What’s Happening

08 May Library Champion Award Ceremony

There was no better way to wrap up a week of festivities for National Library Week than with a ceremony honoring someone who has helped shape the future of the Santa Barbara Public Library. On April 13, the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation proudly hosted the Library Champion Award Ceremony, celebrating the exceptional Jim Jackson. With deep family roots in Santa Barbara and a deep commitment to public service, Jim truly displays his connection to our community. Though supporting our beloved Public Library, his efforts and leadership have emulated the Foundation’s mission and vision: “We Open Doors.” On Sunday morning, the Library

27 Mar January Spotlight

This year, SBPLF would like to highlight those we see as participants, advocates, and donors of the Santa Barbara Public Library. Here are our most recent spotlight lineup:

20 Mar Board Retreat

On Monday March 3, the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, City Library Board, Library Staff, and Friends of the Library assembled in the Central Library for a board retreat, Led by Patricia Schwarz and Lindsay Solemoni. A group of deeply passionate, civically engaged people all gathered in the space they are most passionate about, made for a memorable team building event. The group reviewed Community Centric Fundraising and how it could apply at the Library then went into a training on the importance of storytelling and creating a strategic narrative for the library. The library has something for everyone, so

13 Jan How to Get to the Library in 2025

Accessible Libraries start with you getting there. Click here to check out how you can travel to the Central and Eastside Libraries in Santa Barbara.

30 Dec 2024 Year In Review

2024 has been a year of growth and transformation for the Santa Barbara Public Library, and it’s all thanks to YOU — patrons, community partners, and advocates. With your support, including the passage of Measure I, we’ve been able to maintain essential Library services for all. As we wrap up an exciting year, let’s take a moment to celebrate the achievements that made 2024 unforgettable. Michael Towbes Library Plaza Grand Opening  - Together, we completed a $5 million campaign with a $1 million endowment, creating a vibrant hub for learning, arts, and connection. - Delivered a grand opening attended by thousands, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and performances by renowned

25 Dec Plaza Palooza Thank You!

We did it! Thank YOU for making Plaza Palooza a remarkable success. The event showcased the strength of our community, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support, dedication, and enthusiasm you brought to this journey. You stood by the Santa Barbara Public Library and Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation through every step, sharing in our vision and helping to make it a reality. Your commitment to the Michael Towbes Library Plaza has done more than transform a physical space; it has created new opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration within Santa Barbara. This accomplishment is a testament to your dedication and shared vision. The

26 Sep League of Women Voters Host Voter Education and Registration Event at the Santa Barbara Public Library

Santa Barbara, CA — On Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, from 10 am – 2 pm, volunteers from the League of Women Voters and Library support groups were present at Santa Barbara’s Central Library to engage with the community and provide essential voter information for National Voter Registration Day. This initiative aimed to educate local voters ahead of the upcoming Presidential Election in November 2024. Volunteers offered detailed information about the Candidate Forums organized by the League, which feature candidates for races in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Goleta. As well as their upcoming webinar discussion of “Pros and Cons” for the state

12 Aug SB Library Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members and New Board President

The Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation is announcing their newest 2024-2025 Board members, Paloma Arnold and Brooke McDermott. The 2024-2025 officers include new Board President Anna Alldredge, Vice President Raissa Smorol, Secretary Peter Ginsberg, and Treasurer Brooke McDermott.   Paloma Arnold, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Affairs at Santa Barbara City College, brings nearly 25 years of experience in higher education. With a deep commitment to students and community, she champions the mission of California Community Colleges, focusing on equity and access. A third-generation Santa Barbaran and alumna of Santa Barbara High School, Arnold has served on several local boards, including Riviera

12 Aug Bloomsday 2024 – For the Books and the Foundation!

For many, June 16th comes and goes like any other day. For classic literary enthusiasts, however, it symbolizes one of the most remarkable books of the early 20th century. 120 years ago, James Joyce’s “Ulysses” chronicles the adventures of Irishman Leopold Bloom as he navigates Dublin in a single day—June 16th, 1904. With the novel's raging success, June 16th became Bloomsday, a commemoration and celebration of Joyce. Santa Barbara's annual Bloomsday event consists of live spoken-word readings from "Ulysses" and other Joyce works performed by our thespians and literary lovers. Local authors James Buckley Jr. and DJ Palladino, host the Bloomsday

12 Aug Envirotokens – What are They and How do they Help the Library

For the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, every cent counts towards the long-term sustainability of the Library. That's why programs like Lazy Acre's Envirotokens are important to a steady stream of donations from Santa Barbara community members who don't even have to open their checkbooks! Lazy Acres incentivizes sustainability through this program. To participate, when you shop at Lazy Acres and bring your own reusable bags, they give you a 10¢ Envirotoken per bag. You can then pay it forward to one of six local nonprofits with a focus in K-12 education efforts, hunger relief, and environmental stewardship. Every month, Lazy Acres