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# Read betweeen the lines: Library is useless
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/read-betweeen-the-lines-library-is-useless-editor/
- Published: 2006-05-01T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:40:48.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Jennifer Weiss Santa Monica*

I agree with Joyce Martino (SMDP, April 20, page 4) about the new library being completely useless.

Silly me, I thought $80 million might buy some new books and/or an expanded collection. Apparently, staff salaries and cement are the only thing that’s increased. Santa Monica’s public library has one of the worst large print collections I’ve ever seen. There’s virtually none of the classics in large print. Whenever I need large print classics, I always go to Beverly Hills public library, which has a far more complete collection.

The cheaply made building is already falling apart. The elevators are malfunctioning, and lights are already burning out. When told of these things, all the clue-less staff can do is shrug their shoulders and collect their lifetime pensions. That is, when they aren’t harassing the homeless. I doubt this new building was ever intended to be much more than a glorified homeless living room, and cash cow for over-paid city staffers.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 1, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/050106.pdf?ref=smdp.com)