Santa Monica Public Library – Pico Branch

History

Established in 2014.

In 2008 the idea of a library returning to the Pico neighborhood gained momentum as the community considered the rebuilding of Edison Language Academy and the opportunity for a joint-​use (Santa Monica-​Malibu Unified School District and City) branch library was explored. The discussions led to the investigation of other locations for a branch, including along Pico Boulevard at a site to be acquired and in Virginia Avenue Park. Extensive community input into the siting, design and programming of the library occurred fall 2008 through spring 2011. In 2009, the City Council approved construction of a new branch library in Virginia Avenue Park and selected Koning Eizenberg Architects (KEA) as part of a competitive process. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 15, 2012. In 2014, the branch had its «soft» opening on April 24, and the ribbon-​cutting, Grand Opening ceremony takes place on Saturday, June 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.