DISQUS

For starters, I have to say I am stunned by haters of Long Beach. Haters of people. Haters of the library. What happened to everyone? I actually feel pretty sad for you because there's lots of good stuff going on down here in downtown Long Beach. You should try visiting it sometime.

Secondly, I want to say that I live in downtown Long Beach and own a business here as well. I am a citizen, I am college educated, and I am working professional. I pay my taxes each and every year. And my husband and I use the Main library all the time. In fact, I have two books at home now . When I go to the Main library, I see a wide range of phenomenal people enjoying the facilities. Young and old. Rich and poor. Black, brown and white. Those with homes and those without. I've heard a number of fascinating speakers in the library auditorium as well. It's always teeming with activity. I love it. It may not be the fanciest of libraries, but it well-used and well-appreciated.

I do understand if the building is not safe and we need to consider alternatives. No one wants library patrons and employees in an unsafe building with structural/mold problems. But let's have a real public discussion about the issues and options.

At a minimum, let's put in place an alternate location first with the same level of resources other neighborhoods receive. I don't care that Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls will get longer library hours. That's a silly justification. The bottom line is that it's my tax money, dammit, and I demand a say in what happens to my community. And I want a library!!!

Gina

I've been getting Beach Greens since January and it's the best thing ever! I was a part of a CSA farm (community supported agriculture) before but I walk most places and getting to the pickup point had it's challenges. This is a great alternative. And Aliye isn't lying about the strawberries either. They are mouthwatering - in fact, they rarely last longer than 24 hours in our household. Yum!