The library offers several services that make it easy to get the items you want.
Hold requests place you on a waiting list for a title. This is especially helpful for items that are checked out, on-order, or being processed. For pickup at Main Library or Pico Branch, you will have 10 days (excluding closed days) to retrieve the item once you are notified that it is ready for pick-up. For pickup at Fairview Branch, Montana Branch, or Ocean Park Branch, you will have 5 days (excluding closed days) to retrieve the item once you are notified that it is ready for pick-up. There is no charge for hold requests, and you may have up to 25 hold requests at a time.
Here's how:
You can be notified that your hold is ready for pickup by phone, email, or text. You can also use the My Borrowing function in the online catalog to see if your hold is available for pick-up.
Need something that's not in the Santa Monica Public Library collection? It may be possible to use Interlibrary Loan Service to borrow from other libraries throughout the country. There is a $5.00 non-refundable fee to initiate the request. Some items may difficult to acquire or may require additional fees. Contact staff for more information. (310) 458-8600 or Email Reference.
Suggest an item to add to the collection using the Suggestions for Purchase Form. All suggestions are submitted to a subject specialist for consideration.
Zip Books is a way for patrons to request books that Santa Monica Public Library does not own. The item is free to you and ships directly to you using Amazon. View more information and fill out the Zip Books request form.