Erica Cuyugan

City Librarian

Library Director Erica Cuyugan is an 18-year veteran of the department. 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. She was appointed the Interim City Librarian in 2021 and was later selected as Library Director in 2022.

Ms. Cuyugan is passionate about fulfilling 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 four divisions—Collections, Technology & Patron Services; Community Engagement & Programming; Branch & Neighborhood Services; and Administration & Business Services. Her current focus is expanding library services and programs, particularly at the Library’s four neighborhood branches. 

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.