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# Libraries are on the move: renovations are progressing
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/libraries-are-on-the-move-renovations-are-progressing/
- Published: 2002-12-21T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T01:10:47.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Education, Montana, #archive-import

*By SARA VAN DYCK Special to the Daily Press*

The first step in updating the city’s libraries is now complete. Montana Branch, renovated and with the addition of a community room, has just re-opened, and Fairview Branch will re-open in January. “The renovation has made it much more attractive and light-filled,” according to Montana librarian Janet Hunt, adding that it is more welcoming to children.

Many of the new features at Montana have been provided through the sale of pavers sponsored by the Friends of the Library, which has raised over $100,000\. Contributors will see their engraved, personalized pavers set in the front walkway in a few months. The pavers for the front patio at Montana are completely sold, according to Friends board vice-chair Sherrill Kushner, although opportunities remain for the back patio. Residents who use the Fairview Branch will soon have a similar opportunity to purchase pavers. Funds in both cases are used to purchase furnishings, books, CDs, DVDs and other materials and equipment for the specific branch.

Although Main Library is scheduled to close early in 2003, the branches and convenient sites throughout the city will offer activities for all ages. Children’s programs will continue at the branches, and Ken Edwards Center will host the popular “Tuesdays with Books,” starting on Jan. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Youth services is currently accepting applications for a new program that invites high school students who live or attend school in Santa Monica to join a professional Web designer in creating a Web site by and for local teenagers. For details call librarian Catherine Ronan, (310) 458-8976.

In another opportunity for teens who live or attend school in Santa Monica, the library board is sponsoring a citywide photography contest. Guidelines can be found at all branches of the library, or visit www. smplteens.org.

Planning for the “Citywide Reads” event during the spring continues as the library is calling for book discussion group leaders. The library will conduct training sessions for volunteers willing to lead discussions of the selected novel “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” by Dai Sijie. This highly-praised novel, set in China during the Cultural Revolution, centers on two teenage boys who discover a hidden stash of banned books.

For information on any of the above programs or on Friends’ membership, visit the library Web site, www. smpl.org, or call library administration at (310) 458-8600.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 21, 2002.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/122102.pdf?ref=smdp.com)