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Santa Monica Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
601 Santa Monica BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90401
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 458-8600
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
108 reviews for Santa Monica Public Library
108 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer P.
Cerritos, CA
Pros:
- Onsite cafe is a random java respite from the rest of Santa Monica. They've got an extensive list of baked goods (many baked onsite), drinks, candy, ice cream (including my favorite, rainbow sherbert)
- architecturally unique and interesting
- next door to a small regional museum and in walking distance to loads of great eateries
- Great quiet corners and nooks with comfy chairs to sit and read.
- I especially loved the individual seating lined against the 2nd floor window-wall, from where you can see the 1st floor seating/studying area and the outside.
- The displays for dvds, magazines, and some of the featured books seem more like a bookstore, making it very easy to get drawn to a title.
- Titles in several languages
- Fun and funky keyboard and mouse sets for computers in the children's area
- Got free movie nights
Cons:
- Free parking is hard to find. Even the library's parking is paid. -
Review from Ian L.
1/30/2012
After graduating about a year and a half ago I haven't found a need to do any studying but with engineering licensing exams coming up I had to find new places outside school to hunker down and bust through loads of practice problems. I figured I check out SMPL seeing as I always frequented the libraries and labs for studying while @ UCSD and UCLA.
Studying +'s:
-The Quiet Studying Room is QUIET and everyone appears to respect the rules of turning off cell phones, having conversations outside, and avoid using noisy tools
- Bookmark Cafe is right in the middle of the cafe and easy place to grab a bite
Studying -'s:
- SMPL gets super crowded on weekends with a huge mix of seniors, adults, and SMC students = hard to find open tables and many distractions
- Didn't feel safe leaving my stuff unsupervised at my table; did this in college since everyone was a student but out in the real world it's a bit harder to stomach
- The general studying tables scattered around the library feel small and cramped; I could only study for a additional hour before leaving
- Lighting; my solar powered calculator would turn off after every (3) calculations, the lighting is not ideal
Over the library seems nice to visit and grab books but definitely not for studying (at least for me) -
Review from Momo O.
Westwood, CA
10/21/2011
I never usually review public institutions.. but I was just REALLY surprised at how great this place is!
When you pass by on Santa Monica street, the library doesn't seem that large. But its HUGE, has 2 floors (both floors extremely spacious), and a outdoor patio & cafe ( A CAFE in a LIBRARY?!). I've been to the Westwood library and the Los Angeles library on Santa Monica (close to Purdue) and they don't even compare!!
Parking: 50c/half hour. $10max/day. OR, you could park meter parking (which sucks..) or if you plan to stay longer, park 3 blocks away on Idaho in the residential area.Comment from Claudia F. of Santa Monica Public Library 10/25/2011
After 6pm & all day Sat & Sun garage parking is $3 max. More » -
Review from Jenelle B.
Pasadena, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best best best places to get books! The best thing about having a library card here is 1) Its free and 2) Free e-book downloads like really that's so convenient esp if your in school. You cld have comp access to assigned books (English Majors) and not worry about late fees. Its beautiful and serene, overall the perfect place to study or get educated.
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Review from James G.
Venice, CA
Updated - 9/20/2011
If you are confused about why libraries are so great - I respectfully refer you to John J's review on 9/12/2011.
Where else, other than the library, will you see a person take on a toothless elderly woman in a slow motion game of chicken while waiting in line at the help desk?
Even if you are illiterate, the library cannot be beat when it comes to entertainment!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/27/2011
This library has a safe modern design, all straight lines and angles with plenty of sunlight. The… Read more »
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Review from Mary Q.
8/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is an awesome, beautiful library. Great environment and there is a large variety of areas to study/read/chill. Indoors or outdoors, in a private room or out in the open, take your pick! They have their own parking that doesn't cost too much and there's even a museum and store attached.
It's also pretty eco-friendly looking, what with native plant landscaping and plenty of windows to allow natural light in. One star off because two of the books I wanted were at the Montana branch. They could be a bit better stocked, but their check-out policy of 4 weeks is great. -
Review from Jose A.
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
So i had an appointment across the street from the library and since I arrived early I thought it'd be nice to relax in the library with a magazine and kill some time. This library is fantastic; it looks great, is modern, and the architecture is pretty cool.
Parking: Easy and plentiful. There is a lot under the library with multiple levels so finding parking shouldnt be an issue.
Periodicals: Great selection although many were not available. I did find many of the periodicals and magazines on the tables were people had just left them.
The library has a small cafe, a bookstore, nice bathrooms, etc. Since it was recently renovated/built everything still looks great. I didnt interact at all with the staff so i cant really comment on that.
The only reason i didnt give the library 5 stars was because of the MANY, MANY homeless people that were there. From grooming themselves in the bathrooms to just lounging all over the library, you are unable to escape the vagrancy. I guess its not really the library's fault since anyone is allowed to enter and SM does have tons of homeless, but i feel it took away from the awesome new library. Call me a snob, but I would not want to be cramming for a exam or even casually reading a book next to some funky smelling homeless person. -
Review from todd b.
Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA
7/2/2011
Totally a special place. Great architecture, amazing courtyard, friendly staff, great selection of books/mags/dvds, and free fast wifi?
Hours are slightly tricky, open till 9pm from Mon-Thurs. Check it out. Pun intended. -
Review from Chau V.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2011
Yay to great place to study.
Nay to crazy street parking in Santa Monica (free after 6pm if you are able to find an unoccupied meter).
Nay to weird homeless and not-homeless people walking around.
Nay to closing at 9pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekendsListed in: Libraries
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Review from Warrior of Light A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/16/2011
It's beautiful here.
I love it. It's my escape from the real world
There are a lot lot lot of homeless people. Most harmless I would say , but sometimes they smell ;)
Parking is always easy , and it's in one of my favorite cities of all time , less than 5 minute walk from promenade. How good does it get. Great options , lots of computers.. And great busy productive vibe. I come here often and always will!! -
Review from Nora A.
Culver City, CA
8/11/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Imagine my delight when I walked in and to my left I saw stairs. Stairs that led to heaven: shelves and shelves filled with many many books.
I was so excited. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I probably looked creepy, seeing as how I'm 25 years old and smiling from ear to ear as I'm looking all around me. I love books, which is an understatement.
I love that they have a cafe. And seating outdoors. Different atmosphere should you get tired of studying in the library.
And of course there is a bookstore to buy books. And other stuff. It's an awesome way to build my own library without spending a fortune. A $1 for a book versus $25.99+TAX at bn. Plus it's a great way to recycle books that you don't need anymore: others can buy them. Though i don't know if that's how this library does it. -
Review from Laura K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/7/2011
This is quite honestly the best library I've been to... and I've lived in 4 states! Amazing selection of materials, including a full DVD library with one week checkouts on those. Makes my Netflix physical DVD plan boycott much easier :)
The cafe outside is also perfect. Might not be the BEST food I've ever had, but it's always tasty, well-priced, and decently healthy [depending on what you order]. Huge selection of food, drinks and ice cream, with cute little tables and a gorgeous courtyard. It amazingly blocks out all the noise of the surrounding street, allowing for some peace on my lunch break. Oh, and the free fast wifi doesn't hurt either :P -
Review from Lissa -.
Los Angeles, CA
7/1/2011
Clean and convenient with lots of open space for reading, studying, etc.
The best thing is the self checkout, which is super easy and saves a lot of time. -
Review from Ari A.
Los Angeles, CA
7/10/2011
I love the Santa Monica Public Library. The building is very spacious and uses a lot of natural light. The design is really open and airy, you don't feel like you are boxed into a closed space and the transition from the indoor space to the courtyard, as well as the entrance, just make you feel like you're in a very open space.
The Bookmark cafe, which I have also reviewed is a wonderful touch.
Employees are efficient and courteous.
But of course, the books themselves are the most important part of a library, and the selection at SaMo Public is as good as any you'll find in the greater metropolitan area, if not better.
One of my favorite things to do when I want to relax and don't feel like being out and about is to just go to the library and skim through the book stacks. I'll pick a random subject that I'm interested in, pick up a random book on it, and spend the day reading a book or two.
I can't say anything bad about this place, every experience I've had has been a positive one! -
Review from Jam S.
Orange County, CA
5/5/2011
This place is HUGEEEE! Easily the biggest and most impressive library I've been to...had I known about this library before, I would have been motivated to study here and not failed my classes.
They have a cafe with outdoor seating area, two floors with ample tables and outlets , free wifi, quiet study rooms, 2 restrooms (on each floor..outside the building), kids room, magazines, DVDs/CDs, and helpful library staff..pretty much something for everyone. Pretty chill environment and surprisingly not that loud. Only negative I can think of is that it was a bit hot inside..not sure if they had the AC on (and if they did, I can see why CA is going bankrupt..I can only imagine the electric bill)
If you are around this area and need a free place to relax and get some work done, be sure to check out this library. They have enough metered parking on 6th, 7th, and Santa Monica street.If you want to lose some weight and don't want to spend the $$ on a gym membership, just come here everyday and walk around for a while ... -
Review from Derek S.
Santa Monica, CA
11/10/2011
Clean, modern and brimming with BUMS! As I write there's an unfortunate compulsive fellow sitting next to me flipping the pages of a paperback book at maximum speed between his thumbs while staring into the illegible pages! It's creeping out the some of cuties near by...gotta go!
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Review from Diane N.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2011
Felt like Roald Dahl's Matilda entering this library!
It seems to have a large and diverse catalogue, and many free activities for all ages in the community. The architecture is beautiful and seems recently renovated. There is a gorgeous center court and the bathrooms are outdoors! But I do find it so odd that there is not free parking for cars. At the library.
However, SMPL makes up for it with free Wi-Fi, numerous power outlets, large tables, and interesting people watching. To top it off, acquiring a library card is easy, as is using their website! -
Review from Andrew P.
Long Beach, CA
5/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Awesome place to study. Spacious, Free Wifi. Outlets at tables.
It's quiet at this library, and there's a cafe in the middle if you need coffee/food. Which is super convenient. It's a modern designed library, with lots of windows and sunlight shining in (which I love) Great study spot near LA. It's also close to second street promenade, so if you ever needed a break you can just walk there, to the beach also.
The Bad: Closes early on the weekends (friday included) at 5 pm. Bums are passed out on the second story. (I guess it is a public library, but doesn't distract from anything, just saying) You have to pay for parking; it was about 10 dollars for all day.
Overall though, It was a nice library, a great spot to hang out and get your study on in the heart of So Cal.Comment from Claudia F. of Santa Monica Public Library 5/10/2011
$10 daily max. for parking $3 after 6p and on Sat. Sun. More » -
Review from Robert L.
Santa Monica, CA
7/6/2011
I frequented libraries when I lived in central California, and they sucked. Then I made extensive use of the library at Cal Poly SLO and while that was great for reference, it wasn't ideal for much else.
This library is awesome. I just wandered in and checked out $250 work of programming books, and got Banlieu 13 and Lord of the Rings on DVD. Cool architecture, always a place to sit, lots of tables with plugs, open until 9 PM (on the days I'm likely to spend my nights at the library at least), and a cafe.
Also, their website is very well-done. The Cal Poly SLO (or in my experience, UCLA) library websites aren't even as well set up. -
Review from Gene k.
Los Angeles, CA
6/20/2011
This library is one the most modern libraries in the LA area. There's a freaking garden/patio in the middle and you can also get some coffee while your at it. That's pretty sick. It's a place where you can just relax and read a book in a quiet serene place or look through some magazines.
I have to say Santa Monica and DTLA Central Libraries are my best two libraries on my list. Santa Monica being modern and DTLA being very classy. You find a lot of good newer books here but if they are a popular title expect to wait for a book for a while. It is definitively worth it.
This is a quiet environment to read, study, look up some stuff or browse through some DVD/Videos they have. It's pretty chill out here. This spot is a community place for everyone, it doesn't matter what class or background your from everyone can enjoy this library. -
Review from August F.
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2011
One of my favorite libraries.
I used to go here to study with a tutor as a kid when this was the old library. The old library was torn down, and the new library was built on the exact same spot, and opened in around 2005 or 2006 I think.
This new one is very modern, with a very minamalistic and "open" design. It has free wi-fi for your laptops, along with computers for internet searches. The central feature of this library is an open courtyard, with plants and a water stream. In this courtyard is also the cafe.
There's underground parking that costs money, but there's also street parking and metered parking. There's also a bookstore along with an auditorium which I've never been inside.
This is the main Santa Monica Library in the city of Santa Monica, and I just like it because it's very because I also workout at the gym nearby, and I just like the fact that it's only a few blocks from the beach and the Third Street Promenade. -
Review from Jessyka L.
Manhattan, NY
4/12/2011
This is an amazingggg library with tons of potential! The building itself is beautiful, and there is a great selection of resources inside. I like the courtyard in the center with the coffee shop which has pretty good food/coffee for a long day of studying. Parking underground is easy and only $3 on weekends.
SO why 3 stars? I had to knock away 1.5 stars for the massive amounts of homeless people inside and outside of this library. I guess it's a public library so they can't be turned away, but their presence definitely takes away from my studies. It sucks when you are sitting at your nice quiet table, and you can smell horrible body odor everywhere. My friends and I have found a solution to this, which is to rent out the private study rooms! They can be rented every 2 hours, so if you go with a few friends, you can pretty much book it for the entire day.
SO since there is a solution to the homeless people odor problem, why still 3 stars? This is why - my roommate found human feces on a shelf here. WTF?!?!?! That's just disrespectful and plain wrong.Listed in: i heart santa monica
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Review from Tommy J.
Westwood, CA
3/8/2011
This is the most impressive public library I been to in California. They have a great selection of new books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. The atmosphere is very nice and they have a outdoor seating area with a cafe. Like other reviewers mentioned, there are a lot of homeless people at the library.
The best part of this library is that you can request them to purchase books and the three times I did, they always got them - however, you will need to check when the item is available and place a hold on it. Unlike LAPL, they dont charge you a fine for placing a hold and not picking up and they have not cut back on hours.
They have a parking lot, but it is $0.50/hour. You can park at the other public parking lots for free before 6PM if you dont mind the walk.Comment from Claudia F. of Santa Monica Public Library 3/8/2011
Parking is $1/hr in the garage & in the lot. More » -
Review from Amy L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/1/2011 12 Check-ins Here
It's so hard to find the perfect study spot! SMPL is my favorite hideout when working at home just isn't cutting it.
There's really something for everyone here. Free wi-fi, ample power outlets, and options galore! It tends to get packed, especially on the weekends, so prepare to share a desk or table. (There are definitely some crazies haunting the place, but what can you expect given that it's in the heart of Santa Monica.) SMPL even has some comfy chairs for those times when you want to be more relaxed. No need to change venues when you need a change of seat-ery. The quiet study room upstairs isn't my cup of tea, but you've got to appreciate the thought that went into planning this place. Group study rooms available for free same day reservation as well! I can even place a hold for a book online.
What's not to like? My one gripe is that the library doesn't have longer weekend hours! However, the Bookmark Cafe downstairs opens earlier than the library so you can grab a coffee and study outside in the central courtyard. -
Review from Mira S.
9/1/2011
Really nice library, good selection (although stuff I want is often out--guess that just means its a popular library), nice set of audiobooks and DVDs, convenient dropoff parking and a lot/easy street metered parking. Getting my library card was my first move when moving to the area.
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Review from Erica J.
1/24/2011
If only it had free parking...
I still love this public library, despite the lack of free parking. There are many great features to extol about this institution. Just one of them is the beautifully-designed outdoor courtyard with a cafe and eating/reading area, where you can read your books on a sunny day. It's also got wonderful lighting inside.
The staff is generally warm and helpful, even at the end of the day. You don't need to be a resident of the city of Santa Monica to get a library card. What's really great about this library is that it feels like a community library. The entire community uses it at all hours when it's open, because it provides access to both new and old books, movies, music, and periodicals. It's not an academic library by any means, lacking in a lot of the more scholarly texts for research, but it's a useful public library, meant for the general public and utilized by many more.
I love going here, whether I have to study and use the quiet study rooms upstairs; or if I just want to borrow a new book, DVD, or CD from downstairs. It's also great to be able to place materials on hold and have it waiting for you to check out, especially if you don't have much time to spare.
Tip: If you come before 5:59pm and are willing to walk a couple blocks, park in one of the public parking lots for 2 hours of free parking. Otherwise, there's usually plenty of street parking available: $0.25 for 15 minutes, which is the same rate in the library parking lot.Listed in: Study Spots
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Review from Muy B.
Venice Beach, CA
9/2/2011
Very helpful staff with a real keen sense of wanting to promote reading and understanding. I just really love walking into any building and seeing readers and people who really enjoy learning new traits. People of all backgrounds.
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Review from Logan T.
West Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2011
Who knew a public library in the middle of a homeless shelter, the city of Santa Monica, could rock so hard.
I didn't until I saw Cara-C perform there.
Cara-C = freeq.
SMPL = dopes.
It's modern, it's clean, and it's an oasis for picking up tree-huggers, under-sexed nerds, and space cadets.
Parking's not free but hey, welcome to the real world - our state's in worse financial shape than you are.
Overall, WTG Santa Monica...now let's work on that fucking pier.
Enjoy. -
Review from Evan G.
Santa Monica, CA
1/14/2011 41 Check-ins Here
Hands down one of the best public libraries that I've been to. Admittedly, it isn't a huge majestic old library, but they do have a extensive selection of books and other resources.
Like others have said, the building itself is great, and the cafe and outside seating area are great to go to on sunny days, or even just visit even if you aren't looking to check something out at the library.
I have a toddler, so I've spent a lot of time in the Children's section, which is very impressive--a lot of computers, some small tables for kids to sit at, big chairs and couches for the tired parents, and a very big selection of board books, picture books, and videos. Also, a family restroom there, which is great to have.
There is parking underneath the library in a garage, or a small metered parking lot north of the building (enter off of 7th Street). I also ride my bike here a lot, and they have a lot of bike racks--some wave racks in the metered lot, which are okay, but even better is the bike corral which was added recently--a line of free-standing bike racks that they put in two underused parking spaces. Shared facilities for bikes and cars--hooray Santa Monica!
Most impressive of all is that even in this rough economic time, I haven't noticed a decline in the services here at the Main Branch. They smaller branches aren't open as often as this one, but they are still very impressive considering that Santa Monica is a small city (not even 100,000 people). -
Review from John M.
Santa Monica, CA
9/11/2010 15 Check-ins Here
This is one of my favorite places in all of Santa Monica.
First, there's ample parking underground that is reasonably priced. On the weekends, it's a max of $3. There are also bike racks outside the entrance on 6th street.
As you walk into the library you'll notice self-checkout counters (in addition to the staff assisted checkout counters). The self-checkout counters make it easy to get in and out of the library in a quick and efficient manner.
There selection is fantastic as they have a large selection of both new and old books, magazines, and DVDs.
There are private study rooms upstairs you can reserve, as well as plenty of single and share desks to use. Plus, free WIFI.
Perhaps my favorite benefit of the libo is the fact that you can reserve books in advance. Yup, just go online and reserve the books you want and they will be waiting for you when you get there with your name on them. How amazingly convenient!
The cafe in the courtyard of the library (Bookmark Cafe) is a hidden gem. Dirt cheap and surprisingly delicious.
Overall - highly recommend this library, one of the best I've ever been to. -
Review from Mylinh M.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2011
It would be 5 stars if only they offered free parking, or adequate parking in general but hey, welcome to SM.
I must admit I haven't been to a library since college and a library not associated with a school since I was reading "Sweet Valley High" and "The Baby-Sitters Club" books. Either libraries have come a long way or the Santa Monica Library is just the shit. It's spacious, full of natural light, and very welcoming. What I love is how helpful the service is, the ability to reserve and browse books online before you go, the cafe downstairs, and the plentitude of seating.
One of my favorite places in LA. -
Review from Tisha V.
Los Angeles, CA
5/29/2010
I've always loved the library. The perfect place to get lost in. The perfect place to spend hours upon hours.
BUT
Unfortunately, the parking meters that are along the street perimeter of the library doesn't have unlimited hour parking meters. If anything, most of them are an hour, thirty minutes or even fifteen minutes. The parking lot that's on the library lot is metered as well, and it's only an hour.
Aside from the parking issue, I love this place. Doing a research paper has helped me appreciate this amazing opportunity our city has provided us with.
I've become one with the periodical section, the dvd rentals, the art section and anything food related.
The building's architecture is one of my favorites. The sliding aluminum glass doors on the interior core of the building slide, and it's beautiful the way the small little courtyard feels like it's inside the library.
They have a little cafe, which I've never been to but it looks appealing. Small cafe tables where you can sit and eat, and read your books without having to check them out as of yet.
They have a store "Friends of the Library" which sells used books, cds and current books at a fraction of the price.
I got 8 Cookbooks and a Lazy Dog cd for $8.00. Score!Comment from Claudia F. of Santa Monica Public Library 6/4/2010
There is a parking garage beneath the Library. It can be… More » -
Review from Rodney H.
8/10/2010
I'm beyond jealous of the people who get to frequent this library.
Was in the area for a meeting and thought I would stop in for a quick look and was amazed. It's clean, there are helpful people and a great selection of pretty much anything you can think of (I'd take one of those three with the Los Angeles County Library system).
Used street parking which was $1 per hour with a max of two hours and the meter maids watch them religiously so be careful. -
Review from Crystal H.
Los Angeles, CA
4/13/2010
So I'm at the Santa Monica Public Library yesterday studying at big the first floor tables next to the magazines. A homeless lady towing a stuffed suitcase walks by and asks the elderly lady sitting next to me if someone is using the couch by our table. Lady sitting next to me lifts up her glasses and replies in a prissy voice, "Yes they are, obviously that's why they left their stuff on it." So the homeless lady mutters, "ah shut yer trap" and lets loose 4 distinct, loud farts as she slowly shuffles away. In a quiet-ass library.
So yeah, I seriously love this library, it has a huge collection of books and you can have books transferred here and put on hold for you from any other branch library for free. The architecture is a breath of fresh air, but sometimes you get a whiff of the local flavor along with it, whether you like it or not. -
Review from J S t e w.
Hollywood Hills, CA
1/10/2008 ROTD 3/5/2008
Okay, so where I grew up, the public library was this dark, quiet, and relatively depressing little building that was primarily inhabited by folks over 70, mainly as a free place to get out of the house, I think. (No offense to those over 70, mind you - I plan to pretty much hang out wherever I want assuming I make it that far.)
But compare that to the SMPL, where you can have a (pretty decent) little lunch, a latte or a cup of tea in an open-air courtyard, complete with a modern fountain and all. The architecture of the building is beautiful, it's always clean, the staff is nice, and it takes approximately as long to get a library card as it does to floss, and is way more fun. (Though you really should floss - your 70-year-old library-dwelling self will thank you.)
Oh yeah, it's got a lot of books, too. Even the real popular ones can be reserved from your mac at home (you can reserve on a PC, too, but why would you want to?) Check 'em out, walk a few blocks, and voila: you're one of those blessed beach-goers peacefully reading a book in the middle of this chaotic world. Pretty much all around, it's some of the best free edutainment there is to be had.
Check it out (get it?) --js -
Review from Alexa B.
Have I really not reviewed Santa Monica Public Library yet? How is this possible?
SMPL is probably THE single greatest public library I have ever set foot in. The very first thing I did when I moved to SM was sign up for my public library card... and when I walked into that place for the very first time... I tell you. I got darn excited.
I am a BIG book fan, and an even bigger book dork. I will read anything from Harry Potter to The Rise of String Theory.
Here are the reasons you should sign up for a card immediately if you live in the Santa Monica area:
- the beautiful post modern architecture, with light, airy bay window seating
- the cafe on floor 1
- the used bookstore where all books cost just a few dollars and benefits the library.
- the free seminars and movie showings
- the multi-floored stacks of books of every interest, usually with multiple copies of each
- the amazing inter-library loan program
- the ability to search, reserve and track books online from home from your library card account
- the big, snazzy kids' section
- the pretty large and varied selection of movies, TV shows and audiobooks
Seriously, you won't regret your membership. Aside from the ocean and the amazing restaurants, this is one of the best things about SM.Listed in: The Best and Worst of Santa…
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Review from Christina Y.
Santa Monica, CA
10/22/2009
As a former scrappy urban latchkey kid, I have fond memories of spending hours on end at my local library after school, securing that little green card in my Hello Kitty wallet and devouring Judy Blume books (and probably searching through them for the dirty parts).
I haven't felt that same excitement for libraries in a long time. Higher education causes you to equate libraries with all nighters, no-doz and general misery, no matter how beautiful they are.
The love affair has begun again thanks to this location, SM's main library. The building is new and gorgeous, featuring a nice little outdoor area where you can grab a snack from the cafe, and lots of quiet study areas. I expect some people (probably not Santa Monicans) would be irked by the fairly high population of homeless people sitting in the areas reading, but I honestly couldn't respect a library that wouldn't allow this. After all, the entire community should be allowed to enjoy the library, that's the point of it.
Sure, you may not be able to grab the hottest bestseller right away, but their membership system makes it so easy to put it on hold, and it's like Christmas morning when you get those emails saying that the book you've been dying to read is waiting for you.
In fact, I'm currently out of town on a business trip and the prospect of waking up in 5 hours is much less miserable thanks to one of those emails. I can't wait to head home and pick up my latest reading obsession (and no, it's not Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret.) -
Review from Natalia R.
Venice, CA
Updated - 1/5/2010
"Sundays are hard to get a computer", no sh*t! Have you been on that place on a Sunday? Get your sanitized wipe and make sure to clean those keyboards.
They have a lot of space to study on the second floor, I think you can get a study room only for yourself. Downstair there's the courtyard and that delicious little cafe (I always forget to try their food). When you can just sit there to eat or to enjoy the sun :)
I think that library is on the same level, if not better, than the Central Library in Downtown. They have all kinds of magazines, books, dvds and you can even check microfilms there.
By the dvds you'll find the teen's and the kids' area. They have computers with games for kids and children's magazines; I remember once walking in there and seeing a little girl roling a big square around with a big smile on her face. I wanted to have kids with me right then just to stay longer there.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2008
Nice people working there. Always ready to help.
Sundays are hard to get a computer. The kids area is… Read more »
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Review from Dave L.
Los Angeles, CA
10/5/2006
The Santa Monica Public Library is one of the best places to study, do research, or get some writing done.
It's well-lit, easily accessible with plenty of parking nearby, spacious-feeling, well-designed, and really big. There's free Wifi and plenty of outlet plugs for all you cool hipster-glasses-wearing Apple-notebook-carrying wannabe and actual screenwriters. There's a central courtyard and a cafe. Upstairs has study rooms that you can reserve if you have a SM library card, but I just go in anyway until someone kicks me out, which is usually never. The only bad thing about this place is that it closes at 9PM. But if you're dying to finish the insanely clever repartee between your protagonist and the comic relief, It's A Grind Coffeehouse is right across the street and open until 11. How perfect is that?
Just remember, if you see some dude there who doesn't have cool glasses and he's writing his tenth unsold spec script on a Dell laptop using a Word template, that's not me. That guy is a freaking loser.Listed in: Lonely LA Activities
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Review from Eva H.
3/15/2010
I spent my nerdy childhood calling libraries second homes, but somewhere along the way I equated libraries to places of academic torture.
It's finals week (yes that is why I'm Yelping) and I decided that I really need to be inspired to study and focus. I went to a small LA branch library the day before and I felt like I needed a major upgrade. SMPL was exactly what I needed.
This building is AMAZING- I don't remember the last time I was at such a beautiful, new, clean library! The whole thing is built on mental, wood and light- I discovered surprised by all the seating and quiet corners as I wandered around- it's quite a maze for first timers here. There is a nice tranquil courtyard/ cafe outside- I wish I had time to really check it out...next time.
Lots of transients chilling here on the comfy couches reading magazines and books- maybe it make some people uncomfortable, but I'm really glad the staff doesn't bother them too much as they have every right to read and learn in a public space right?
Thank you SMPL for getting me to write 5 more pages for my paper. I really do want to come back here, but the fact that you have to pay to park at a public library kinda irks me.. my advice walk or take the bus if possible.Listed in: Study Havens
