The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica.
Last fall, the Santa Monica City Council approved funding to restore library hours as part of the city of Santa Monica’s Realignment Plan.
The phased expansion began in January 2026 with the return of three days of full-service hours at the Fairview and Ocean Park Branch libraries and will continue in July 2026 with the expansion of full-service hours to four days per week at the Fairview, Ocean Park and Montana Branch libraries. The phased approach allowed the Santa Monica Public Library time to recruit staff and prepare facilities for expanded service.
Starting Monday, July 6, 2026, Fairview, Montana and Ocean Park Branch full-service hours will be as follows. Full-service hours at the Main Library and Pico Branch will not change.
Fairview Branch Library | 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.
Fairview Branch will discontinue Friday service and add full-service hours on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m.
Monday-Thursday, Noon-8 p.m.
Montana Branch Library | 1704 Montana Ave.
Montana Branch will add full-service hours on Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.
Self-service hours will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Tuesday-Thursday, Noon-8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ocean Park Branch Library | 2601 Main St.
Ocean Park Branch will add full-service hours on Tuesdays from noon to 8 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday, Noon-8 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
To celebrate the expansion of services, Santa Monica Public Library will host an open house at the Montana Branch on Wednesday, July 8, from noon to 8 p.m. Community members are invited to meet library staff and neighbors, enjoy refreshments and participate in activities for children and families.
“Expanding full-service hours at our branch libraries is another meaningful step in restoring and strengthening the services our community values most. Santa Monica Public Library is more than a place to check out books. It is a welcoming space for learning and connection,” Director of Library Services Erica Cuyugan said. “We’re excited to continue restoring access across the system and to celebrate this milestone with our patrons and staff. I’m incredibly grateful to our library team and city leadership for their continued commitment to serving Santa Monica residents.”
During full-service operating hours, patrons can browse the libraries’ collections, pick up holds, check out materials, reserve and use computers, and receive assistance from library staff. Santa Monica Public Library also offers programs and events at its five locations and across the city, including economic development workshops, neighborhood association meetings and other community gatherings.
For more information, visit smpl.org.
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