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What’s Happening

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.

17 Dec

Posted at 00:42h in What's Happening

This past September, the Santa Barbara Public Library introduced new library cards! Library cards are the key to a world of possibilities in addition to a plethora of inspiring stories to discover. From the California State Parks Pass to accessible film & tv platforms to 3D printing, there is no shortage of life enriching opportunities and access that the public library provides. Each of the new cards highlights artwork by local Santa Barbara artists as well as the neighborhoods championed by the SBPL branches. As released by the Santa Barbara Public Library, the new additions to the family are the

17 Dec

Posted at 00:42h in What's Happening

This past August, the M Club joined the Santa Barbara Public Library for a wonderful event and tour. Guests enjoyed coffee and snacks alongside an awe-inspiring presentation by Jace Turner. We were guided through the history of the Library, heartfelt stories from patrons, the renovations made possible through donor support, and the many services the Library provides to the community. The tour included stops at the 3D printing technology lab, tech support area, mural of repurposed novels, book club–ready book bags, and more. This impactful event underscored the importance of reflection and of appreciating the “small” things—which truly aren’t small at all—while

17 Oct

Posted at 00:24h in What's Happening

In September, we kicked off National Library Card Sign-up Month with a special celebration at Brass Bear Uptown! Community members of all ages joined us for an evening of books, conversation, and the unveiling of our brand-new Santa Barbara Public Library cards featuring artwork by talented local artists. Guests explored a variety of books for every age and interest, discovered upcoming library events, and stopped by to connect with Library staff. The highlight of the evening was sharing the joy and creativity behind the new card designs—each one a reflection of the vibrant community we serve. National Library Card Sign-up Month is

15 Oct

Posted at 22:26h in What's Happening

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the James M. Cox Foundation, the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation is excited to spread the word of The Santa Barbara Public Library’s second Library on the Go 2.0! This mobile library expands accessibility to library services in our communities. The Library seeks to knock down barriers to library access, and with an additional outfitted mobile library the SBPL will be able to reach more readers and neighbors. These mobile libraries are supported with computers, Wi-Fi, printers, and a plethora of educational tools and technological trinkets. Learn more about this meaningful development here, as reported

15 Oct

Posted at 18:58h in What's Happening

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, families from across Santa Barbara gathered at the Central Library to celebrate a very special milestone—the 10th birthday of the Children’s Library! Since opening its doors in 2015, the Children’s Library has blossomed into a vibrant hub for young readers, growing from serving just 3,700 children annually to welcoming more than 39,000 each year. The birthday bash was a joyful reminder of just how far this space has come in fostering a love of reading and learning. The morning was filled with face painting, crafts, games, birthday treats, and fun surprises. Families received special commemorative