Contact | Subscribe to Newsletter

What We Fund

SB Reads

As part of our work to foster the development of our Public Library as the cultural heart of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation is proud to fund SB Reads.

Each year, the Santa Barbara Public Library hosts Santa Barbara Reads, inviting the community to read one book together and spark meaningful conversations. The Library Foundation is proud to support this beloved program for its eighth year! This year’s selection, The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen, marks the first graphic novel choice. This story is beautifully illustrated, exploring identity, family, and self-expression through fairy tales. Free copies in English and Spanish will be available at all SBPL locations while supplies last. From late October through November, the Library will offer free events, including a kickoff celebration, discussions, and art workshops.

 

For our SB Storyteller event, calls for storytelling performances open October 3, 2025 and close October 24, 2025. Please register online in advance as space is limited. For more information on this event as well as many others for this SB Reads season, click here.

 

The Foundation is honored to help unite our community through the power of stories!

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

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

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.