Jump-start your resolutions at Santa Monica Public Library
January 11, 2024 7:31 AM
by Barbara Chang Fleeman
The new year is here and it’s time to start something new! The Santa Monica Public Library offers support for your New Year's resolutions. Register for a library card to access these FREE resources:
- Earn your high school diploma: Adults can earn a fully accredited high school diploma through the Career Online High School program. See smpl.org/cohs.aspx.
- Learn a new language: The Mango Languages app offers more than 70 language courses, including ESL tailored to native speakers of 21 international languages. For more in-depth study, check out the Pimsleur language-learning courses on CD.
- Save money: Get a library card for free access to ebooks, movies, digital NY Times, and more. Then grow the money you save with help from our Morningstar and Value Line investment survey tools.
- Start a new hobby: Check out our RED Kits and start birdwatching, playing the ukulele, gardening and more. Browse our “New Year, New Hobby” book display at Main Library to discover your next passion.
- Get out of the house: Remote work making you feel housebound? Check out our private study rooms or reservable workspace tables, or work in the Santa Monica sun in the Main Library courtyard or Montana Avenue Branch patio.
- Spend more time with the family: Attend a story time or a family program or hang out with your kids in the children’s area and share books, play learning games and color together.
- Improve your digital skills: Tired of bugging your kids for help with your computer or phone? Attend a computer class or get drop-in, one-on-one assistance at our weekly Tech & Tasks program.
- Get cultured: Check out our monthly calendar for free events, including the Soundwaves new music series, author talks, craft activities and more.
- Become a U.S. citizen: The library hosts weekly citizenship classes taught by Adult Education Center instructors, to help students complete and submit their U.S. citizenship applications.
- Learn to read: More than 50 percent of American adults cannot read above the sixth-grade level. Trained volunteers meet weekly with adult learners to improve their reading and writing skills. Call or text (818) 255-8142 or email literacy.program@santamonica.gov.
Bonus Resolution! Dive into your city's history: Visit digital.smpl.org to view more than 10,000 images in the Imagine Santa Monica collection or make an appointment to visit the Main Library's unique local history resources.
We look forward to seeing you at the library in 2024. Friendly staff members are available to assist you and answer questions via phone at (310) 458-8600, email at library@santamonica.gov or in person at any of our full-service locations.
Authored By
Barbara Chang Fleeman
Librarian I