Santa Monica Public Library Unveils New Self-Service Hours at Ocean Park Branch Library

July 14, 2021 12:45 PM

Community members can now sign up for Santa Monica Public Library’s innovative new Self-Service Hours that allow users to pick up items on reserve, and access materials and resources with a swipe of their Library card at the Ocean Park Branch. The new service launches on July 28, 2021. Community members with pre-approved access will be able to access the Branch on Wednesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

“We know our patrons are eager to get back to the library and we are excited to expand access to our collections through self-service hours enabled through this grant-funded technology,” said Library Director Patty Wong. “There’s more to look forward to in the fall with expanded in-person hours and youth services. We hope to see more familiar faces at our branches!”  

Library patrons who complete and sign the Self-Service Hours Application and Agreement and agree to library policies can scan their Santa Monica Public Library card at the entrance to gain access to the Ocean Park Branch. The technology will allow Library patrons to access library collections, space, and services through the controlled self-service model that requires limited staff resources.   

The Open+ Pilot Project, is part of the California State Library’s Bringing the Library to You Mobile Library Solutions grant initiative. Santa Monica Public Library was one of ten California libraries selected to receive funding to increase access to physical library services via the Open+ product.  

"The historic Ocean Park Branch Library is an amazing and valuable community asset on multiple levels. I'm excited to see it re-open its doors to our community from Ocean Park and beyond,” said Nick Rolston, President of the Ocean Park Association. 

The opportunity came at a time when the City of Santa Monica faced deep revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitating difficult cuts throughout the organization. The City restructured the organization in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the library experienced cuts to its budget and staff, including suspension of services at two neighborhood branch locations. The Open+ technology allows the City to respond to the strong community interest and open the Ocean Park Branch Library despite revenue losses.  

For more information on the grant, visit califa.org/openplus-grant.   

The Library is here to assist you. For more information about Ocean Park Self-Service Hours, call the Library at (310) 458-8600 or email reference@santamonica.gov Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
 
The Main Library is open for in-person service. Curbside Pickup Service will continue at the Montana Avenue Branch and Pico Branch Libraries throughout the summer. For information on hours and services offered at each Santa Monica Public Library location, please visit smpl.org/reopening. The library’s digital services are available 24/7 through an Online Library.  

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Media Contact

Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov

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