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 1, R10, and 18. Big Blue Bus lines 2, 3, R3, and 9 also stop within a short walking distance.
By Rail. The Metro Expo line stops within a ten minute walk to the Main Library.
Parking
Subterranean Garage
The public parking garage is open to the general public on a limited basis. The garage is generally open Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. (The Library is not open on Friday or Sunday.) The garage is closed on Sunday.
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.
Study Rooms
Main Library study rooms are available for use with a SMPL library card. Reserve study rooms online up to 24 hours in advance for one 1-hour period per day. Reservations are required and are on a first come-first served basis. There are 5 study rooms in Youth Services (1st floor) and 7 study rooms on the 2nd floor. Maximum occupancy ranges from 2 people up to 6 persons depending on the study room.
Donations
The Santa Monica Public Library welcomes donations to enrich the Library's collections and the Friends of the Library Bookstore. Donations are accepted at the Main Library. We welcome books, vinyl, CDs, and DVDs, but no galleys or screeners. If you have questions please contact us at 310-458-8600 or email us at library@santamonica.gov.
Bookstore (Friends of the Library)
The Friends’ Bookstore located at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Mondays: 12 – 3pm
Thursdays: 3 – 6pm
Saturdays: 12 – 3pm
*Hours subject to change based on volunteer availability.