Manhattan Beach Library
Community Needs
Assessment:
Strategic Priorities &
Spatial Assessment
Manhattan Beach City Council
April 21, 2026
Key Themes of Community Needs from Research
Library is Well-
Liked and
Utilized
More Community
Meeting Space is
Needed
Limited Parking
Affects Access
Building
Maintenance
Challenges
An Increasing
Interest in
Alternative Spaces
“More…” Books,
Programs, Events,
Seating, Study Rooms
Survey Results
3 Top 3 “Very interested” in following new
library spaces
Top 3 ”Not interested” in following new library
spaces
• 36.5% Creative/fabrication lab
space/makerspace
• 30.0% Demo/Learning kitchens
• 29.0% Demo/Learning garden
• 28.4% Audio/video/podcasting
• 25.2% Cafe
• 24.0% Bookmobile
A Community’s
Vision for the
Library
Programs
• Develop dynamic, innovative and enriching
programs that recognize a diverse community
Spaces
• Provide flexible, functional and safe spaces
for community to connect and engage
Resources
• Contribute information, technology and
cultural resources to the community
Outreach
• Outreach to the community to facilitate
access to resources and conversations
Strategic
Priorities
for the
Library
Spatial
Assessment:
Are we meeting library
guidelines for space?
Do we have adequate
space to do the things
that we would like to do in
the strategic priorities?
Spatial Assessment:
Recommendations
• Develop outdoor patio space for additional
seating, programming, and community space.
• Consider adding to MBL’s collection.
• Redesign main entry to improve user experience
and improve security.
• Reduce the number of public computer
workstations.
• Consider ways to brighten the children’s area.
• Consider ways to address the outdoor
environment’s impact on building
maintenance.
• Consider adding additional space for group
study.
• Redesign staff workspace on the second floor
to create a better working environment.
MBL Outdoor Space
Examples of Library
Outdoor Spaces
Fostering Community
Engagement
Both indoor and outdoor spaces
foster social interaction,
engagement, and public access to
valuable resources.