Long Beach Public Library Invites Residents to Join Community Quilt Project

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library proudly presents Hilos de Sueños y Recuerdos: Sew it Goes, a community-based sewing lab series. Participants are invited to attend open lab events throughout October and November and work on a personal sewing project while contributing to a collaborative community quilt. The quilt will showcase photos, prints and shared memories that have been transferred onto fabric. Once completed, the final quilt will be revealed on Saturday, Nov. 23, and will rotate display at all 12 Library branches.

"The Hilos de Sueños y Recuerdos project beautifully embodies the spirit of Long Beach-a city rich in culture, community and collaboration," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "By stitching together our stories, we not only preserve our history, but also celebrate the diversity and unity that make Long Beach a remarkable place to live. These events will bring residents together to create something meaningful and lasting."

The kick-off event for Hilos de Sueños y Recuerdos will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). While those interested in participating are encouraged to attend, it is not required. Open labs will take place at various Library branches from 1 to 4 p.m. on the following dates:

• Saturday, Oct. 12 at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.)
• Saturday, Oct. 19 at Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.)
• Saturday, Oct. 26 at Billie Jean King Main Library
• Saturday, Nov. 9 at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
• Saturday, Nov. 16 at Harte Neighborhood Library

Hilos de Sueños y Recuerdos is open to people ages 12 and older and no prior sewing experience is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring family photos to scan, transfer to fabric and sew into the quilt. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own sewing machines. While supplies will be provided, they are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required to attend, and Spanish language support will be available.

Hilos de Sueños y Recuerdos will celebrate the community's contributions and hard work with a quilt reveal on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library. Participants will share the significance of their design through storytelling. The event will feature live music and refreshments.

"At Long Beach Public Library, we strive to offer programs that foster creativity, connection and learning," said Director of Library, Arts, and Culture Cathy De Leon. "Hilos de Sueños y Recuerdos is a perfect example of how libraries can serve as spaces for personal expression and community engagement. We are excited to see how the collective stories, memories and artistic contributions come together in a quilt that will be cherished for years to come."

Hilos de Sueños y Recuerdos is made possible with support from California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities that produces, funds, creates and supports humanities-based projects and programs, eye-opening cultural experiences and meaningful conversations. For more information, visit calhum.org.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Library, Arts, and Culture visit lbpl.org and follow @lbcitylibrary on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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