Tag: reading

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, September 1, the Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month this September with a special-edition library card designed by local artist Al Mercado and the return of the Library’s Read Local, Shop Local: Community Discount Program.

Throughout September, individuals who sign up for a library card at any of SMPL’s five locations will receive the special-edition card, while supplies last. Families are also invited to join SMPL at the Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd.) on September 12 to decorate a colorful card sleeve and lanyard to personalize and protect their library cards.

The special-edition card features artwork from Santa Monica’s Art Everywhere: Local Canvas initiative, which showcases the work of local artists throughout the city’s streetscape.

“Libraries are places where creativity, learning and community come together, and this special-edition card is a wonderful expression of that spirit,” said Recreation and Arts Department Director Jenny Rogers, who oversees the city’s Cultural Affairs division. “We’re proud to partner with the Santa Monica Public Library and local artist Al Mercado to celebrate the important role that arts, culture and libraries play in connecting people to their community.”

A Santa Monica Public Library card provides free access to books, music, movies, video games, databases, study rooms and other resources. Cardholders receive access to exclusive offers from local businesses through the Library’s Read Local, Shop Local: Community Discount Program.

“Your library card opens the door to far more than books. It connects you to resources, experiences and the people and places that make Santa Monica special,” said Director of Library Services Erica Cuyugan. “Through the continuation of our Community Discount Program, we’re excited to give our cardholders even more ways to explore Santa Monica while supporting the local businesses that make our city unique.”

Launched in September 2025 during Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Read Local, Shop Local: Community Discount Program was created to encourage residents to get a library card while strengthening connections between the Library and Santa Monica’s business community. By presenting their library card at participating businesses, cardholders can enjoy special discounts and offers while discovering local restaurants, retailers, cultural attractions and service providers.

The program returns for its second year. Returning partners include Bike Attack Electric, Crow Comedy, Good Body Pilates, Offhand Wine Bar, Santa Monica History Museum, Solidarity, Sweet Lady Jane and The Curious Palate, along with several other restaurants, retailers and service providers. New partners joining the program this year include AJA Vineyards, Alinea Orthodontics, Backyard Bowls, Chick-fil-A Santa Monica, Crossroads Trading, Harvelle’s, Love Tap, Road Runner Sports and The Spot.

To view the current list of participating businesses and available discounts, visit www.santamonica.gov/programs/library-community-discount-program.

Library Card Sign-Up Month started in 1987 in response to then-U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett’s call for every child to have a library card.

Obtaining a Santa Monica Public Library card is easy and free. Bring a photo ID and proof of address to get started, then use the card to access books, digital resources, programs and more. For more information, please visit santamonica.gov.

California residents 18 and older can apply in person during open hours, while qualified Los Angeles County residents can apply online. Teens ages 13–17 can register in person with a school ID. For children under 12, a parent or guardian must be present and provide the required documents.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, August 11, the city of West Hollywood announced its co-sponsorship of the fourth-annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival, which will take place in West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard, on Sunday, August 23, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The free event aims to celebrate children’s literature, foster a love for reading, and provide a platform for both young readers and rising authors to engage with the magical world of books and meet authors and illustrators.

The city co-sponsored and hosted the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival since 2023. The keystone event from the nonprofit ABC Foundation (American Born Chinese Foundation) offers families and young readers an immersive experience that celebrates storytelling and reading.

The event will feature a wide range of activities catering to children of all ages, including special appearances, performances, guest book readings by renowned authors, engaging arts activities, and an epic foam party. Local authors and illustrators will be present to share insights, inspirations, and stories. For schedule details, visit: lakidsbookfestival.com/2026-schedule.

Parking at the city’s five-story parking structure, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard, is expected to be impacted, as a result of the event. Attendees are asked to carpool, use public transportation by planning their trip with the Metro Trip Planner, or consider rideshare services. Paid public parking is also available at the Pacific Design Center, located at 8687 Melrose Avenue.

For announcements about the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival by visiting www.lakidsbookfestival.com. For media inquiries, or additional information contact the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival at info@lakidsbookfestival.com.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica is reminding the public that its Summer Reading Program goes from June 14 to August 16. The program gives an opportunity for youths, teens and adults to earn prizes as they reach reading milestones.

Participants can sign up NOW and throughout the program online at: www.smpl.beanstack.com/reader365 or in person at the Main Library located at 601 Santa Monica Blvd., the Pico Branch located at 2201 Pico Blvd., or the Montana Branch located at 1704 Montana Ave.

Summer Reading Program registration was available during the Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival, a free family-friendly event with summer treats, carnival games and Michael Rayner’s Found Object Juggling Show on June 14.

Summer Reading Program prizes include books and collectible stuffed animals for youth and teens. Adults can win books and will be entered automatically into a drawing for a chance to win one of five $50 gift certificates to local businesses.
All participants can receive a coupon from the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library Bookstore with proof of registration starting June 14. Prizes and giveaways are available while supplies last.

“At Santa Monica Public Library, we believe that reading unlocks a world of adventure, and our Summer Reading Program and events are the perfect way to spark imaginations and keep patrons of all ages engaged during the summer months,” said Santa Monica Public Library Director Erica Cuyugan. “We can’t wait for our patrons to visit the library this summer as we read, play and explore together through exciting programs and events.”

For more details including library open hours, visit www.santamonica.gov/library.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is celebrating Library Week from Sunday, April 6 thru Saturday, April 12.

The city notes that, libraries provide hubs for learning, creativity, and connection to others in the community.

The Beverly Hills Public Library is visited by an average of more than 51,000 people per month and has a collection of 200,000 volumes.

The Beverly Hills Public Library is located at 444 N. Rexford Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Its hours of operation are Mondays-Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.bhpl.org.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced in a press release on June 6 that the Santa Monica Public Library is inviting the community to participate in the 2023 Summer Reading program for all ages in SANTA MONICA READS All Summer starts June 10 and runs thru August 12.

Sign up in person starting June 10 at the Main Library, Montana Avenue Branch, or Pico Branch, or visit smpl.org/srp to register online now and learn about our free summer events for everyone, from babies to adults.  This summer the community is being challenged to read 600,000 minutes.

Summer Reading helps prevent “summer slide” by ensuring youth retain reading and learning skills over the school break.  Parents can sign up their kids to receive a free board book. Kids and teens can sign up for a 10-, 20-, or 30-hour challenge, and receive a tote bag, free book, and reading log, to track reading and activities during summer through August 12.  At the halfway mark, kids and teens receive a coupon from the Friends of the Library Bookstore.  Upon completing their challenge, kids and teens can choose from a variety of fun prizes, as supplies last.

Adults can participate as the city will feature two SANTA MONICA READS All Summer selections: “Clark and Division” by Naomi Hirahara and “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See.  Those interested in joining the book discussions will receive one of our featured books upon signing up for Summer Reading, and all adults will receive a reading log, resource guide, and free SMPL tote, while supplies last.  Read 10 hours and receive a coupon from the Friends of the Library Bookstore and be entered in a drawing for a local business gift certificate.

SANTA MONICA READS All Summer is provided with funding from the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica, and the California State Library. For more details and other free, public programs, call Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600 or visit smpl.org.  Library services are currently available 24/7 at SMPL Online.  Contact a friendly library staffer, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., via telephone or email us at library@santamonica.gov.

By Donald