by: Nicole Charky, Patch Staff
original post: https://patch.com/california/santamonica/new-grant-will-help-reopen-ocean-park-branch-library
The Ocean Park Branch Library in Santa Monica will receive a grant to help it reopen in the pandemic. (Nicole Charky/Patch)
An exclusive grant provided by the California State Library in partnership with Bibliotheca, LLC, will add new technology at the Ocean Park Branch Library.
The new technology aims to give the community access to library services in a post-COVID world with a unique self-service model.
The Open+ Pilot Project, is part of the California State Library’s Bringing the Library to YouMobile Library Solutions grant initiative.
Santa Monica Public Library was one of 10 California libraries selected to receive funding to increase access to physical library services via the Open+ product. The opportunity came at a time when the city restructured the organization in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the library experienced cuts to its budget and staff, including suspension of services at two neighborhood branch locations.
“We look forward to installing the new technology and to securely opening the doors of the beloved Ocean Park Branch to library patrons who are eager to once again explore the shelves of their local branch,” Patty Wong, Library Services Director, said in a statement. “We are preparing the facility and Open+ technology and will welcome patrons back through this new self-service model as soon as we can open safely.”
The Ocean Park Branch Library will be the sole location equipped with the technology. It will operate with a comprehensive self-service model providing controlled access to the library and security cameras.
Library patrons who sign the Self-Service Hours Terms and Conditions and agree to library policies can scan their Santa Monica Public Library card at the entrance to enter the building.
Details and instructions on how to sign up for Open+ will be released as the project gets ready to launch, according to the city. The technology will allow the Branch to provide service with limited resources by maintaining access to valuable library collections, space and services.
“This is a smart way to improve service to the Santa Monica community by keeping library doors open and offering services when they’re needed. The project makes valuable library services more convenient and more accessible,” Greg Lucas, State Librarian, said in a statement.
For more information on the grant, visit https://califa.org/openplus-grant.
Library buildings in Santa Monica remain closed to the public as required by the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department, but books and audiovisual materials are available for pickup through contactless curbside service.
By popular request evening hours are being added to curbside pickup. Curbside service hours at all pickup locations will be 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesdays beginning March 17. For more information visit smpl.org/curbside.
For general and reference questions call 310-458-8600 or email reference@smgov.net. Staff is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library’s digital services are available 24/7 through an Online Library.