The Santa Monica Public Library released its Community Mapping Findings and Insights Report earlier this month, providing a foundation for the library's next strategic plan.
The report's findings will help shape programs and services, plan future partnerships and guide strategic decisions reflecting community needs and vision.
Participants provided feedback across priorities including reliable access and hours, clean and welcoming spaces, youth and family programming, culturally relevant services and digital literacy support.
The library has already begun implementing improvements aligned with these priorities, including restoring full-service operations at the Fairview and Ocean Park Branch libraries in January 2026 and installing new wayfinding signage at the Main Library.
"The community voice is at the heart of everything we do," Director of Library Services Erica Cuyugan said. "This report reflects the public's vision of an ideal library, one that meets the needs of residents today while inspiring growth and engagement for the future."
Feedback was gathered throughout the latter half of 2025 from residents, patrons and community members through online and print surveys in English and Spanish, targeted focus groups, community conversations at the Main Library, Pico Branch and Montana Branch, and pop-up outreach events including the 2025 State of the City celebration at Christine Emerson Reed Park.
A limited number of summary booklets are available at library locations, designed to provide a visual and accessible overview of key findings.
The full report is available online at santamonica.gov/programs/community-mapping.
Edited by SMDP Staff