Long Beach public librarian Virginia Sanchez was at one time stationed at the Dana Branch in Bixby Knolls, but now she’s stationed in Afghanistan, where she has created a library. Soldiers there are able to share time with their children via web cam, but Sanchez is trying to help them also read bedtime stories to their kids, as well as fulfill their buddy reading duties while serving!but there is a lack of books.
Drop-off locations and times for the book drive include:Los Cerritos Elementary, 515 W. San Antonio Drive on Friday December 12 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm; Once Upon A Story, 3740 E. 4th St., until Friday, Dec. 19 (closed Mondays); and the Long Beach Depot for Creative Re-Use, 320 Elm Avenue.
To show appreciation to book donors, Los Cerritos Elementary is hosting a Handmade Holiday event Friday, Dec. 12 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There will be a selection of craft projects and supplies available to make unique and handmade items for gift giving, as well as a health expo and book fair. Once Upon a Story has offered to bring out a selection of their best books and gift items which will be for sale in the school library.