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# Feeling disconnected at new library
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/feeling-disconnected-at-new-library-editor/
- Published: 2006-05-15T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:50:54.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Downtown, #archive-import

*By Frank Palardy Santa Monica*

The new library is a nice combination of utility and modern design and it’s big enough for all kinds of people. The designers deserve some credit, but I think the city still has a problem with not paying attention to what people want. The hours seem to be designed to fit employee schedules rather than need. I was there on a Friday afternoon and it was packed right before closing. Many people go downtown on the weekend. They could stay open later simply by shifting some schedules around. I also have doubts about the so-called environmental design. There are about 100 computers running constantly that are available for library searches only. These computers do not have internet access, so nobody uses them. They are basically decorations that use enough electricity to run a good sized corporation. Meanwhile, the computers with internet connections are booked up, and have insulting restrictions. I simply wanted to check something for a minute and it was a big hassle. Why can’t they connect all the computers to the internet? You can bring your own laptop, but why bother with all the computers they have?

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 15, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/051506.pdf?ref=smdp.com)