Internet Use

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In keeping with the Santa Monica Public Library's mission to help support an informed and educated community, the Library provides free public access to resources on the Internet. The Library adheres to the American Library Association’s policy statement: Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: an interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS which supports the right of individuals to choose library materials for themselves,including those in electronic formats.

As with all other library materials, children’s access to and use of the Internet is the sole responsibility of the child’s parent or legal guardian. The Internet may provide access to information, content and services some of which parents may feel is inappropriate or objectionable for their own children. The Library and its staff cannot censor access to materials or prevent users from encountering materials on the Internet that they may find offensive. Parents should let their children know about information, content and services on the Internet that they do not want them to access or use. Or, parents should supervise their own child’s Internet sessions at the Library. For more information on children and the Internet,visit Connect Safely.

• The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information.


• By providing the Internet, Library users are able to expand their access to information far beyond the Library’s budgetary or space constraints. In choosing sources to link to the Santa Monica Public Library home page, Library staff follow accepted library selection criteria for electronic resources. Not all sources on the Internet, however, provide accurate, complete, or current information. Each user must evaluate the validity and usefulness of information found on the Internet.


• The Library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.


• Materials obtained or copied from the Internet may be subject to copyright laws. U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The Santa Monica Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

• Santa Monica Public Library computers are located in public areas where minors may be present. Use of SMPL public computers in a manner harmful to minors or in any manner in violation of state or federal law is prohibited. Unlawful activities will be reported to library security staff or the Santa Monica Police Department.