Contact | Subscribe to Newsletter

What’s Happening

14 Jul

Posted at 20:03h in What's Happening

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

14 Jul

Posted at 19:57h in What's Happening

We were pleased to announce the launch of Library on the Go 2.0 as an effort to encourage literacy alongside improving community engagement with library services. Library on the Go is a program that provides library services at recurring stops within the community including community events.  In 2025, Library on the Go made 373 stops throughout the community providing over 709 hours of public service.  The launch of Library on the Go 2.0 was made possible by a generous donation from the James M. Cox Foundation and a grant from the California State Library. Library on the Go 2.0 serves as

14 Jul

Posted at 19:53h in What's Happening

The “I Love My Library” campaign is dedicated toward spreading kindness and demonstrating appreciation to public libraries for their contributions to local communities. The event lasted all of February 2026, and invited members of the community to spread support and awareness of the campaign through countless community events. The “I Love My Library” campaign launched with the sold-out screening of The Librarians at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, a riveting documentary focusing on librarians nationwide who are standing up against censorship and defending intellectual freedom. Attendees at the event were welcomed by the Library on the Go van which collected

14 Jul

Posted at 19:51h in What's Happening

Volunteer Your Time and Skills Volunteers play an essential role in supporting programs and services at the Santa Barbara Public Library. If you’re looking to give back in a hands-on way, volunteering is a powerful way to serve your community. Adult Literacy TutorProvide one-to-one tutoring for adult learners, helping them reach personal, educational, and professional goals through improved literacy skills. OG Readers TutorSupport students in grades 1–4 by offering individualized reading tutoring that helps young learners build confidence and a strong foundation in literacy. As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: the strength of the Santa Barbara Public Library lies in

14 Jul

Posted at 19:51h in What's Happening

As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the many stories written within the walls of our public libraries—and the community that made them possible. This year reminded us that libraries are far more than shelves of books. They are places of connection, curiosity, and belonging. From packed author talks and highly attended children’s and literacy programs to quiet moments of discovery at a reading table, our libraries continued to serve as welcoming spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, members, and partners, the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation was

17 Dec

Posted at 00:56h in What's Happening

As SB Reads 2025 came to a close, more than 80 community members gathered for an evening of storytelling, connection, and celebration. Hosted in the Faulkner Gallery, the space was transformed into a warm, welcoming, and homey environment—soft lights hanging above, chairs arranged to invite closeness, and a sense of shared anticipation in the air. Before the program began, guests enjoyed a lively pre-reception that set the tone for a night centered on community and compassion. The event brought together local storytellers and audiences to honor stories of queer joy, found family, liberation, immigration, and belonging—echoing the themes of this year’s

17 Dec

Posted at 00:55h in What's Happening

This Giving Tuesday, our community showed up with heart, generosity, and a shared belief in the power of the Santa Barbara Public Library. We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support from donors, partners, volunteers, and everyone who helped spread the word. Because of you, the Library can continue expanding free access to literacy resources, digital tools, educational programs, and safe community spaces for people of all ages. Every contribution—whether it was a donation, a social media share, or a conversation with a friend—helps strengthen the foundation that makes all of this possible. Giving Tuesday isn’t just about a single day

17 Dec

Posted at 00:54h in What's Happening

The Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation is honored to be featured in Montecito Bank & Trust’s 2025 Community Impact Report, which highlights organizations and projects that strengthen the Central Coast through arts, education, health, and social services. This year’s report celebrates “50 Years of Loving & Living Local,” and we are proud to be included among the many nonprofits working to build a more connected, equitable, and vibrant region. Montecito Bank & Trust’s corporate philanthropy centers on four pillars of giving—Arts & Culture, Health & Medical, Social Services, and Youth & Education—with a special emphasis on programs that serve underserved communities.

17 Dec

Posted at 00:53h in What's Happening

The Santa Barbara Public Library continues to be a vibrant hub for connection, creativity, and lifelong learning this winter, with programs that invite our community to explore new ideas, share stories, and come together across generations. From engaging author conversations and language practice to hands-on youth programming, the Library offers something for everyone. Better yet, all of these services and events are free and open to the public! Upcoming events include Trail Talks: Open Mic Night, an evening of storytelling and natural history, and the monthly Fiction Book Club, featuring What it Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by

17 Dec

Posted at 00:53h in What's Happening

We’re excited to share that the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation (SBPLF) is included in The Giving List 2026. This annual publication, curated by The Giving List / Montecito Journal Media Group, connects nonprofit organizations with donors and philanthropists across Santa Barbara County. What is The Giving List? The Giving List launched in 2020 as a high-end print book and digital platform that showcases local nonprofits, telling the stories behind their work and inviting donors to support causes that matter. Its reach is significant: in recent years, the Santa Barbara edition has been distributed to thousands of households and circulated among philanthropic