Hello Long Beach! Here are the latest local news highlights to kick off the week of Monday, June 4th.
Annual Summer Reading Program offers incentives for participation
The Long Beach Public Library’s Summer Reading Program begins Saturday, June 10, and invites readers of all ages to participate in reading activities and special events. This program is offering incentives for every five days a participant reads and is awarding extra incentives for those who complete activities and write book reviews. Each library location will host a variety of events throughout the summer including magic shows, musical performances, wildlife encounters, and more. For older crowds, the libraries will host workshops, book talks, poetry programs, and other events. To see the full calendar of Summer Reading events, visit the Library’s website at lbpl.org. Registration for Summer Reading begins June 10, in person at any Library location or online. Residents can register and begin participating at any time during the program.
Long Beach is increasing access to sexual health resources
The Long Beach Health Department has launched a new free condom distribution program to promote sexual health and reduce HIV/STI infections. The health department is offering this program to remove financial and social barriers related to sexual health care while also providing information to individuals and free STI testing resources. The program will continue through June 2024, with funding provided by the California Department of Public Health. The program aligns with Goal 1 of the HIV/STD Strategy, which calls for the expansion of access to condoms to reduce new HIV and STD infections. Those who are interested can fill out an order form here with the desired amount of product for free pickup at the Main Health building (2525 Grand Ave.). More information about the condom distribution program is available here.
Free business resources and courses available through Long Beach Digital Library
The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) provides free business resources through its Digital Library, which offers access to top professional development platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning that can sometimes cost up to $1,000 or more per subscription. Long Beach residents only need an LBPL library card to develop skills in entrepreneurship, management, strategic planning, sales growth, market research and data, and much more. Many of these resources are available in Spanish and some programs even offer certificates for completing courses. For more information on how to utilize the online business resources, visit any Long Beach local library or call 562.570.7500.
Violence Prevention Community Symposium to be held June 30
The Long Beach Advancing Peace program will host the Leaders of Violence Prevention Community Symposium in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The symposium aims to address violence prevention efforts and the challenges the community faces through mini-lectures and an interactive panel discussion. The symposium will take place Friday, June 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Miller Family Health Education Center (3820 Cherry Ave.) and will feature a diverse group of community leaders to share the history and best practices of community violence prevention in Long Beach. This event is part of the Long Beach Advancing Peace Initiative to build safe and healthy neighborhoods through a trauma-informed approach. For those interested in attending, register here. Learn more here.
Smart City Initiative program aims to improve neighborhoods through tech-based solutions
The Long Beach Collaboratory (LB Co-Lab) is part of the city’s Smart City Initiative program whose purpose is to help people learn how to use technology and to invest in technology advancements that would best benefit communities based on their needs. LB Co-Lab is focused on making technology-based improvements for the Ramona Park, Hamilton, Westside, and Wilmore neighborhoods. Long Beach is currently looking to partner with qualified organizations to support the city’s technological enhancements in the following ways:
Pedestrian Safety in the Hamilton Neighborhood
Hamilton is in need of a technology-based street improvement solution for pedestrian safety and better visibility to create a positive neighborhood experience for residents, businesses, and students. Qualified organizations interested in taking on this project can view specific details related to this Request for Proposal here.
Reliable Internet Connectivity in the Ramona Park Neighborhood
Ramona Park is in need of efficient and reliable internet connectivity across the neighborhood’s public spaces for the community’s residents, businesses, and visitors. Qualified organizations interested in taking on this project can view specific details related to this Request for Proposal here.
Park Utilization and Safety in the Westside Neighborhood
Westside is seeking a community-building technology-based solution to encourage park utilization and improve safety at Silverado Park. Qualified organizations interested in taking on this project can view specific details related to this Request for Proposal here.
Safe Streets in the Willmore Neighborhood
Willmore is seeking an accessible, simple, and non-threatening technology-based solution to promote pedestrian and cyclist safety and create a sense of community well-being for the Willmore neighborhood. Qualified organizations interested in taking on this project can view specific details related to this Request for Proposal here.
What's Your Reaction?
