Long Beach, CA – Long Beach City College (LBCC) proudly announces the renaming of its Liberal Arts Campus Library to the Bobbie Smith Library, honoring the college’s first African American librarian and a lifelong education leader for literacy, equity, and justice.

“Bobbie Smith devoted her life to education—not just as a profession, but as a calling. Her service on our local school board and as a college librarian was marked by courage, compassion, and a fierce belief that every child deserved the opportunity to thrive,” said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, President of the LBCC Board of Trustees. “We hope each student who walks into the Bobbie Smith Library, may they be inspired to read a little deeper, dream a little bigger, and stand a little taller—because of the path she paved.”

The late Bobbie Smith holds a historic place in LBCC’s legacy—not only as the first Black woman hired at the College but also as a department head, Academic Senate President, and Faculty Union President. From 1970 until her retirement in 1992, Smith championed academic excellence and social change through her leadership and advocacy.

“Bobbie Smith left an indelible mark on this city, on Long Beach City College, and beyond,” said LBCC Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz. “She was an exceptional librarian, educator, and activist who passionately championed education for all, social justice, and women’s rights. The renaming of this library sends a powerful message to our students—especially our Black and African American students—that they belong here, and that their stories matter. Her legacy will live on as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.”

Renaming the LBCC Liberal Arts Campus Library in her honor recognizes her profound contributions and inspires future generations to uphold the values she embodied: service, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. This building renaming honors her legacy and reaffirms LBCC’s commitment to uplift role models who embody diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence. The renaming effort was led by LBCC librarians Dele Ladejobi, Shamika Simpson, and Jeffrey Sabol, and received unanimous support from the LBCC Board of Trustees at their February 2025 board meeting.

To further honor Smith’s contributions, LBCC Library Department has launched the Bobbie Smith Scholarship to support students in the Library Science Program. This scholarship memorializes her pioneering work and dedication to education, ensuring that her spirit of service lives on through those pursuing similar paths. More information about the scholarship can be found at LBCCFoundation.org.

Smith’s impact extended far beyond LBCC. She served four terms as President of the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education—becoming the first African American woman elected to the position. She was an active member of the NAACP, President of the National Council of Negro Women’s Long Beach chapter, and founding vice president of the Eradicate the Hate Organization. In 2014, LBUSD renamed Peter Burnett Elementary School in her honor.

“This re-naming is not only about honoring a remarkable legacy—it’s about reaffirming our shared commitment to the values Bobbie Smith championed: equity, access, and excellence in education,” said Muñoz. “Her name will now forever be etched into the heart of our campus and the future of our students.”