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.
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Media Contact
Susan Lamb
Librarian III
Susan.Lamb@SMGOV.NET