July 26, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

10th Anniversary Celebration of Pico Branch Library to Feature Special Readings, Mariachi Performances

Anne Carmack, City of Santa Monica Poet Laureate, Will Deliver a Keynote Speech

The Pico Branch Library will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a family-friendly event on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2201 Pico Boulevard. 

The festivities will commence at 11 a.m. with a performance by the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Mariachi band, followed by a welcome address from Mayor Phil Brock. Anne Carmack, City of Santa Monica Poet Laureate, will deliver a keynote speech, reading a special poem crafted from community-contributed words.

City officials, the Director of Library Services, Library Board and Friends of the Library Board members, and community members will join in celebrating the beloved library branch. Ashley Granillo will read from her book “Cruzita and Mariacheros,” followed by a Mariachi performance and book signing.

Attendees can also explore the library’s new interactive local history RED Kit, which invites neighbors to share their stories through interviews and spoken word.

The event will feature community organization booths, Summer Reading Program signups, various activities, giveaways from the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, refreshments, screen-printed tote bags, and more. The day will conclude with a bossa nova performance by the Angelo Metz Quartet.

“In the 10 years that Pico Branch has existed within the Virginia Avenue Park campus and the Pico neighborhood, our library services, programs, and staff have woven themselves into the fabric of this community, ensuring that everyone has access to lifelong learning opportunities and experiences. Cheers to many more years of partnership and collaboration!” said Erica Cuyugan, Director of Library Services.

Designed by Koning Eizenberg Architecture, the Pico Branch Library, which opened in June 2014, is a LEED Platinum-rated facility.

The public is invited to bring picnic blankets and baskets for a fun day in the park.

For more information, call the library at (310) 458-8600; or email library@santamonica.gov.

in News, Upbeat
<>Related Posts

LAPD to Conduct DUI Checkpoints Across City This Weekend

July 26, 2025

July 26, 2025

LAPD officials said checkpoint locations are chosen based on areas with high numbers of DUI-related crashes and arrests The Los...

Metro D Line Resumes Today After 70-Day Closure

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The shutdown, which began May 17, enabled Metro to connect the current line to newly built tunnels extending west under...

Measles Case Confirmed in LA, Officials Urge Vaccination

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Investigators are working to identify potential exposures and assess the risk to others Health officials have confirmed a case of...

Los Angeles Marks Milestone in Youth Sports Enrollment

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

A program has surpassed one million enrollments, providing low-cost and, in some cases, free access to youth and adaptive sports ...

Herbie Hancock to Headline Hollywood Bowl in August

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Known for his decades-spanning career, Hancock is one of jazz’s forward-thinking voices Jazz legend Herbie Hancock is set to return...

LAHSA Appoints New Interim CEO Amid System Transitions

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The agency is navigating uncertainty following the county’s decision to create a separate homelessness department and shifting federal policy priorities...

Premiere of ‘All These Women’ Coming to Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Set in 1913, the play dramatizes the uphill struggle for the right to vote as women across the United States...

Sunset Jazz & Pizza Series Returns to The Lobster

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The series blends jazz from a three-piece house band with handcrafted pizzas and $5 Open Brewing beers  The Lobster’s popular...

Santa Monica City Attorney to Step Down, Take New Public Role in California

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

City Council will discuss hiring a replacement at its July 29 meeting Santa Monica City Attorney Doug Sloan has announced...

In Your Time of Need, Woodlawn Cemetery is Available

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

By Susan Payne  For over 125 years, Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary, wholly owned and operated by the city of...

Going for the throat

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Coach Bill Schuman expects protégé Golda Zahra to hold back nothing  By Linda Chase World famous competitors hire special coaches...

California Reports 13% Drop in Vehicle Thefts in 2024, First Decline Since 2019

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Southern California accounted for 53.21% of thefts, with Los Angeles County alone representing 61.83% of the region’s total California reported...

LAPD Pacific Boosters’ West LA Summer Carnival Takes Place This Weekend

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The carnival will feature amusement rides for all ages, arcade-style games, and traditional fair food The LAPD Pacific Area Boosters...

(Video) Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

For More Information, Go To Wiseandhealthyaging.org/ Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center. For More...

Film Review: I Know What You Did Last Summer

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

“This movie will probably become part of pop culture, even if not a critical success. Neither was the 1997 film,...