Santa Monica library presents impact report and schedules Fairview, Ocean Park reopenings in January

Library staff reviewed a new impact report that highlights the library’s role in emergency response, recovery, learning and local economic recovery, and outlined program expansions tied to branch reopenings.

Staff described the report as a representative overview of recent work rather than an exhaustive inventory, and said it will be distributed digitally with limited paper copies given to leadership and the city manager’s office for council distribution. On programming, staff said they plan to expand adult literacy, ASL, computer classes and workforce-development offerings as branches increase service days.

During the meeting staff announced opening dates for two branches: "The Fairview branch is set to open its doors to the public on Tuesday, January 20," and the Ocean Park branch on Wednesday, January 21. The board was invited to attend celebratory opening events; staff said light refreshments and outreach to neighborhood associations and the city manager’s office will follow.

Staff said recruiting is ongoing following a prior hiring pause that required additional justification; they cautioned that full-time staffing to return to pre‑2019 levels is not guaranteed immediately but that branches are expected to expand to roughly four days per week during the transition.

Board members praised volunteers and the Friends of the Library for support during reopening events and programs, including a recent book-wrapping volunteer event and adult literacy celebrations. Staff said two learners recently completed Career Online High School and that several programs will move from grant-supported to partially permanent staffing.