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What’s Happening

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

17 Dec

Posted at 00:52h in What's Happening

Meet our new Library Director, Brandon Beaudette! On a warm and lively evening in the Santa Barbara Public Library’s historic Fireplace Room, community members gathered to meet and welcome our new Library Director, Brandon Beaudette. The reception - including delicious offerings from Wicked Good Charcuterie - set the perfect tone for connection, conversation, and excitement about the Library’s future. Brandon shared thoughtful updates about the Library’s ongoing initiatives and his vision for deepening partnerships throughout Santa Barbara. His focus is clear: expand access, strengthen community relationships, and ensure the Library continues to be a place where everyone feels welcome and supported. As we

17 Dec

Posted at 00:51h in What's Happening

December 2nd is almost here, and there is still time to make a meaningful impact on the lives of readers, learners, families, and neighbors across Santa Barbara. When you give to the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, you help ensure that our Library can continue to offer free and accessible programs that meet the needs of our entire community. See here for all of the different ways to give. Every gift supports resources that open doors. From early literacy programs and ESL tutoring to technology access, community workshops, and safe, welcoming spaces for everyone, your generosity strengthens the Library’s mission of knowledge

17 Dec

Posted at 00:51h in What's Happening

Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Friday at our SB Reads 2025 Kick Off! Hosted in the Michael Towbes Outdoor Plaza, copies of The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen were given away accompanied by community artwork, arts and crafts, tea and donuts from Kin Bakeshop, and the Friends of The Library. This evening was a moment of joy and community amidst heavy times, made possible by donors like you. SB Reads is just getting started, and there are many fun upcoming events - mark your calendars! Starting with book discussions, join your neighbors in discussing the themes and inspiration

17 Dec

Posted at 00:48h in What's Happening

Last month, the Santa Barbara Public Library joined community partners to celebrate the importance of clean energy at Sun Day, a national event focused on empowering individuals to electrify their homes and businesses. Sun Day is a nationwide initiative to increase awareness of sustainable energy and draw attention to fossil fuel greed. Events like these help connect community members with tools and information to take meaningful steps toward cleaner, renewable energy. In collaboration with the Community Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Society of Fearless Grandmothers, the City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience Department, and Santa Barbara Clean Energy, the Library

17 Dec

Posted at 00:44h in What's Happening

The Michael Towbes Plaza of The Santa Barbara Public Library was recently recognized for the Santa Barbara Beautiful Award! Opened on November 3rd, 2024, this plaza was created with inspiration from the original 1917 Central Library and 1930 Faulkner Memorial Art Gallery. This plaza would not have been possible without support from the City of Santa Barbara alongside donations to the SBPLF from people like you! The Plaza is a tribute to Michael Towbes’ legacy, and a space to encourage learning, connection, and growth.   [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://sblibraryfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Untitled-design-2.mp4"][/video] To reserve the Michael Towbes Library Plaza for your event, visit Library Facility Rentals.