Wellbeing Cultivator
The Library helps residents to live their best lives.
The Library has played a vital role in enhancing the welfare of the community since its founding in 1890. Many core Library services and new opportunities exist to nurture wellbeing in Santa Monica. The City of Santa Monica received a Bloomberg Philanthropies grant to assess the state of wellbeing for the City’s residents and examine options to improve their lives. The result is the Wellbeing Project and Index. Data from the Index — particularly about social cohesion, learning and place – will drive the Library’s community engagement and program design.
Under this strategic area the Library is committed to supporting Santa Monica as a learning community; providing tools and experiences that stimulate intellectual exploration, emotional development and relationship building; and creating inventive ways for people and groups to make meaningful connections with one another.
Wellbeing Cultivator Launch Goals
Deliver focused research and reference support to the community through the use of the Library’s varied collection and the Book a Librarian Program. Patrons can make an appointment in advance with a librarian for an uninterrupted reference session to help with their research.
Promote electronic resources, online training, and instruction. Programs include JobNow, Foundation Center, and Career Online High School.
Collaborate with Wise & Healthy Aging to develop and pilot additional programs and services for seniors. Programs include physical activity, technology and computer classes.
On January 23, 2018, City Council approved the removal of fines for youth (0-18 years). In mid-April, the Library will host a read away your fines program for youth who want to get a jump-start on removing fines from their record. Staff is working on plans to initiate fine free for youth and beginning July 2 fines incurred on youth cards will be removed.
