14 Jul Bringing New Life to Michael Towbes Library Plaza
The Michael Towbes Library Plaza became a little more welcoming this month with the arrival of new outdoor furniture as part of a community pilot project at Central Library. Through a partnership between the Library, the Library Foundation, and the Friends of State Street, visitors can now enjoy temporary café-style seating designed to encourage gathering, relaxing, and spending more time at the library. The pilot currently includes three tables with two chairs each, with an ADA-accessible table arriving soon, and community members are invited to test the space and share feedback about future permanent improvements.
Early reactions to the project have already shown how meaningful simple public spaces can be. One survey respondent shared that the new seating made the plaza feel “more inviting and alive,” while others appreciated having a comfortable place to pause, meet a friend, or enjoy the library surroundings. QR codes placed on each table connect visitors directly to a short survey, making it easy for the community to help shape the future of the plaza. So far, about 60% of respondents say they are pleased with the new furniture and excited to see the space evolve.
Projects like this demonstrate how libraries continue to serve as vital community gathering places beyond their walls. Support for the Library Foundation helps create welcoming public spaces where people can connect, relax, and engage with downtown Santa Barbara in new ways.
