Santa Monica Public Library Announces Reopening Plans
June 3, 2020 11:42 AM
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced in May 2020 that public libraries may reopen for curbside service. The City will soon share more information about when the Santa Monica Public Library can safely reopen under the new health guidelines. We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we move forward in reopening library services to the community.
“The Library is taking a phased approach to ensure the health and safety of our patrons and staff. We look forward to providing safe, supportive access to the library’s materials and resources. We are excited to welcome the community back,” said Patty Wong, Library Director.
We are adapting our buildings and changing the way we connect with you, including:
- Conducting health screenings and providing personal protective equipment for library staff
- Taking steps to ensure social distancing, including limiting the number of staff and patrons in the library
- Increasing cleaning and sanitization
- Adapting high-touch services and library programming
- Keeping library returns quarantined for a designated period of time
- Altering library hours of operation
Our next steps will be reopening the book returns and launching contactless curbside holds pick-ups at select library locations. Dates for these services will be announced soon, so stay tuned. Until then, library patrons are asked to keep their checked-out items a little longer. No late fees will be assessed during the library closure.
We’ll continue to test and implement library services and protocols to enrich your library experience. In the meantime, enjoy our digital services, available 24/7 at smpl.org/online.
- Download e-books and e-audiobooks, stream movies and music, read digital newspapers and magazines. Get help with homework, learn a new language, and discover a wealth of entertainment and education options for the whole family.
- Need a hand discovering new books, movies, and music? Check out our “Staff ePicks” for themed lists, hand-picked by our staff for everyone from kids to adults.
- Need a library card? Sign up for a temporary e-card today.
- Join us for online programs for all ages, including our “Library at Home” activity videos that focus on early literacy concepts in a fun and engaging way using items you have at home. A new one is released every Friday.
- Watch for registration information for Santa Monica Reads All Summer our new online summer reading and Santa Monica Reads program.
See all of our digital collections and online programs at smpl.org/online. Follow us for the latest on Instagram @SantaMonicaLibr, Facebook @SMpublib and Twitter @SantaMonicaLibr.
Questions? Feel free to call us at 310-458-8600 or email reference@smgov.net. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm, and look forward to connecting with you!
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Media Contact
Rachel Foyt
Senior Administrative Analyst
Rachel.Foyt@santamonica.gov