Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library is proud to support a wide range of programs and initiatives that enhance the cultural and educational experiences available to our community. From special programming to essential facilities and resources, your generous contributions make a meaningful impact on the Santa Monica Public Library and its ability to serve. Continue reading for more information on some of the programs we help fund.
When: Friday, January 30, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Main Library, Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium (601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401)
Lily King delves into her new novel, Heart the Lover, exploring topics of desire, friendship, loss and the lasting impact of first love.
Lily King is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels, including Writers & Lovers. Her work has won numerous awards, including the Kirkus Prize, and the New England Book Award for Fiction.
Maile Meloy is the award-winning author of the novels Liars and Saints, and Do Not Become Alarmed. Meloy has written for Netflix’s The Society and Fox’s Accused, which she also directed.
Presented by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library in collaboration with Barnes & Noble. Books will be available for purchase on-site via Barnes & Noble. A book signing will follow.
The library’s annual Summer Reading Program helps prevent the “summer slide” by ensuring that youth retain reading and learning skills over the school break. For adults, it allows them to improve their focus, memory and communication skills while joining in on the fun. The Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library is proud to support this annual program by offering coupons that can be used at the Friends Bookstore, located inside of the Main Library. Coupons are available while supplies last.
This program challenge people to UNJUDGE SOMEONE by checking out a “Human Book” and having a thirty-minute conversation to learn more about another person’s experience. Through open, honest conversations, participants gain a better understanding of other people’s experiences.
First launched in 2002 Santa Monica Reads is a community reading program that provides an opportunity for people to engage, read and discuss the same book through guided conversation in discussion groups and special programs held throughout the city.
Arts & Literacy Festival celebrates the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It links children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures. Participants enjoy author talks, story times, educational activities and a free children’s book provided by the Friends at the Arts & Literacy Festival.
Mentoring the next generation of Library supporters, the Friends fund Teen Advisory Councils at numerous branches. The Councils promote library use and community involvement by teens. Participants serve as the voice of teens, plan, publicize, and sponsor programs in the library of interest to teens.
Looking to start a book group but are intimidated about where to start? A Book Group in a Box kit contains everything your book group needs to enjoy reading and discussing your next book.
