayor need to do something about the homeless population taking over this public up place. It's unfair that I'm unable to use the library to study because homeless people are occupying majority of the tables and seating. When I entered the library, there were 3 other homeless entering at the same time and security just sat there and did nothing about it. Also, I don't think the Hours listed on this page are correct. I arrived at exactly 12pm and it seems as if they've been open for an hour or two. Next time I'm just going to use the CSULB library. This building was a waste of tax payers money. The city of Long Beach should've just use this land to build a homeless shelter or affordable housing. read more

I was so excited for the opening day of the new library. An avid reader and lover of books, I was counting down the days to the grand opening. But my high hopes deflated when I reached the top of the stairs to find the seating area filled with homeless people with their carts, sleeping bags and bags of stuff. (None of them reading a book!) I know it's a public place but it makes for an uncomfortable and uninviting environment. I was really hoping things would be different at the new library but I was wrong. It's like the city built a multimillion dollar daytime homeless shelter and named it the Billy Jean King Public Library! The staff though deserve 5 stars as they were all extremely helpful. read more

Five stars for the helpful and friendly staff, gorgeous space and bright light, great book selection and lots of meeting rooms. Wish it were a better place to study, though - as others have mentioned, it is essentially a homeless shelter. The city of Long Beach should not be ok with this - it makes it impossible for the public to enjoy and I don't imagine it's fun to work there either. read more

the building and park are beautiful. good amount of seating surrounding the perimeter giving each side of the building a pretty view. i specifically came for the studio space and 3D printers which is a phenomenal resource. the reviews about the houseless PEOPLE are from racist whites who believe their experience shouldn't be interrupted by the realities of the world they participate in. if houseless HUMAN BEINGS are an issue i would advise taking it up to the city to provide solutions and work towards the root of the issue. not the blooms of the evils of capitalism. the people who are not returning because of this are doing everyone a favor as their elitist views are the real burden. the building is placed in the heart of gentrification so i'm glad people can see the truth of what long beach is. the displacement of black and brown people from their own city. the place is quiet. no one bothers each other and the staff are extremely helpful. read more

It's very unfortunate that this library is occupied by 80% homeless people. It's like a shelter some of the areas are closed inside. We have to stop feeling sorry and actually preserve out city's new infastructures. I remember how beautiful this library when it first opened, but the atmosphere inside feels like trash. The mens bathroom smells like its been regularly used by someone who has Clostridioides difficile. The study room (specifically with the green board) smells like A*S*S. True story, i found someone doing drugs intravenously in the mens restroom and had to immediately complain to the staff downstairs. It was NASTY and I felt unsafe when i saw that. Unfortunately, the staff couldnt identify the person. How can they when so many people bring their carts in? I will try to post pics next time but if you visit, you'll see how bad the homelessness is in the city of LBC. Also, pls dont ever blame it to entirely to mental health because majority of these people are offered multiple help from different community resources but most of them say no since they ARE NOT WILLING TO GIVE UP their drug addiction. As a young LBC local, i want my city to progress and not follow the severeness of homelessness in cities like LA & San francisco. read more

What a lovely library Long Beach has! Students couldn't get a better place to do homework. So much space and light!! The library is a true gem for the patrons and city of Long Beach!! read more

came here to study and it was quiet and had an overall good experience. staff were nice and helpful. however something should be done about the homeless people in here, there is a lot of homeless inside the library and none of them had a book in hand and seemed to be using it as a place to stay. they took up tables with their belongings and it felt a little unsafe but that's the only complaint i have. i hope tables are getting cleaned and sanitized often with covid still being around. read more

The following is what happens when misunderstandings and prejudices jump in between human interactions. Today, I went to the central library to try to print a documented i needed. I took my laptop because if was a pdf and it was saved on my drive. I know the drill to send via an email to the library, then call the librarian and ask to have document printed and brought downstairs to be socially distanced picked up at one of the side entrances. when i arrive around 2 pm, the fence now surrounding library had an open entrance. I walked up to the handicap access to get wifi and sat down to prepare to send doc. A probably rookie, sheriff officer came out, and what felt to me like a barking orders, told me coldly and promptly to leave the area and pointed to a sign that only read social distancing rules and rules to pick up ordered printed documents. When I asked him, why and where should i go if i was there to order a print out, he kind of changed the tune, and told me if i had already ordered it. I said 'no, i am about to send it over, but i need wifi', he kind of thought about his response for a few seconds as he saw i was ready picking up my belongings and ready to move to the side walk, when i was there within good distance, and with a reason to be there. How can I feel i was trespassing a public place?. he then soften up and said, 'ok, use the wifi, and send the document, and then call the number". "you can stay where you are" He actually came out five minutes later with the document in hand and gave it to me, of course with a toned down attitude. I thought of how easy is to escalate situations when someone who is supposed to protect and serve, acts in what most regular folks who are supposed to be protected, feel disrespected and harassed by. I was at my local library, public place, for something i am encouraged to do as a citizen of this city, and I did not feel welcomed or helped at the onset of this interaction. This officer, did not ask me if i could be helped, or inquired anything else, except gave an explicit order and with a negative overtone to rid me of the immediate proximity of the place. I usually believe in order and law, and i still do, but i am feeling it what civilians receive when the very other civilians in uniform for 8-10 hours a day, end up treating them, just because they have a badge and a gun that is supposed to be symbol of protection and trust. read more

This library is very nice and modern, with abundance of books and dvds available for check out. Unfortunately this isn't a place to sit down and read your books, as the common spaces to read or browse the internet on the library computers are taken by homeless people. I support that homeless population have access to safe space but when people are being loud, tweaking and talking loud to them selves- the library security had to remove a homeless man from the computer area as he was having a bad trip. When searching for a spot to read it was hard because most spots were taken by homeless who brought their bags of belongings which are hoarding up seats. While browsing books near the computer area I noticed a man watching porn in plain public view - then I mentioned to the library staff that I over saw an older guy watching porn she simply said "we need privacy screen covers." When asked what the policy on internet was the library staff again repeated the need for privacy screens. so I guess this type of internet surfing and public computer usage is ok- don't bring your children upstairs. If you need to check out materials I would recommend asking staff for assistance on locating items so you can promptly check ouleave and do your reading somewhere else. This is a multi million dollar public library but appears to be a day shelter. read more

After a day of struggling with a headache due to the construction in my apartment building, I came here looking for a quiet place to work. I unpacked my work laptop, headphones, water, etc., and the second I settled down was told that I was sitting in seating that was reserved for K-12 students. There was not a single other living creature in that area--only 30 open seats in a nice, well-lit area that was very quiet and perfect for focusing on work (you really think kids are going to come downtown to sit and study there at 4 PM on a Saturday???). And yet I was insistently told that I could not sit there, even though all I was going to do was plunk down at my laptop and work. Instead, was forced to go sit in a very crowded and noisy area--looking over at the kiddie area, there is still not a single living creature there. Will not be coming back to this library, no matter how nice-looking the new building is. read more