Getting There

The Main Library is located at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and 6th Street.

By Freeway. Take the I-10 freeway to the Lincoln Blvd exit.  Turn right onto Lincoln Blvd. and proceed .4 miles to Santa Monica Blvd where you will turn left.  The Library will be one block ahead on the right.

By Bus. The Main Library is directly served by the Big Blue Bus lines 7 and 10. Big Blue Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 also stop within a short walking distance.

Parking

Subterranean Garage. An underground parking structure can be accessed from 7th Street between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave.  The structure has 525 parking spaces on three levels and is open from 8am to 11pm daily. Real-time parking space availability for the structure can be viewed on the City's Transportation Division website. Click on pL. The first thirty minutes are free. Rates are $1 per hour for the first two hours and thirty minutes. After that, the rate is $1 per thirty minutes. Weekdays the daily maximum is $10. Weekends the daily maximum is $5. Parking on level P1 is restricted to stays of three hours or less. Parking spaces for those displaying disabled placards or plates are on P1. Visitors parking for three hours or longer should park on levels P2 or P3.  The Library does not provide validation for parking. 

Street-level parking lot. A limited number of metered one-hour parking spaces are available.  Entry to the lot is from 7th Street.

Bike Racks.  Cyclists can secure their bikes at one of several bike racks installed along the north side of the building.

Returning Materials

Main Library - Exterior Materials Return - Exterior return slots are located at the side of the building on 6th street. This return is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts books, magazines and audiovisual materials. A drive-up return bin is also available on the P1 level of the underground parking structure from 8:00am-11:00pm, 7 days a week - please note that garage parking is free for the first 30 minutes; after that, parking fees will be assessed. 

Overview of Services and Collections

Programs.  The Main Library offers an extensive range of free public programs for all ages and interests. Highlights include Summer Reading Clubs, Santa Monica Citywide Reads, film screenings, live music concerts, author talks and book signings.

Computer Classes.  Free instructional classes on using the Internet and the Library's electronic resources are held in the Computer Training Room.Collections.  In addition to a wide array of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, music CDs, and audio books, the Main Library features a rich World Languages collection and the Santa Monica History Collection.

Meeting Room Rentals.  The Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium, Multipurpose Room and Community Room are available for rent for community sponsored meetings and programs.

Internet Computers.  The Main Library is equipped with 70 public access Internet stations in the second floor Computer Commons.

Public Art.  The Main Library is proud to display the following works: "Underwater Canopy: (2006) by Carl Cheng (American, 1942-); a cultural monument: "Martin Luther King, Jr." by Rojo with concept development and fabrication by Jeff Sanders and "Mural for the Santa Monica Public Library" (1934-35) by Stanton Macdonald-Wright (American, 1890-1973) -- on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Wi-Fi. The facility is equipped with free City Wi-Fi..

Photocopiers and printers. Color and black-and-white printing and photocopying are available.

Donations.  The library gratefully accepts donations. Materials not added to the Library's collection are given to the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library for sale in the Friends Book Store.  Please review the Library's Gifts and Donations policy for further information.

Dining.  The Bookmark Cafe is located in the central courtyard and features salads, sandwiches, wraps, breakfast items, soft drinks, smoothies, teas and coffees.

Tours. Docent led tours are offered the third Friday of each month at 12:30 pm. Meet in the lobby area near Customer Services.