Library Services

The Library maintains quality core services to enhance learning for school, career, and life success.

RED Kits

Read, Engage, Discover, a collection for adults that offers interactive, engaging, self-paced learning experiences. Examples of the Kits are Ukulele, Brain Health, Stress Relief, Mindfulness, and Gardening. Each themed Kit includes books, suggested activities, resources, and materials to encourage self-paced learning experiences. The Kits can be placed on reserve for pick up at any SMPL location. Kits are loaned for a four-week period and can be renewed. Full list of RED Kits.

Book Groups

The Library hosts regular book discussions; Notable Fiction Book Group, Main Library Book Group, Montana Branch Book Group, and Mystery Book Group. The Library also hosts occasional special book discussions, such as for the annual citywide reading program, Santa Monica Reads. Check out the Online Programs Calendar for virtual book group dates and titles. Note: The Montana Branch Book Group meets in person. Then email library@santamonica.gov to register for a virtual book group meeting.

Book Group in a Box

A Book Group in a Box kit contains everything your book group needs to enjoy reading and discussing your next book. Unless otherwise noted in the catalog, each kit contains 9 copies of a title, with one copy being large print. Additionally, the kit contains one information packet containing: 1. Discussion Questions & Author Biography 2. How to Facilitate a Book Group & Book Group FAQ. Click here for a full list of Book Group in a Box titles.

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FAQ

Does the Library have free WiFi?

Each Santa Monica Public Library location offers free wireless Internet access during its regular operating hours. Please note that WiFi service at the Library is not secured and is used at the individual's own risk. It is recommended that sensitive information not be sent through this network, even if your mobile device is equipped with encryption and/or firewall capabilities. As of February 8, 2016, the Library no longer provides public Ethernet connections.

Internet Stations

The Main Library, Pico Branch, Montana Avenue Branch, Fairview Branch (a self-service location), and Ocean Park Branch (a self-service location) provide Internet Stations which are available to members with a valid Santa Monica Public Library Card. Internet stations may be used by library card holders for up to 60 minutes per day. The Internet Stations are equipped with the latest browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) and latest plugins running on Windows 10. They provide access to Microsoft Office 2017 applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These stations are capable of playing video and sound, including DVDs and CDs.

Internet Stations are managed by a reservation system but are frequently available on a walk-in basis. Learn more about the policies and procedures for Internet Stations.

Express Internet Stations

The Main Library has two Express Stations located in the Reading Room, and the Pico Branch Library has one Express Station. The 15-minute Express Stations allow for quick and convenient Internet access. These stations are limited to one use per person, per day. The stations are equipped with the latest browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) and latest plugins running on Windows 10.

Catalog Stations

Each Library location provides Cataloging Stations that offer access to the Library's online catalog and over 30 premium subscription databases.

Teen Stations

The Main Library, Pico Branch, and Ocean Park Branch (a self-service location) have Internet-enabled stations for use by teens. Teen Stations are available for use by teen (13-18) members with a valid Library Card. These stations are equipped with the latest browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Edge) and latest plugins running on Windows 10. They also provide access to Microsoft 2017 application including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. These stations are capable of playing video and sound, including DVDs and CDs.

Children's Stations

The Main Library, Pico Branch, Montana Avenue Branch, and Ocean Park Branch (a self-service location) have Internet-enabled stations for use by children. Children's Stations are available for use by child (0-12) members with a valid Library Card. These stations are equipped with the latest browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) and latest plugins running on Windows 10. They also provide access to Microsoft 2017 application including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. These stations are capable of playing video and sound, including DVDs and CDs.

Awe Early Literacy Stations

The Main Library, Pico Branch, Montana Avenue Branch, and Ocean Park Branch (a self-service location) provide Awe Early Literacy Stations which offer access to educational games and activities for young children.