Erica Cuyugan

City Librarian

Erica Cuyugan is a 15-year veteran of the department and is currently the Interim City Librarian. Cuyugan started with the City as a Teen Services Librarian in 2006. She rose through the ranks and became the Fairview Branch Manager before joining the leadership team in 2015 as the Assistant City Librarian, where she managed system-wide library operations for the Main library and four branches. 

Ms. Cuyugan is excited to work in this interim role, alongside her colleagues, to fulfill Santa Monica Public Library’s mission and vision of Preserving the Past, Serving the Present, and Shaping the Future. She is committed to ensuring that residents and visitors alike experience lifelong enrichment and learning through SMPL’s dynamic programs, diverse collections and materials, and dedicated, knowledgeable staff. Cuyugan manages a workforce of 75 across 3 divisions—Collections, Technology & Patron Services; Community Engagement & Programming; and Administration & Business Services. Her current focus is rebuilding and restoring library services and facilities after being impacted by the pandemic. 

Ms. Cuyugan earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English from The College of New Jersey and worked in both the publishing and entertainment industries before finding her true passion in public service and libraries. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ms. Cuyugan enjoys going on adventures with her family, running the occasional marathon, and playing the ukulele.