In the face of increased book bannings across the country, Long Beach will explore the feasibility of expanding its online catalog nationwide, the Long Beach City Council decided Tuesday.
Long Beach Public Library has an online service called Libby, which contains over 42,000 e-book titles, magazines and audiobooks. Currently, any Long Beach resident and California resident may receive a library card to access Libby.
From 2001-2020, the American Library Association documented an average of 273 book titles challenged per year in libraries across the country. Last year, 2,452 titles were challenged, with the goal of removing them from libraries.
“By expanding the service to provide access to young people outside of California, we can stand in defense of students and young readers who are losing access to ‘controversial works’ and their freedom to choose what information to engage with,” said Councilmember Megan Kerr, who authored the item.
City staff will work with Libby to see if the platform can support having non-residents access Long Beach library digital materials. The city council will receive updates in 90 days.
