Santa Monica Reads

Library Adult Senior

SANTA MONICA READS All Summer - June 15 through August 10, 2024

This year, we’re celebrating Summer Reading by joining in L.A. County ’s first ever One Book, One County community reading program! Members of 18 local library systems will be reading and discussing the selected title, L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón.

To sign up for our summer reading program, register for a free account at smpl.beanstack.com, then visit the Main Library, Montana Ave., or Pico Branch to receive your reading log and a coupon for the Friends of the Library bookstore.

Those interested in participating in SMPL’s L.A. Weather book discussion will receive a free copy of the book upon signing up for summer reading, while supplies last.

Read anything you want, participate in Library activities, and log your reading time and activities on the Beanstack website, app, or with the QR code.

Log 10 hours of reading by the end of the program to be entered into a drawing for one of five gift certificates from local bookstores and restaurants.

Read about this year's Santa Monica Reads All Summer in the Resource Guide.

“One Book, One County” Events

In-person Book Discussion of L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón
Montana Avenue Branch Book Group
Thursday, July 18 / 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. / Montana Ave. Branch

Virtual Book Discussion of L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón
Thursday, July 25 / 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. / Zoom
Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/3n88vmyz

Finale Event: Author Talk with María Amparo Escandón Saturday, July 27 / 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Gloria Molina Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles

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Contact Us:

601 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90401

FAQ

How are books selected?

Each spring, the Santa Monica Public Library solicits book recommendations from the public. A group of librarians researches each title suggested, then cuts the longer suggestion list down to a manageable short list of five or six nominees that meet a number of criteria including the potential for discussion the book is likely to provoke, whether or not the book is currently in print and available for a large-scale bulk purchase, whether the author (if living) is available to come to Santa Monica to discuss the book, and a number of other factors. An Advisory Committee comprised of librarians, educators, city commissioners and other community members then reads each of those shortlisted nominees over the summer. At the end of the summer, the Advisory Committee meets to discuss the books and a selection is made. Selections are usually announced shortly thereafter.

How can I participate in Santa Monica Reads?

Read the book, then join us at any of the many discussions we have scheduled or at one or more of our special events.Santa Monica Reads usually takes place in late winter/early spring.Check the library's website or calendar of events for more information on Santa Monica Reads events as they are scheduled.

How can I volunteer to be a discussion facilitator?

We currently have a veteran group of discussion facilitators who volunteer each year, but we're always looking for ways those interested in participating in Santa Monica Reads can help us out. The best way to take part is to join us at one or more of our book discussions or special events and let the staff member coordinating that event know you're interested in participating further. When we have openings, we tend to pull from this group of people who've let us know in person that they're interested in helping out on a larger scale.

What types of events happen during Santa Monica Reads?

In addition to book discussions held throughout the city over a four to five week period, we host additional special events related to each year's selection. In the past, these events have included author talks with that year's author (if they are living and able to join us), special events related to the subject matter of the book, lectures by scholars on topics related to the book, as well concerts, readings, and movie screenings. And like all Santa Monica Public Library events, Santa Monica Reads events are free and open to the public.