Design of new North LB library unveiled

Sean Belk
Staff Writer

Local residents got a glimpse of the new design of the proposed 25,500-square-foot North Neighborhood Library that was unveiled during a community assembly last Saturday, Feb. 2, co-hosted by Long Beach City Councilmembers Steven Neal and Al Austin. The event took place at Houghton Park Community Center, 6301 Myrtle Ave.
The library, which city officials describe as a “state-of-the-art focal point” for the North Village, will replace the aging and condemned Atlantic Theater, located in the 5800 block of Atlantic Avenue between South and 59th streets. The project, funded by Build America bonds, is expected to incorporate the historic Atlantic Theater tower.

Plans presented to the community include a 3,800-square-foot community center that features an outdoor patio with a “green screen.” The site plan also includes a public plaza and space for retail development. The plaza’s focal point is expected to be a public art piece, and a pedestrian promenade will extend across Atlantic Avenue. Interior plans include areas for children, teens and adults with outdoor reading gardens.