The library will also expand its early-literacy offerings with new storytime programs, including a monthly “Library Playdate” for infants and toddlers and a traveling “Toddler Tuesdays” series
The Santa Monica Public Library will offer a wide range of free programs for children, teens and adults throughout February, including reading support for young children, Black History Month events, author talks, arts workshops and community services.
For youth and families, the library will host “Read with Roger” on Feb. 6 at the Ocean Park Branch. The program allows children ages 5 to 11 to practice reading aloud in a relaxed setting alongside Roger, a certified English Labrador and peer-support K-9 with the Santa Monica Fire Department. Sessions are scheduled in 15-minute intervals.
Other children’s programs include a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot adventure for ages 9 to 14 on Feb. 11 at the Main Library, a Pokémon Club gathering on Feb. 12 at the Pico Branch, LEGO Club on Feb. 19, and a Black History Month family movie screening of Ruby Bridges on Feb. 28.
Teens ages 12 to 17 are invited to participate in a Black History Month Reading Challenge throughout February, featuring books by Coretta Scott King Award–winning authors. Participants can earn digital badges and entries into a book prize drawing.
The library will also expand its early-literacy offerings with new storytime programs, including a monthly “Library Playdate” for infants and toddlers and a traveling “Toddler Tuesdays” series rotating among branch locations. Baby Time and Spanish-language storytime programs will continue during the month.
As part of the annual Santa Monica Reads program, running Feb. 2 through March 14, the library will host Japanese author Michiko Aoyama for an in-person discussion of her novel What You Are Looking for Is in the Library on Feb. 28. Multiple book discussions and a needle-felting workshop inspired by the novel are also scheduled.
Adult programming in February includes a block-printing workshop on Feb. 14, a vogue dance performance by the Iconic House of Ninja on Feb. 18, and several sessions of free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Most programs are free, though some require advance registration or have limited capacity.
