What’s Happening

15 Oct AI For Everyone

Santa Barbara Public Library recently hosted a special event, AI for Everyone: Explore, Create & Discover What’s Possible with Artificial Intelligence, led by Jim Sterne, Mike Wald, and Mark Sylvester. Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of everyday life. This program introduced community members to this fast-growing technology, sharing key points on utilizing prompts within Chat GPT. At the AI for Everyone Event, the speakers shared insights into what’s possible with today’s tools, from sparking creativity to boosting productivity, while also opening the conversation to what a thoughtful, responsible future with AI might look like. The introduction and evolution of artificial

14 Oct Shop with Envirotokens 2025-2026!

For the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, every cent counts toward the long-term sustainability of the Library. That’s why programs like Lazy Acres’ Envirotokens are so important—they provide 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. When you shop at Lazy Acres and bring your own reusable bags, you receive a 10¢ Envirotoken per bag. You can then “pay it forward” to one of six local nonprofits focused on K–12 education, hunger relief, and environmental stewardship. Each month, Lazy Acres tallies the Envirotokens donated,

14 Oct Libraries for the Next Generation

With the heartfelt goal of updating our beloved and “well-loved” Children's Library, the Foundation recently hosted an intimate evening titled Libraries for the Next Generation. Held in a stunning mission-style home just down the street from the Library itself, the event brought together over 90 local supporters, advocates, and lovers of the Library. They arrived in their finest “Santa Barbara Cocktail” attire, enthusiastic to support a space that helps local children learn, grow, and feel safe.  The evening began with an interactive entry experience: guests selected notecards from a canvas covered in envelopes, each revealing a unique fact about the Library. From

16 May Measure I

Thanks to the voters in the City of Santa Barbara, 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.

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: