The new Mark Twain Neighborhood Library–the first new public library to be built in the city in more than 35 years–is designed to become a hub of community life. The 16,000-square-foot library will serve more than 60,000 people in central Long Beach. One of its major components–the Family Learning Center will provide free computer access, bilingual homework help and one-on-one ESL and literacy assistance.
With the opening of the library scheduled for August 11, the Long Beach Library Foundation has established a donation program dubbed the “Yellow Brick Road Campaign” to solicit community members to support the Mark Twain Family Learning Center.
Corporate and foundation donors have already lined up to be a part of this project. Now there is an opportunity for everyone to contribute and become part of Long Beach history. Donors giving $50 or more to the Yellow Brick Road Campaign will be recognized with their own “virtual brick” in the lobby of the Mark Twain Library.
All the “virtual bricks” will be displayed on a state-of-the art interactive plasma touch-screen.
“With [the public’s] help,” said Sara Pillet, Library Foundation Executive Director, “the Long Beach Public Library Foundation will ensure that the Mark Twain Family Learning Center–and all of our public library family learning centers–will continue to serve the children and families who need them most.”
The Library Foundation maintains family learning centers at each of the city’s libraries. At these after-school study sites, youngsters and their parents find specially staffed areas with computers, study materials and trained Homework Helpers who assist them on school assignments.
The learning frequently extends to the parents, many of whom are studying English and expanding their computer skills alongside their children. These learning centers have become award-winning national models for excellent literacy programs.
For more information, or to purchase a brick, contact the Library Foundation at (562) 628-2441 or email lbpl.foundation@charter.net.
