Ocean Park Branch Historical Tour & Discussion Festive Open House from Noon – 8 p.m. Join a discussion and tour of our historic Carnegie Library with Dr. Kenneth Breisch, at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 29 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Ocean Park Branch, Community Room & Exterior

It's National Friends of the Library Week (October 19 - 25)! We thank our wonderful Friends of SMPL group for their unwavering support and dedication. Their generosity and advocacy help our programs, collections, and community connections thrive every day.

Teen Decoden: Halloween Edition 👻 Join us for some very special Halloween-themed Decoden fun! Other Halloween-related treats and games will be available. For ages 13 - 18. Event supported by the Friends of SMPL. Tuesday, October 28 | 4 - 5 p.m. | Library, Youth Activity Room

Colorful elephant crafts made by kids at our branch libraries brought a playful touch to our decorations! 🐘 Join us for more fun at our festive Ocean Park Branch Open House on Wednesday, October 29, Noon - 8 p.m., where we’ll have Halloween crafts and activities for all ages. 🎃

It's National Reading Group Month! 🤓 Thinking of starting your own book club? Check out one of our Book Group in a Box kits and let SMPL help. Each kit contains everything your book group needs - 9 copies of a title, discussion questions, and more.

October is Filipino American History Month 🇵🇭 Check out these staff picks and leave your recommendations in the comments 😁

Become @cityofsantamonica.bsky.social next Poet Laureate! The Poet Laureate Program seeks to highlight the literary arts, support the creation of literary works that commemorate the diversity and vibrancy of Santa Monica. Application deadline is November 30, 2025: ow.ly/YCsC50XaIEx

Día de los Muertos Ofrenda 🏵️ Visit the Youth Services department (October 1 - November 2) to contribute to an ofrenda, a traditional altar celebrating life and death. Bring something to contribute, like paper flowers, photos, or drawings of a deceased loved one. No perishable items please.

Check out these staff picks for Hispanic Heritage Month 🌹 Share your recommendations in the comments 😁

RM of BTS says you should Read Banned Books! 📚💜 #BannedBooksWeek highlights the freedom to read, the importance of diverse stories, and raises awareness about ongoing challenges libraries face in protecting that right. Banned & Challenged Books list: smpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/disp...

Today's the last day to take the Community Mapping survey! Help us in mapping our library's future. Patrons who share their email address upon completing the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card to a local business. ow.ly/iXtB50X4Fwc

Banned Books Week Trivia Night 🚫📚 Flex your literary knowledge with a pub-style trivia competition! Compete to win prizes and raise awareness about book bans. Drinks and food not included. Tuesday, October 7 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Solidarity Restaurant, 1414 Lincoln Blvd

Last day to take the Community Mapping survey is September 30! Patrons who share their email address upon completing the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card to a local business. ow.ly/fP9Z50X1cpv

Your library card unlocks more than just books! 😆 From laptops, and study rooms to RED Kits, CA State Park passes, digital resources, and even book clubs in a box, your SMPL Library card is your all-access pass to learning, fun, and adventure. Visit smpl.org to discover all your library benefits.

Computer Class: Popular Website & Apps 💻   Discover great websites & apps to find information, fun, and get stuff done!   Wednesday, September 24 | 10:30 a.m. - Noon | Main Library, Computer Training Room

Virtual author appearance at the Mystery & Thriller Book Group Author, Rachel Howzell Hall, will be joining the group from 7:30 - 8:00 p.m. to talk about her book, "We Lie Here," and answer questions. To register, email [email protected]. Tuesday, September 16 | 7 - 8 p.m. | Zoom

Read Local, Shop Local: Community Discount Program SMPL is partnering with local businesses to offer special deals to our patrons. Simply present your library card at participating locations and enjoy exclusive discounts. For a list of participating local businesses check the link in bio.

Join Broadway writer, novelist and Santa Monica native Ashley Griffin for a creative writing workshop and reading from her second bestselling novel, “Blank Paige.” For aspiring writers ages 9 - 12. Wednesday, September 17 | 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. | Fairview Branch

Help us map our Library's future 🫶 Please fill out the survey (at the link in bio) by September 30, 2025 and join us in mapping our library's future. Patrons who provide their email will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local business.

Young Musicians Showcase 🎶 Enjoy an afternoon of live musical performances featuring up-and-coming local musicians, curated by producer Margie Friedman. From piano to voice and more. Saturday, September 13 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium

Limited-edition mini SMPL tote bags are here! 😆 Snag a mini tote bag and support the library starting Tuesday, September 2, while supplies last. 🛍️ $10 each. Cash and card accepted. 🟡 Available in Red or Yellow Sold at: 📍 Main Library 📍 Montana Branch 📍 Pico Branch

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! 📚 To celebrate the best time of the year we are launching our Community Discount Program and selling mini tote bags, while supplies last. To see a full list of participating businesses, check the link in our bio. #SMPublicLibrary

Lychee Berry Labubu visits self-service locations 😉 Adult cardholders with active and in good standing accounts can access these locations using their library card and PIN during open hours. 📘 Fairview Branch Library | 2101 Ocean Park Blvd. 📘 Ocean Park Branch Library | 2601 Main St.

SMPL's Community Mapping initiative seeks to better align library programs and services with the needs of the community. Please fill out the survey (at the link in bio) by September 30, 2025 and join us in mapping our library's future.

Lychee Berry Labubu visits our full-service locations 😆 📘 Main Library | 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 📘 Montana Branch Library | 1704 Montana Ave. 📘 Pico Branch Library | 2201 Pico Blvd.

Persepolis Film Screening 🍿 After the film screening, ages 13 - 18 are invited to join a book discussion. Free copies available to teens at the Youth Services desk, while supplies last. Tuesday, August 26 | 5 - 6:45 p.m. | Main Library, Multipurpose Room

Thank you to everyone who joined our first Community Conversation at Montana Branch! We loved hearing your ideas and feedback, which will help us map the future of our Library. There’s still time to share your thoughts. Take our Community Mapping survey through September 30: bit.ly/4kmQWkN

Are you team read or team stream? 📚🎥 Check out our read or stream display at the Main Library to discover books adapted for TV and film. Share your thoughts with us if you prefer the book or the adaptation. Find more books on screen 🙃 smpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/disp...

Did you know? Every one of the Santa Monica Public Library locations is just steps from a Big Blue Bus stop! 🚏📖 So next time you're planning a library visit, leave the car behind and hop on a Big Blue Bus! To plan your trip visit, bigbluebus.com.

The Summer Reading Program is coming to an end this Saturday! Be sure to log your reading at smpl.beanstack.com and redeem your prizes at the Main Library, Pico Branch, or Montana Branch, while supplies last, by Saturday, August 16.

Ukulele 101 with Cali Rose 🎶 Learn how to hold your uke, read a chord chart, and play three songs! Bring your own instrument, borrow one of ours, or check out a Ukulele RED Kit from the Library. For adults and teens. Saturday, August 16 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Main Library, Multipurpose Room

Kids & teens, don't miss the chance to get a Pacific Park ride ticket! 🎡 Here's the breakdown of our Summer Reading Program prizes. Be sure to pick them up at the Main Library, Pico Branch, or Montana Branch before Summer Reading ends on Saturday, August 16, while supplies last.

Join the last Literary Lounge of the summer 📚☀ A space for bibliophiles to bond over books, with music and refreshments. Bring your own book or choose one from a collection of staff favorites. Thursday, August 14 | 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. | Main Library, Central Courtyard

Ever wonder what our book trucks get up to? Watch this video to find out! 🙃

Adults, complete the Summer Reading Program by August 16 to be entered into a drawing for one of five $50 gift certificates from local businesses (Socalo Mexican Restaurant, Triple Beam Pizza, Handel’s Ice Cream, Rosti Tuscan Kitchen, and Marmalade Cafe). smpl.beanstack.com

Santa Monica Reads returns in early 2026, and we want your book suggestions! Titles should be in print and available for purchase, widely accessible, and good for generating discussion. Submit book suggestions to [email protected] by August 16. More info: www.santamonica.gov/programs/san...

LEGO Time at Ocean Park 🟦🟪🟩 Build a city by the sea at a branch by the sea with LEGO! All materials provided. For ages 18 months - 11 years old. Friday, August 1 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Ocean Park Branch, 2601 Main St.

Celebrate #SharkWeek by completing the Summer Reading Program! 🦈 Readers ages 5 - 11 can log their minutes at smpl.beanstack.com to win prizes. Kids get one of our stuffed animals, a Mendocino Farms cookie coupon, and Pacific Park Ride coupon (while supplies last).

SMPL’s Community Mapping initiative seeks to design library programs and services that reflect the needs of the community. Learn more and share your feedback by September 30, 2025 for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local business: www.santamonica.gov/programs/com...

Just in time for Comic Con, author Margaret Stohl discusses her latest book with women writers, illustrators, and creators who have contributed to the Marvel Comics and Cinematic Universes. A book sale and signing follow. Thursday, July 24 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium

Teens, don't forget to log your Summer Reading hours at smpl.beanstack.com for a chance to win a $25 Gift Card to Barnes & Noble.

There’s still time to sign up for Summer Reading at smpl.beanstack.com! 📚✨ Big thanks to our awesome teen volunteers who helped prepare some of our prizes.

Library staff and board members marched alongside Santa Monica History Partners, including the Santa Monica Conservancy, Santa Monica Pier, and the Annenberg Community Beach House, at the 2025 Santa Monica 4th of July Parade.   More info, visit oceanparkassociation.org or santamonicaparade.com.

Summer Reading is in full swing! 📚😎 Log your reading time at smpl.beanstack.com and be sure to stop by the Main Library, Pico, or Montana Branch to pick up your prizes.

We all just need a library visit with our book bestie! 🙃 Share and tag us on your library outings. #SummerAtTheLibrary

Let's do some social reading! 📚😆 Discover the Literary Lounge, a space for bibliophiles to bond over books, with music and light refreshments. Thursday, July 10 and August 14 | 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. | Main Library, Central Courtyard

Regular Guy Dave's Wacky Balloon & Fun Academy 🎈   Make balloon animals, plus silly magic tricks and games, at the wackiest fun academy ever! Space is limited; free tickets available at 2:30 p.m. Ages 5 - 11.   Tuesday, July 1 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Fairview Branch, Community Room

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Summer Reading Program Kickoff! 🎡📚  We had a blast and hope you did too! Keep the carnival fun going all summer long by logging your reading and earning prizes. Sign up at smpl.beanstack.com. #SMPublicLibrary #SummerReading

Visualize it! 😎📚🌴 Summer at SMPL, because life’s better with books and dance breaks. Share and tag us on your library adventures this summer.

Summer Reading! Starting today through Saturday, August 16, log your reading time online at smpl.beanstack.com and earn prizes. Show your registration badge at Main Library, Pico Branch, or Montana Branch to receive a @FriendsOfSMPL Bookstore coupon, while supplies last.