Access the Library 24/7 at smpl.org! ❄️ @cityofsantamonica.bsky.social Council approved an annual two-week Winter Closure, from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026. Pick up your holds and stock up on all your favorite reads by Saturday, December 20.

🎮 New Video Game Collection! The collection contains Nintendo Switch games including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo Switch Sports, Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee!, and more. Video games check out for 2-weeks, with a maximum of three games per cardholder, and located at Main Library.

Basic Mending Workshop 🧵 Slow down your fashion and extend the life of your clothing! Come learn the hand sewing techniques you need to fix popped seams, replace missing buttons, and add patches. Thursday, December 11 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Montana Branch, Community Room

Children’s Holiday Book Fair 📚 Kids and teens are invited to “shop” for free gift books for their parents, siblings, or someone special, then wrap them up to share this holiday season. Tuesday, December 9 | 4 - 6:30 p.m. | Fairview Branch, Community Room

All Santa Monica Public Library locations close early on Wednesday, November 26 at 5 p.m. and close on Thursday, November 28 & Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving Day. We're available 24/7 at smpl.org. Get eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, music, movies & more!

Deadline Extended! Apply by December 7, 2025 to become the next @santamonicacity Poet Laureate. Santa Monica residents (18+) interested in serving for the 2026-2028 term may complete the online application. For more info, visit: www.santamonica.gov/programs/poe...

Congratulations to our patron Kaitlin, one of three winners of a $100 gift card to a local business for completing our Community Mapping Survey! Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey! Learn more here: www.santamonica.gov/topic-explai...

📢 Bike Repair (Read, Engage, Discover) Kits are now available for check out! New RED Kits include a Bike Tool Brake, Bike Tool Flat Tire, Bike Tool Drivetrain & Miscellaneous, Bike Tool Chain, and a Bike Tool Bicycle Pump. Try them out today and keep rolling.

There’s still time to apply for the honor of serving as the next Poet Laureate! The Poet Laureate program fosters new writing that reflects @cityofsantamonica.bsky.social diversity, and strengthens arts education across the community. Apply by November 30, 2025: www.santamonica.gov/programs/poe...

Thank You to Santa Monica Conservancy! 🥰 Each year, they recognize people and projects that are preserving the stories and historic places that shape Santa Monica’s future. We're honored that our Family Oral History RED Kit has received the Community History Award.

There is still time to apply to become the next Poet Laureate of @cityofsantamonica.bsky.social Santa Monica residents who are 18+ and interested in serving may nominate themselves by completing the online application by November 30, 2025. For more information, visit: ow.ly/J6o850XaIEy

Join us for a screening of the documentary "MAKE A CIRCLE," a love letter to early educators and a rallying cry for a childcare system in crisis. Panel discussion follows. Monday, November 17 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium

This Week at the Library, wash away your stress at the sound bath event ✨ Plan your library visits: ow.ly/O2x550XoOnw

New Adult Manga Collection at the Main Library! Located on the first floor, this new collection offers a range of popular titles you can check out for 4 weeks and renew up to 3 times. We also offer a Teen Manga Collection at the Main Library, Montana Branch, and Pico Branch.

Sound Bath for a Calm Holiday Season 🧘‍♀️ This grounding, 45-minute sound bath will wash away stress, soothe your nervous system, and leave you feeling ready to move through the season with peace, presence, and ease. Wednesday, November 12 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Ocean Park Branch, Community Room

Santa Monica Poet Laureate 2026 - 2028! The @cityofsantamonica.bsky.social Poet Laureate program seeks to highlight the literary arts, support the creation of literary works that commemorate the diversity and vibrancy of Santa Monica. Apply by November 30, 2025. www.santamonica.gov/programs/poe...

Happy Halloween! 🎃 👻 #SMPublicLibrary #SpookySzn #Halloween

Cruising J-Town: Japanese American Car Culture in Los Angeles Professor/Writer/DJ Oliver Wang goes behind the wheel of the Nikkei community for his new book, Cruising J-Town. A book sale and signing follow. Monday, November 3 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | Main Library, Multipurpose Room

Join this all-ages community writing event exploring “Stories of Home.” Bring an item that represents home and create an “I Am From” poem. Session led by poet Ivory Rose. Registration required: ow.ly/RpoJ50XhYog Saturday, November 1 | 12 - 2 p.m. | Pico Branch, The Annex

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