The Library’s summer reading program has been an annual tradition for 86 years.  Part fun, part lifelong learning, and part “summer slide” prevention, the 2016 program attracted 4,929 children and teens, and challenged them to keep track of minutes read through incentive-based reading goals.   This summer had the biggest overall...

On Saturday, July 16th we had the grand re-opening celebration for the Fairview Branch Library.  About 450 people came to this library throughout the day for a welcome ceremony with speeches by Mayor Tony Vazquez, City Manager Rick Cole, and Branch Manager Ashley Kagan, Hawaiian dancing lessons and performances, fantastic...

Reading-2-Go brings the library and its resources to young children in informal home care in three languages (English, Spanish, Amharic).   These children are not in daycare or preschool so they are at risk for literacy instruction.  According to the 2014 Santa Monica Youth Wellbeing Report Card, 16% of children entering...

Who says kids should have all the fun?!  EXERCISE Your Mind by signing up for adult summer reading at any SMPL location.  You’ll receive a book bag, fitness journal (while supplies last) and a participation form.  Record three books you read or listen to or library program you attend this...

Launch Pad is a way for library staff to try out new program ideas. Coming up: We are testing some staff designed programs that we think will connect you closer to the community, inspire you and teach you something new! Technology Lab will provide one-on-one help using devices Learn storytelling using...

As a taste of what’s to come the library held a Raspberry Pi workshop at the Pico Branch Library on April 18, 2016.  Mara Cabrera, Librarian, and a teen from Olympic High School, Revenn, hosted a basic “light up LED” program using the Raspberry Pi computing devices. Mara and Revenn developed the class...

On Friday, April 29, the Library helped kick off the second annual YALLWEST Young Adult Book Festival with a preview night event called Fierce Friday. The event featured a dozen top authors meeting their fans, signing books and taking photos.  The event was produced in collaboration with Fierce Reads, Macmillan...

In honor of National Pet Week, Library PALS (“Library Pets & Animal Lovers”) is hosting a pet supply drive to benefit the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.  During the month of May, donation bins will be available at all Library locations. Check out the shelter’s EatPlayLove Wishlist of needed items. Thank you for helping...

What better way to embody the library as vibrant learning center than to become a site of interactive learning. As part of this year’s How-To Festival, each Santa Monica Public Library location hosts a Saturday filled with 45-minute workshops exploring potential hobbies, cultivating new skills, and engaging in fun activities. The How-To Festival serves as...

Over the past year, the Library has gone through a strategic planning process. A major focus was hearing from community members about their aspirations for the Library and Santa Monica. Adults and youth shared that they valued the Library as a central hub and a primary resource for information and...