Library budget cuts

Urged the council to reconsider library cuts, especially the lost day of access that families with non-traditional work schedules rely on for safe, supervised youth spaces.

Framed libraries as crime prevention and youth safety infrastructure and proposed ideas including a one-year library bridge fund and a public-private fundraising campaign.

Long Beach Public Library Foundation director reported a petition with over 6,200 signatures and nearly $10,000 in unsolicited donations, asking the council to preserve Monday services and library jobs.

Friends of the Library president said the mayor, council, and manager should 'walk their talk' and called the proposed permanent library cuts disgraceful.

A Lakewood resident and incoming USC law student urged the committee to protect library hours and staffing from proposed budget cuts, calling libraries essential third spaces for students and seniors.