Join the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library in collaboration with the Friends of the Palisades Library for an unforgettable evening with bestselling author Pico Iyer as he discusses his latest book, “AFLAME: Learning from Silence.” Published one week after the Palisades Fire, which destroyed thousands of structures, including the Palisades Library, “AFLAME” shares what Iyer learned in the aftermath of losing his family home in a Santa Barbara wildfire and through his numerous stays at a Benedictine monastery in Big Sur.
Thursday, April 24th, at the Main Library, Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium (601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401.)
Event starts at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Featured on “Fresh Air,” hailed by the Dalai Lama as a book that “may help many to lead lives of greater compassion and deeper peace of mind” and the subject of a long profile in The New York Times, Iyer and “AFLAME” are focused on how we can find hope and possibility even amidst the difficult realities of our time. Join us for this fascinating conversation with Pico Iyer to discover how we can do so without losing confidence or clarity. A book signing will follow the discussion.
Find out what it takes to find love in today’s dating world.
Join the Friends of the Santa Monica Public for an author talk on Thursday, May 15th, at the Main Library, Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium (601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401.)
Event starts at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Books will be available for purchase on site via Zibby’s Bookshop.
Are you frustrated with the dating scene and ready to take control of your love life? Join podcast hosts and authors Yue Xu and Julie Krafchick as they help you break free from the traps of modern dating and change your approach to love while discussing their new book and actionable guide, ‘How to be Dateable.’ They’ll share expert knowledge and help you recognize your dating strengths in order to find the relationship you deserve.
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.
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. For more information visit smpl.org.
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 intimated 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. Visit smpl.org for currently available kits.
