Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades 3-6)" group
This event is in the "Teen (Junior High)" group

Story Creators

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)

Play with writing and storytelling by exploring how to create characters, setting, and plot. Try your hand at writing opinion pieces or storyboarding a script or graphic novel.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Details/Detalles:

Play with writing and storytelling by exploring how to create characters, setting, and plot. Try your hand at writing opinion pieces or storyboarding a script or graphic novel.

This event is in the "Teen (Junior High)" group
This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group

Teen Volunteer Time

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:45pm
Upper Level (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Civic Engagement, For Teens, Spanish
Age Group:
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)

Teens can earn 90 minutes of community service time every week at the Central Library. Teens will help find books, organize library materials, prepare arts and crafts activities, and other tasks.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Upper Level (Central)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: Civic Engagement, For Teens, Spanish
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Teens can earn 90 minutes of community service time every week at the Central Library. Teens will help find books, organize library materials, prepare arts and crafts activities, and other tasks.

This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades 3-6)" group
This event is in the "Teen (Junior High)" group

Tween Glow Party

Friday, January 30, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)

Calling all 5th-8th graders! Get ready to GLOW at the library. Make glow-in-the dark crafts, play glowing games, dance, and have fun during the darkest time of the year.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Program Type: Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Calling all 5th-8th graders! Get ready to GLOW at the library. Make glow-in-the dark crafts, play glowing games, dance, and have fun during the darkest time of the year.

This event is in the "Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)" group
This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades K-2)" group
This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades 3-6)" group
This event is in the "Teen (Junior High)" group
This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Family" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Open Mic Night & Art Gallery

Friday, January 30, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Fireplace Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults, Family, All Ages

Take the stage and share your voice! All are invited to Santa Barbara Public Library’s Open Mic where all forms of expression are welcome, including spoken word, music, poetry, comedy, and dance.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Fireplace Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults, Family, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Details/Detalles:

Take the stage and share your voice! All are invited to Santa Barbara Public Library’s Open Mic where all forms of expression are welcome, including spoken word, music, poetry, comedy, and dance.

This event is in the "Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)" group
This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades K-2)" group
This event is in the "Family" group

Explore Together

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, STEAM & Maker
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family

Join us Saturday mornings at the library for fun, interactive learning activities for the whole family! Explore science, math, literacy, and art concepts together in a hands-on, engaging way.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Join us Saturday mornings at the library for fun, interactive learning activities for the whole family! Explore science, math, literacy, and art concepts together in a hands-on, engaging way.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Tutor Training for New Adult Literacy Volunteers

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Faulkner Gallery (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Tutor Training
Age Group:
Adults

Create connections and serve your community by volunteering as an Adult Literacy Tutor at Santa Barbara Public Library!

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Tutor Training
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Create connections and serve your community by volunteering as an Adult Literacy Tutor at Santa Barbara Public Library!

This event is in the "Teen (Junior High)" group
This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group

Relax & Craft for Teens

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Upper Level (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
For Teens, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Age Group:
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)

Calling all teens in grades 7-12! Join us for a relaxing crafting session! Head upstairs to the Teen Area and learn to crochet, relax and color, or explore classic crafts like friendship bracelets and keychain making.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Upper Level (Central)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: For Teens, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Calling all teens in grades 7-12! Join us for a relaxing crafting session! Head upstairs to the Teen Area and learn to crochet, relax and color, or explore classic crafts like friendship bracelets and keychain making.

This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

OG Tutor Training

Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 9:00am - 1:00pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Books & Reading, Tutor Training
Age Group:
Teen (High School), Adults

Become an OG Readers Volunteer Tutor and make a meaningful difference in childhood literacy! This two-part training is based on the Orton-Gillingham Approach, used to teach struggling young readers.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Teen (High School), Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, Tutor Training
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Become an OG Readers Volunteer Tutor and make a meaningful difference in childhood literacy! This two-part training is based on the Orton-Gillingham Approach, used to teach struggling young readers.

This event is in the "Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)" group

Baby & Me

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Early Literacy
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Baby & Me:

Baby & Me focuses on developing your baby’s pre-literacy skills. In this thirty-minute program, our storyteller will lead the group in songs, rhymes, reading, and sensory play ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy

Baby & Me focuses on developing your baby’s pre-literacy skills. In this thirty-minute program, our storyteller will lead the group in songs, rhymes, reading, and sensory play time to develop language skills, social skills, motor skills, and community building. Please bring your own blanket.

This class is best for babies 0-14 months and their caregivers.

Disclaimer(s) 

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

This event is in the "Adults" group

English Conversation Group

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Literacy Center Office (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Spanish
Age Group:
Adults
English Conversation Group:

Join SBPL’s Literacy staff for a fun, informal opportunity to practice your English language skills. All skill levels are welcome.Disclaimer(s):Participants in this event may be ph...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Literacy Center Office (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Spanish

Join SBPL’s Literacy staff for a fun, informal opportunity to practice your English language skills. All skill levels are welcome.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group

Teen Advisory Board

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
For Teens
Age Group:
Teen (High School)
Teen Advisory Board:

Teen Advisory Board combines community service and youth development, underlining the value of teen involvement towards the success of the Santa Barbara Public Library and the Sant...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Teen (High School)
Program Type: For Teens

Teen Advisory Board combines community service and youth development, underlining the value of teen involvement towards the success of the Santa Barbara Public Library and the Santa Barbara community at large. The program gives high school students positive ways to discover their voice, develop leadership skills, and create lasting change within their community. Teens will identify community needs, create projects to support those needs, and help shape the library's teen services, programs, and collections. 

T.A.B. meetings will be held twice a month, January through June, once a month in July and August, and resume meeting twice a month September through December. T.A.B. members will receive community service hours for attending T.A.B. meetings and events, and additional volunteer opportunities and team building activities will be offered on a regular basis.

Interested in joining? Apply to T.A.B. now! All prospective members must attend a Library Services Orientation for Teens prior to joining T.A.B.

Please email our Teen Services Librarian with any questions.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

This event is in the "Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)" group

Bilingual Music & Movement

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
All Faulkner Galleries (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Early Literacy, Spanish
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Bilingual Music & Movement:

All-singing, all-dancing morning of stories and fun! In this class, children and their caregivers learn how to develop early literacy skills through music, dancing, and creative pl...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: All Faulkner Galleries (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy, Spanish

All-singing, all-dancing morning of stories and fun! In this class, children and their caregivers learn how to develop early literacy skills through music, dancing, and creative play in English and Spanish. These sessions are designed for children ages 2 - 5, but children of all ages are welcome.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades K-2)" group
This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades 3-6)" group

Imagine That! STEAM Hour

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Age Group:
School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)

Get crafty in the library! Turn your imagination into reality with a new, hands-on STEAM-inspired workshop on the first Wednesday of every month.

Bilingual English and Spanish speaking staff will be present.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Get crafty in the library! Turn your imagination into reality with a new, hands-on STEAM-inspired workshop on the first Wednesday of every month.

Bilingual English and Spanish speaking staff will be present.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Fiction Book Club

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Faulkner Gallery West (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Books & Reading
Age Group:
Adults

Let’s talk fiction! We’ll meet monthly and share our thoughts about a novel or collection of short stories.

This month’s title: TBD

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery West (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Let’s talk fiction! We’ll meet monthly and share our thoughts about a novel or collection of short stories.

This month’s title: TBD

This event is in the "Adults" group

SBPL Works! Typing Course

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Faulkner Gallery East (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Job & Career
Age Group:
Adults

SBPL Works! invites job seekers to a 8-part typing course, designed for beginners to navigate a keyboard and practice typing in a safe space.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery East (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Job & Career
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

SBPL Works! invites job seekers to a 8-part typing course, designed for beginners to navigate a keyboard and practice typing in a safe space.

This event is in the "Adults" group

1st Thursday Art Reception

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:00pm - 7:00pm
All Faulkner Galleries (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Special Event
Age Group:
Adults

Visit the library for a 1st Thursday reception and view the latest art exhibits. Exhibits rotate monthly in each of the Faulkner galleries.

Disclaimer(s):

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: All Faulkner Galleries (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Visit the library for a 1st Thursday reception and view the latest art exhibits. Exhibits rotate monthly in each of the Faulkner galleries.

Disclaimer(s):

This event is in the "Teen (Junior High)" group
This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group

Teen Volunteer Time

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:45pm
Upper Level (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Civic Engagement, For Teens, Spanish
Age Group:
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)

Teens can earn 90 minutes of community service time every week at the Central Library. Teens will help find books, organize library materials, prepare arts and crafts activities, and other tasks.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Upper Level (Central)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: Civic Engagement, For Teens, Spanish
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Teens can earn 90 minutes of community service time every week at the Central Library. Teens will help find books, organize library materials, prepare arts and crafts activities, and other tasks.

This event is in the "Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)" group
This event is in the "School-aged children (Grades K-2)" group
This event is in the "Family" group

Explore Together

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, STEAM & Maker
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family

Join us Saturday mornings at the library for fun, interactive learning activities for the whole family! Explore science, math, literacy, and art concepts together in a hands-on, engaging way.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Join us Saturday mornings at the library for fun, interactive learning activities for the whole family! Explore science, math, literacy, and art concepts together in a hands-on, engaging way.

This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group

SAT/ACT Study Session

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Faulkner Gallery East (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
For Teens
Age Group:
Teen (High School)

Teens, get prepped for the SAT and/or ACT at the library! Staff will support learners through the digital resources via Brainfuse LEAP Learning platform and be around to answer questions.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery East (Central)
Age Group: Teen (High School)
Program Type: For Teens
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Teens, get prepped for the SAT and/or ACT at the library! Staff will support learners through the digital resources via Brainfuse LEAP Learning platform and be around to answer questions.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Tutor Training for New Adult Literacy Volunteers

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Faulkner Gallery (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Tutor Training
Age Group:
Adults

Create connections and serve your community by volunteering as an Adult Literacy Tutor at Santa Barbara Public Library!

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Tutor Training
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Create connections and serve your community by volunteering as an Adult Literacy Tutor at Santa Barbara Public Library!

This event is in the "Teen (Junior High)" group
This event is in the "Teen (High School)" group

Relax & Craft for Teens

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Upper Level (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
For Teens, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Age Group:
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)

Calling all teens in grades 7-12! Join us for a relaxing crafting session! Head upstairs to the Teen Area and learn to crochet, relax and color, or explore classic crafts like friendship bracelets and keychain making.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Upper Level (Central)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: For Teens, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Calling all teens in grades 7-12! Join us for a relaxing crafting session! Head upstairs to the Teen Area and learn to crochet, relax and color, or explore classic crafts like friendship bracelets and keychain making.

This event is in the "Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)" group

Baby & Me

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Early Literacy
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Baby & Me:

Baby & Me focuses on developing your baby’s pre-literacy skills. In this thirty-minute program, our storyteller will lead the group in songs, rhymes, reading, and sensory play ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy

Baby & Me focuses on developing your baby’s pre-literacy skills. In this thirty-minute program, our storyteller will lead the group in songs, rhymes, reading, and sensory play time to develop language skills, social skills, motor skills, and community building. Please bring your own blanket.

This class is best for babies 0-14 months and their caregivers.

Disclaimer(s) 

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

This event is in the "Adults" group

English Conversation Group

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Literacy Center Office (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Spanish
Age Group:
Adults
English Conversation Group:

Join SBPL’s Literacy staff for a fun, informal opportunity to practice your English language skills. All skill levels are welcome.Disclaimer(s):Participants in this event may be ph...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Literacy Center Office (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Spanish

Join SBPL’s Literacy staff for a fun, informal opportunity to practice your English language skills. All skill levels are welcome.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

This event is in the "Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)" group

Bilingual Music & Movement

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
All Faulkner Galleries (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Early Literacy, Spanish
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Bilingual Music & Movement:

All-singing, all-dancing morning of stories and fun! In this class, children and their caregivers learn how to develop early literacy skills through music, dancing, and creative pl...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: All Faulkner Galleries (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy, Spanish

All-singing, all-dancing morning of stories and fun! In this class, children and their caregivers learn how to develop early literacy skills through music, dancing, and creative play in English and Spanish. These sessions are designed for children ages 2 - 5, but children of all ages are welcome.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.