Santa Monica Library Increases Cleaning Amid E. Coli Allegations

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica has increased cleaning and sanitization at its Main Library amid allegations that E. coli and other bacteria were found on public computer keyboards, tables and other surfaces, city officials confirmed to Patch, although the laboratory findings behind those claims have not been provided to City Hall.

The city also disclosed that two additional custodians began working at the library Sept. 1, approximately half of nearly $500,000 in additional custodial funding has been allocated to the facility, and just one sanitation-related complaint has been formally recorded through its 311 system this year.

The information emerged after FOX 11 reported Oct. 12 that the Santa Monica Coalition, a local advocacy group, had commissioned outside testing that allegedly detected E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria on surfaces inside the Main Library at 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

John Alle, a representative of the coalition, told FOX 11 that the findings raised concerns about sanitation and safety. The group also alleged inappropriate behavior inside the building, including drug use and sexual activity.

However, the laboratory report has not been independently reviewed by Patch, and city officials said they had not received the findings.

"We have not been contacted by or received information from the Santa Monica Coalition," the city said in an emailed response to Patch.

Patch contacted Alle requesting the complete laboratory report, including details of the sampling procedures, methodology, results and testing organization. He had not responded as of Thursday afternoon.

Cleaning Increased, Additional Custodians Working

In response to Patch's questions, Santa Monica officials confirmed that cleaning procedures at the Main Library have been intensified, particularly in heavily used public areas.

"The city has increased the frequency and volume of cleaning and sanitization throughout the Main Library," officials said. "We are paying particular attention to high traffic areas, restrooms, study rooms, and frequently touched surfaces, including tables, desks, workstations, door handles, and elevator buttons."

According to the city, six custodians work during the day and five at night, collectively providing more than 440 hours of cleaning services each week.

As part of Santa Monica's Realignment Plan, the City Council approved nearly $500,000 in additional custodial funding, including support for two more employees at the library.
The city confirmed those custodians began working Sept. 1, before the latest allegations became public.

"To date, approximately 50% of the funding has been allocated to the Main Library, where the city began utilizing two additional custodians on September 1, 2026," officials said.

"The remaining 50% will primarily be used for deep cleaning at the Main Library, with a portion also allocated to support cleaning efforts at the branch libraries."

The city did not specify how much of the funding has already been spent or whether the additional employees are included in its reported total of 11 custodians. Officials also outlined plans for more frequent cleaning of high-traffic areas and twice-yearly deep carpet cleaning.

City Has Not Verified Contamination Claims

Despite the allegations, Santa Monica has not announced plans to conduct independent environmental testing of the library.

Asked directly whether the city intended to test keyboards, tables, restrooms and other public surfaces, officials said they were investigating the allegations and would take appropriate action, pointing to enhanced cleaning procedures.

Library administrators previously emphasized that the original testing documentation would need to be examined before any conclusions could be reached.

"City officials would need to review the methodology, laboratory, sampling procedures, and results before drawing conclusions about the findings or whether they accurately represent conditions throughout the Main Library," the administration said in a statement provided to Patch.

E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Although some strains can cause serious illness, many are harmless. Fecal coliform bacteria are frequently used as indicators of possible fecal contamination.
However, detecting these organisms on a surface does not necessarily establish the presence of a disease-causing strain or demonstrate that people have been exposed to a significant health risk.

Without the underlying laboratory report, the sampling methods, bacterial concentrations and significance of the alleged findings remain unclear.

One Complaint Recorded Through City System

In another disclosure, Santa Monica officials told Patch that the city's 311 service had received only one formally documented sanitation-related complaint concerning the Main Library since Jan. 1.

That figure applies specifically to complaints recorded through the 311 system and does not necessarily include concerns reported directly to library employees or other city departments.

The library also employs nine full-time and five part-time Library Services Officers who monitor facilities and enforce city policies.

Under the city's published Library Rules of Conduct, prohibited activities include drug use, lewd conduct, threats, harassment, weapons and misuse of restrooms. Sleeping bags, blankets and similar items are also restricted, subject to certain exceptions.

Officials said staff can direct patrons to modify their behavior, require individuals to leave, suspend library privileges or involve law enforcement when necessary. The library's Internet Use Policy similarly requires patrons to comply with conduct rules while using public computers.

The concerns come as Santa Monica implements its 2026-28 Public Library Strategic Plan, which identifies stronger cleanliness and safety measures, consistent enforcement of library rules and improved facility maintenance among its priorities.

Library administrators stressed in a statement to Patch that isolated incidents should not automatically be treated as evidence of broader problems throughout the facility.

"Our responsibility is to maintain an environment where all patrons can read, learn, and access library resources," the administration said.

"We welcome information about conditions or incidents so we can investigate and respond appropriately, enforcing rules based on patron behavior, not their appearance or perceived circumstances."

The city said it would continue working with library staff and the community to address concerns and maintain safe, clean facilities.