More than 150 elementary school students put their chalk art skills on display Wednesday to transform the Burnett Neighborhood Library (Burnett) parking lot into a superhero-themed celebration of Measure A. Measure A has invested $850,000 in improvements to libraries throughout Long Beach, to date. The theme of the Chalk Art Extravaganza was “Building a Super Long Beach,” and library staff assisted and encouraged the students to draw their versions of a super Long Beach.

At Burnett, Measure A funded the repair and resurfacing of their two parking lots, including striping, new parking bumpers, ADA upgrades and signage. These improvements also helped water drain properly instead of pooling when it rains. The larger parking lot provided a pristine canvas for chalk drawing by the many students of Bobbie Smith Elementary. These students regularly frequent the local branch library after school to utilize the Family Learning Center and to do homework.

“We are celebrating the Measure A investment occurring in libraries citywide. The librarians and staff at Burnett Library, and all our City libraries, are super heroes. They are helping families every single day,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Measure A is helping to ensure our libraries are in great shape, so that they can continue to benefit and serve our communities.”

Approved by voters as a 10-year sales tax to fund public infrastructure and public safety services, Measure A has funded the recently completed major construction efforts at Burnett and four other libraries with additional ADA enhancements forthcoming.

“I am glad that Measure A is investing in public safety and infrastructure citywide,” said Councilmember Dee Andrews. “I am especially glad that it is supporting Burnett in becoming even more accessible to the community.”

Additional ADA accommodations at Burnett will include a new circulation desk that will improve access for people of various physical abilities, and hearing loops to make it possible for people with hearing impairments to participate more easily in the great programming happening at this branch.