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What We Fund

The Children’s Library Endowment

The Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation funds the Children’s Library Endowment, which allows the library to run over 200 outreach programs each month.

The Children’s Library Endowment was created in August 2016 and is currently valued at over $2 million. The Children’s Library Endowment ensures the sustainability and continued growth of the Children’s Library by providing key outreach programs for our youngest learners.

These programs enrich the lives of over 30,000 children in our community each year with literacy and STEAM learning at the library and throughout Santa Barbara schools.

With your support, the Endowment will continue to inspire young imaginations for years to come.

Outreach Programs

Partnerships with Girls, Inc., A-OK, and other organizations extend the reach of the Library to children throughout Santa Barbara.

After-School Enrichment

Many local children count on the Children’s Library for expanded learning sessions every day.

1,000 Books Program

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program is designed to emphasize the importance of reading aloud to children.

To learn more, please contact us at 805.689.2448 or email.

Chyrss Yost, is Santa Barbara Poet Laureate from 2013–2015, is an award-winning poet, editor, and educator whose work has appeared in publications around the world. As co-editor and designer of Gunpowder Press and a longtime advocate for poetry education, Chryss brings a deep appreciation for literature, creativity, and lifelong learning to the Foundation.

Luke Swetland is President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Previously, he served as Interim Head and Vice President of Planning & Special Projects at the Autry National Center (2008–2012), where he oversaw the relocation and stewardship of two research libraries alongside a collection of more than 500,000 artifacts, led major capital and renovation projects, and managed institutional strategy and public-sector partnerships.

Ally Meier, CFP®, CDFA®, CPFA, is a Financial Advisor with Arlington Financial Advisors who specializes in financial planning, retirement strategies, tax planning, and wealth management. A committed community volunteer and former Junior League of Santa Barbara board member, Ally is passionate about helping individuals and families thrive while making a positive impact in the community.