Plaza Palooza FAQs
As it is part of our mission and motto to “open doors,” we want to ensure you’re fully prepared for the grand opening of the Michael Towbes Library Plaza. To help with that, we’ve created this Know Before You Go guide by answering the most frequently asked questions about the event and the Plaza.
When is the official opening of the Michael Towbes Library Plaza and what can we expect?
The official opening of the Michael Towbes Library Plaza is on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 12-4 pm. The event will feature a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 12:00 pm, with special guests including Campaign Cabinet member Anne Towbes, and Campaign Co-Chairs, Janet Garufis, and Jim Jackson.
You can expect a Community Festival filled with performances from local organizations like the Santa Barbara Symphony, SB Ballet, Flamenco Santa Barbara, and more. There will be nonprofit booths, interactive activities for all ages, library tours, a book sale by Friends of the Library, and film screenings in the Faulkner Gallery. It’s a family-friendly event celebrating our new community space for all!
What will the Michael Towbes Library Plaza be used for?
The Michael Towbes Library Plaza will serve as a versatile, public gathering space for a wide range of activities and events. It will host community festivals, performances, concerts, Library programs, public meetings, and social gatherings, creating a vibrant hub for all ages. The Plaza will also be a key venue for art exhibits, cultural events, and outdoor learning opportunities, enriching Santa Barbara’s cultural and social landscape.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Family Market Celebrating Hispanic Creativity and Culture
Join us for a family market in partnership with the Youth Makers Market, featuring artisanal, hand-made items from local entrepreneurs. Enjoy a special presentation by Oaxacreations, known for their colorful, oversized puppets and professional dancers. Families can create a “corona de flores” (crown of flowers) with artist Griselda Villalpando, and engage in arts and crafts activities led by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Local Author Book Festival
Celebrate local literary talent at the Local Author Book Festival featuring “book karaoke” readings from authors in Children’s Books, Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Zines, and Local Publishers. A crafting table for kids and gift wrapping will be provided by the Friends of the Library, making this a perfect way to shop local for the holidays.
The Plaza will be a place where the community can gather for diverse events like these, fostering engagement, creativity, and cultural celebration!
Can I donate to support the Plaza and the Library?
Yes, you can donate to support the Michael Towbes Library Plaza and the Library Plaza Endowment! Your contributions will help enhance programs, maintain the Plaza, and expand resources for the community.
Make a donation HERE. Your support is essential in enriching our community’s access to knowledge, culture, and the arts. Thank you for considering a donation to support this vital community resource!
(Additional bricks will be available in the near future to make a contribution and leave a legacy. Stay tuned.)