By Lookout Staff

February 22, 2022 -- Two years after the Montana Avenue Branch Library closed its doors due to the coronavirus emergency, patrons will once again be able to browse its shelves starting March 1.

The library at 1704 Montana Avenue -- which has provided only curbside service for the past 18 months -- will open two days a week, Library officials said.

“Patrons often comment that one of the things they love most about the Montana Avenue Branch is its ‘neighborhood-y’ feel,” said Erica Cuyugan, Interim City Librarian.

“The affinity patrons feel for the Montana Branch is reflected in the high visitation numbers and number of items that patrons check out.”

Building on the limited curbside services offered during the pandemic, the library will reopen with the Fine Free for All program in place.

The program -- which will begin at all library branches next Tuesday -- eliminates all overdue fines as a way to further the city's recovery from the coronavirus shutdown ("Santa Monica Puublic Library Drops Overdue Fines," February 9, 2022).

It also is part of an effort "to remove barriers to accessing the Santa Monica Public Library," City officials said.

In addition to the fine-free program, library visitors can browse the adult and youth collections and pick up library holds.

They also can use computers for up to 30 minutes and interact with staff, Library officials said.

"Library spaces have been reconfigured to provide welcoming environments that also accommodate social distancing," officials said.

"If you haven’t visited the Library in a while, come back. If you are new to Santa Monica, join us."

The Montana Branch will be open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on hours and services offered at each Santa Monica Public Library location, visit smpl.org/reopening.