Public Works

Alamitos Neighborhood Library Improvements

General Overview

The Alamitos Neighborhood Library has served as a hub in the Alamitos community for nearly 100 years. The current building at 1836 E. 3rd St. opened its doors in January 1929, making it the oldest branch in the City of Long Beach’s library system.The building’s distinctive architectural elements, including hand-painted ceiling beams, wrought iron railings, and terra cotta tile, are well-preserved and continually maintained by the City. In March 2016, the Alamitos Neighborhood Library received the City’s Historical Landmark designation, ensuring its continued preservation as a place of culture, learning and community.

The Alamitos Neighborhood Library is undergoing improvement in two phases:

Phase 1 (Complete): This phase repaired the HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing systems to provide needed maintenance to the building to improve visitor experience.

Phase 2: Repair and restoration to two of the library's distinctive, historical features: 

1. Windows: Repair leaks and chipped paint in the original windows to restore them to their original condition.
2. Wood Doors: Fix water-damage and rot in the wood doors, ensuring they are structurally and aesthetically restored.

Timeline

The library will be open during construction after the initial closure.

Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforseen circumstances.

Objectives

This project aims to: 

• Extend the life of the library
• Optimize energy efficiency and operations
• Improve visitor experience
• Preserve and beautify historical features of the building

Proposed Improvements:

• Restore windows to extend their lifespan and protect against rain
• Repair and restore solid wood doors to ensure safety and preserve the character of the building

Project Funding

This project is currently supported by Measure A funds. Measure A is a Long Beach ballot initiative approved by voters in 2016 as a 10-year sales tax to fund public infrastructure and public safety services and was extended indefinitely by voters in 2020. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/measurea.

Contact Information

Tina Cheng, Capital Projects Coordinator
Tina.Cheng@longbeach.gov | 562.570.6975