LHRT (Library History Round Table)

January 13, 2025 

Dear Colleagues, 

Bobbie Smith made history as the first African American librarian at Long Beach City College, serving from the late 1960s to 1992. During her tenure, she was a devoted member of numerous college committees and played an active role in state and national library organizations. She achieved several significant milestones, including becoming the first African American elected as the Academic Senate President at the college. 

In addition to her accomplishments at the college, Bobbie was also a trailblazer in public service. She was the first African American elected to the Long Beach Unified School Board, serving from 1988 to 2004. In 2014, Peter Burnett Elementary School in Long Beach was renamed in her honor, further solidifying her legacy in the community. 

Beyond her professional roles, Bobbie Smith was a passionate advocate for women's rights and equity. She was an active member of the Long Beach Branch NAACP and served as president of the National Council of Negro Women in Long Beach. 

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, we propose renaming the Liberal Arts Campus L-Building at Long Beach City College to the Bobbie Smith Library. This initiative is inspired by an article published in the Council of Chief Librarians (CCL) Newsletter, which was later republished in the Little Known Black Librarian Facts blog, celebrating her remarkable life and work. 

To ensure the success of this effort, we seek strong community support. Please consider adding your name in support by completing this brief form. By adding your name to the form, you are joining us in honoring Bobbie Smith's extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on our community.   

For more information, please contact one of the committee members. 

Sincerely, 

Bobbie Smith Library Renaming Committee

 Dele C. Ladejobi, LBCC Professor & Librarian, dladejobi@lbcc.edu 

Uduak-Joe Ntuk, LBCC Board of Trustee President, ntuk@lbcc.edu 

Jeff Sabol, LBCC Professor & Librarian, jsabol@lbcc.edu  

Shamika J. Simpson, LBCC Professor & Librarian, ssimpson@lbcc.edu