Tag: santa monica public library

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, June 9, the city of Santa Monica revealed that registration for the Santa Monica Public Library, or SMPL, 2026 Summer Reading Program will open June 13. Patrons of all ages can sign up online at smpl.beanstack.com or in person during open hours at any SMPL location.

From June 13 through August 15, registered participants can track their reading progress and earn tickets for the chance to win exciting prizes. Participants ages 4-18 can enter to win a Nintendo Switch 2, while adults ages 18+ can enter to win a Kobo eReader. Participants who register in person will also receive birthday-themed goody bags — in celebration of the Main Library’s 20th birthday — featuring surprise treats from SMPL, the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, and local businesses, while supplies last.

“At Santa Monica Public Library, summer reading is all about celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovering something new,” Santa Monica Public Library Director Erica Cuyugan said. “This year’s birthday-themed program invites the community to join the celebration with books, games, hands-on activities, and memorable events for all ages.”

From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 13, there will be a celebration for the Main Library’s 20th birthday. Held in the Main Library North Courtyard, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., the celebration features a magic show by David Skale, balloon twisting, and other festive activities.

Additional summer youth event highlights include:

-A Family Concert with Andrew and Polly on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m.-noon at the Pico Branch Amphitheater
-A Dino Chase Through Space Puppet Show on Monday, June 22, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s MLK Jr. Auditorium
-A Teen Game Night on Thursday, June 25, from 4-6 p.m. in the Main Library’s Youth Activity Room

SMPL will also host two pop-up library events this summer, including one at Pride on the Promenade on Saturday, June 13, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

SMPL will bring Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library to the Annenberg Community Beach House for a day of fun in the sun. Guests can check out beach reads, play games, and enjoy storytimes on Friday, August 7, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. All ages are welcome.

SMPL’s Summer Reading Program is supported by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica. For more information visit www.santamonica.gov/library.

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

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, June 18, the city of Santa Monica announced that a celebration will be held on Saturday, June 29 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Pico Branch Library located at 2201 Pico Boulevard.

The celebration will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. It is free to the public and there will be activities for the entire family.

At 11 a.m. there will be an opening by the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Mariachi band and a welcome address by Mayor Phil Brock. Keynote speaker, Anne Carmack, city of Santa Monica Poet Laureate will read a special poem she wrote for the event from words contributed by the community.

City officials, the Director of Library Services, Library Board and Friends of the Library Board members, and community members in celebrating this beloved neighborhood library branch in the Virginia Avenue Park campus with a performance-filled afternoon. Ashley Granillo reads from her book, “Cruzita and Mariacheros.” Following the reading, enjoy Mariachi music and a book signing by the author.

The day’s line-up includes Summer Reading Program signups, a variety of activities, giveaways courtesy of the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, refreshments, screen printed tote bags, and much more.

The event concludes with bossa nova music courtesy of the Angelo Metz Quartet. Participants are asked to check out a local history RED Kit, one of the library’s new interactive items that invites neighbors to share their stories through interviews and spoken word.

“In the 10 years that Pico Branch has existed within the Virginia Avenue Park campus and the Pico neighborhood, our library services, programs, and staff have woven themselves into the fabric of this community, ensuring that everyone has access to lifelong learning opportunities and experiences. Cheers to many more years of partnership and collaboration!” said Erica Cuyugan, Director of Library Services.

Designed by Koning Eizenberg Architecture of Santa Monica, the Pico Branch Library, which opened to the public in June 2014, is a two-building, state-of-the-art, LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum rated facility.

Since parking is limited, the public is asked to walk, bike, or take Big Blue Bus line 7 to the tenth anniversary celebration. Additional free parking is available in the Venice Family Clinic lot, located just a half block east of Virginia Avenue Park, at 2509 Pico Blvd. The Pico Branch is wheelchair accessible. For assistance with accessibility accommodations, call (310) 458-8600 at least one week in advance.

The Pico Branch 10th anniversary celebration is presented by the Santa Monica Public Library and Virginia Avenue Park. Generous support is provided by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library. For more information, call the library at (310) 458-8600; or email library@santamonica.gov. Follow us on social media @smpubliclibrary for updates.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced on August 10th that a suspect was arrested after attacking another man who was found injured near the Santa Monica Public Library, Ocean Park Branch on August 9th.

The SMPD reported at 8:09 a.m., officers responded to the scene after a call of service for a Check the Status. An employee at the library informed authorities they attempted to wake up an individual who was near the front doors who may have been homeless and was badly injured.

The name of the victim has not yet been disclosed, but police indicated the 41-year-old male suffered from blunt force trauma to his face and had a swollen forehead. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and is listed in critical condition but is expected to recover.

At approximately 12:35 p.m., detectives spotted a person of interest loitering in the front of the library. Upon making contact with the individual, he became uncooperative and displayed threatening behavior. Additional officers arrived and deployed a Taser after the subject attempted to assault uniformed officers.

The suspect has been identified as Nathanael Roger Lavoie, 40, who was arrested and booked for attempted murder, felony battery on a police officer, giving a false name to a police officer, and resisting arrest.

Canyon News spoke to Lt. Erika Aklufi with the SMPD via email who stated:

“I don’t have anything for you about motive as this is still under investigation.  Similarly, I cannot share if he has an outside criminal record.  I can tell you that we had no contact with him prior to this incident; I understand that he was from out of state and may have only come to the area recently.”

Anyone with details on the incident or with information about the suspect is asked to contact the SMPD Investigations Division during business hours at (310) 458-8451 or the Watch Commander 24-hours at (310) 458-8427.

By Trevor