By Lookout Staff

December 16, 2011 -- The Montana Avenue Branch Library, which has been serving the city's upscale neighborhood for more than 50 years, will be closed Monday, January 16 through Friday, February 24, for interior improvements.

The Branch, located at 1704 Montana Avenue, will reopen on Saturday, February 25, 2012.

Enhancements include new carpeting and paint; new shelving for adult books and media collections; a new configuration for the adult computers; added book displays; a more efficient service desk; more self-checkout stations; and additional seating in the teen area.

The Montana Avenue Branch Library opened in February of 1952 as a storefront library in a rented building at 1528-30 Montana Ave. Seven year later, the thriving branch moved to a larger facility at its current location and reopened to the public on March 1, 1960.

This is the second time the facility is improved. In 2002, the branch underwent major renovations, including the addition of a community room.

The Montana Avenue Branch Library reopens on Saturday, February 25.

During the Montana Avenue Branch's closure, visitors are encouraged to use the Main Library and the Fairview and Ocean Park Branch Libraries.

• Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, (310) 458-8600.
  Main Library Hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

• Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Boulevard, (310) 458-8681
  Branch Library Hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Fridays and Sundays.

• Ocean Park Branch Library, 2601 Main Street, (310) 458-8683.
  Branch Library Hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Fridays and Sundays.

For more information, visit the Library's web site smpl.org , or call (310) 458-8600.