What’s Happening

16 May Measure I

Thanks to the voters of Santa Barbara County, Measure I will be active as of April 1, 2025. Introduced by the city council, this measure is designed to support Santa Barbara’s essential local services. Funds collected under Measure I will be allocated based on the most pressing needs, as determined by the council’s collective priorities list. This includes affordable housing programs, maintaining 911 emergency response, keeping public spaces clean, and, of course, supporting Library services. To generate these essential funds, the city council has implemented a small, one-half percent increase in sales tax, estimated to raise $15.6 million annually. With Santa

16 May LOTG Happy Hour

On the warm evening of April 10th, community members of all ages gathered at the Shalhoob's outdoor patio in the Funk Zone to keep the National Library week celebrations going! The Library on the Go (LOTG) Van tied the space together beautifully, surrounding the space with book carts and the welcoming smiles of our incredible librarians. As everyone trickled into Shalhoob's, greeted by hugs, laughter, and the scent of sizzling barbecue, it quickly became clear that this event was going to be something special. Attendees enjoyed a vast menu, from tri-tip sandwiches to pulled pork buns, paired with refreshing beverages fit

16 May IMLS Funding Cut

As of March 14, the federal government has begun significantly cutting funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Being the only federal agency that financially supports libraries, museums, and cultural institutions across the country, this places our local libraries in a risky position. IMLS allocates $15 million specifically to Libraries in California, but with this executive order in place, our libraries will struggle to upkeep certain services. While the Santa Barbara Public Library is primarily funded at the local level, IMLS grants play a vital role in supporting essential services and programs that our community relies on. These

15 May National Library Week Proclamation

On April 8th, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors officially recognized April 6th through 12th as National Library Week, honoring the vital role libraries play in our community. More than just buildings filled with books, libraries offer essential services and educational resources daily, serving as a pillar of our democracy. To accept the proclamation, Foundation Director Lauren Trujillo spoke on behalf of the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation and libraries county-wide. Also in attendance, Acting  Library Director Brandon Beaudette, Santa Maria Librarian Dawn Jackson, and members of the Friends of the Library from Orcutt. Roy Lee, District 1 Supervisor, kindly

15 May Plaza Events

The excitement and liveliness of the Plaza Palooza grand opening on November 3rd was just the beginning. The Michael Towbes Library Plaza has quickly become a vibrant space for community engagement, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life with each event. Since the grand opening, events such as Raíces y Sueños for Hispanic Heritage Month and our annual Local Author Book Fair in December, all took place in the Plaza. This is what the Library is all about: bringing people together to celebrate culture, creativity, and our wonderful Santa Barbara community. To celebrate Santa Barbara’s rich creativity and culture,

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