Montana Library to Close for 6 Weeks

The quaint popular with families and children will close temporarily for six weeks starting Jan. 16 as it undergoes interior renovations.

When the 52-year-old library branch reopens Feb. 25, patrons will step onto new carpet, encounter new book displays and sift through stacks of books and DVDs on new shelving set against fresh coats of paint.

During the temporary closure, patrons can return books at three drop-off bins outside the library at 1704 Montana Ave., between 17th and 18th streets.

In 2002, the branch in the underwent major renovations, including the addition of a community room.

This winter's $125,000 worth of improvements will also include a new service desk, additional self-checkout stations and a reconfigured adult computer area.

The original iteration of the Montana library branch was located at a rented storefront space near 15th Street and Montana. It reopened March 1, 1960 at its current location, which was designed by architect Weldon Fulton.

The library now sees between 450-500 visitors each of the five days a week that it's open.

During the rennovations, patrons may use the Santa Monica Library system's other branches:

• at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact (310) 458-8600
• at 2101 Ocean Park Blvd. is open noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; closed Fridays and Sundays. For more information, contact (310) 458-868. 
• at 2601 Main St. is open noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; closed Fridays and Sundays. For more information, contact (310) 458-8683.