Celebrating 10 Years of Connecting and Reading at the Pico Branch Library

June 18, 2024 8:52 AM

Join us as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Pico Branch Library, 2201 Pico Boulevard, on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The free, fun-filled event for the entire family highlights the strength of the library’s contribution to the Pico neighborhood. 

The event begins at 11 a.m. with an opening by the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Mariachi band and welcome by Mayor Phil Brock. Keynote speaker, Anne Carmack, City of Santa Monica Poet Laureate, reads a special poem she wrote for the event from words contributed by the community.

Join 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 creativity and diversity of one of Santa Monica’s most vital neighborhoods is showcased via community organization booths that populate the festivity. 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 day concludes with bossa nova music courtesy of the Angelo Metz Quartet, who are bound to keep hands clapping and toes tapping for kids and parents alike.

When you are at the library, 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.

The public is cordially invited to bring their picnic blankets and baskets for a fun day in the park and to celebrate the strength of literacy, community connection, and engagement that the Pico Branch Library brings to the neighborhood and the community. Because parking is limited, the public is urged 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 tenth 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.

# # #

Media Contact

Susan Lamb
Librarian III
Susan.Lamb@SMGOV.NET

Categories

Arts, Culture & Fun, Library

Departments

Library