Community & Cultural Connector

The Library forms community partnerships and alliances to bolster collective impact, build community assets and inspire positive social change.

No single organization is responsible for any major social problem, nor can any single organization cure it.
–John Kania & Mark Kramer, Stanford Social Innovation Review

Collective impact uses a deliberate, collaborative process to build community assets and address social change. Successful collective impact results from a shared agenda, vision and measurements; mutually reinforcing activities; continuous communication; and a steering team dedicated to achieving shared purpose and vision. Library staff members are committed to building community assets and empowering residents by creating rich, meaningful relationships with community partners. The Library team continues to forge alliances and collaborate with community experts to enhance programs and services. Together, our collective efforts and services will provide the resources necessary for community members to thrive from birth and to succeed throughout life.

In the Spotlight: Pop-Up Resource Fair

In partnership with Human Services, The People Concern, St. Joseph Center, Chrysalis, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Services, and Department of Public Health, the Main Library has hosted two Pop-Up Resource Fairs for homeless individuals to receive information and referrals to services. Numerous individuals have benefitted from these services including individuals who have changed their status from homeless to obtaining housing.

In partnership with The People Concern the Library is implementing pop-up and drop-in services for homeless individuals at all library locations. Most recently, these pop-up have been held at the Main Library.

Community & Cultural Connector Launch Goals

Spring 2018 marks the 16^th annual Santa Monica Reads (SMR) a community-wide reading program bringing the City of Santa Monica together. Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, which is celebrating its 45^th anniversary this year, is the 2018 book selection. SMR is scheduled to run from May 12 to June 23.

The Library seeks to connect with its community members by providing volunteer opportunities, both for teens and adults.

The Library hosts the Arts + Literacy Festival in collaboration with Virginia Avenue Park to promote Cradle to Career’s Kindergarten Readiness Campaign. Books come to life on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Children and families are invited to explore what lives under the sea with a variety of community partners and hear Roda Ahmed read her book, Mae Among the Stars.