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Small music notes on a soft pastel background of musical symbols.

Bilingual Music & Movement

Wednesday, April 29, 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.

Illustration of three people engaged in a discussion with colorful speech bubbles appearing above them.

Basic Spanish Conversation Class

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Tech Lab (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy
Age Group:
Adults

Are you looking to improve your Spanish-language skills? This class focuses on speaking, listening, and conversational practice.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Tech Lab (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy
Registration Required
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Are you looking to improve your Spanish-language skills? This class focuses on speaking, listening, and conversational practice.

Illustration of multiple colorful hands raised upward against a white wooden background.

Teen Volunteer Time

Thursday, April 30, 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

How to Use Your Smartphone 101

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Tech Lab (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Spanish, Tech Skills, Tutor Training
Age Group:
Adults

Learn how to use your iPhone or Android smartphone in 3 weeks!

Each course in this interactive series is hands-on and builds on the previous week so you are strongly encouraged to attend the entire series.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Tech Lab (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Spanish, Tech Skills, Tutor Training
Registration Required
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Learn how to use your iPhone or Android smartphone in 3 weeks!

Each course in this interactive series is hands-on and builds on the previous week so you are strongly encouraged to attend the entire series.

White and orange outline of a dog face with a blue book with a tie dye background

Read to a Dog

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Books & Reading
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Read to a Dog:

Practice your reading with our furry friend, Tallulah! Sign up at the desk for a 10-15 minute reading session, first come, first served. Reluctant readers, emergent readers, and do...

Cancelled
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Program Type: Books & Reading

Practice your reading with our furry friend, Tallulah! Sign up at the desk for a 10-15 minute reading session, first come, first served. Reluctant readers, emergent readers, and dog-loving readers are welcome! Our volunteer therapy dog team is certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

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.

Illustration of three soft-colored hanging stars and floating bubbles against a blue watercolor background.

Sensory-Friendly Storytime

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:45pm - 5:15pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Early Literacy, Parents & Caregivers
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family, All Ages

Enjoy a sensory-friendly storytime where all children are welcome. Participate in songs, read stories, and have fun with bubbles while gaining early literacy tips, socialization, and calming breath techniques.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family, All Ages
Program Type: Early Literacy, Parents & Caregivers
Registration Required
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Enjoy a sensory-friendly storytime where all children are welcome. Participate in songs, read stories, and have fun with bubbles while gaining early literacy tips, socialization, and calming breath techniques.

Colorful illustrations of science supplies and doodles on graph paper.

Explore Together

Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10:00am - 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

Hands use red scissors to cut green tissue paper on a table covered with craft supplies.

Relax & Craft for Teens

Saturday, May 2, 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

A crescent moon and two stars hanging on a soft pastel background.

Baby & Me

Monday, May 4, 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.

Illustrated icons of a messaging bubble and a word balloon.

English Conversation Group

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Tech Lab (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: Tech Lab (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.

Circle split into two halves; orange over blue, with stylized SBPL TAB text.

Teen Advisory Board

Tuesday, May 5, 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 weekly basis

Interested in joining? Apply to T.A.B. now! Prospective T.A.B. members will need to attend a Library Services Orientation 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.

Fiction Book Club

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Faulkner Gallery (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

Take a look at past selections!

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

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

Take a look at past selections!

Small music notes on a soft pastel background of musical symbols.

Bilingual Music & Movement

Wednesday, May 6, 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.

The AI Workshop – Hands-On Learning with ChatGPT

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Tech Lab (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Tech Skills
Age Group:
Adults

This series gives you practical, guided experience using AI tools. Each session includes hands-on activities, real-world examples, and techniques you can apply right away—no prior experience required.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Tech Lab (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Tech Skills
Registration Required
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

This series gives you practical, guided experience using AI tools. Each session includes hands-on activities, real-world examples, and techniques you can apply right away—no prior experience required.

Illustrated assortment of craft supplies and abstract shapes.

Imagine That! STEAM Hour

Wednesday, May 6, 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

Illustration of a megaphone against a black and white collage of protest scenes and social justice signage.

Social Justice Book Club

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Tech Lab (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Books & Reading, Civic Engagement
Age Group:
Adults

Join us for the Social Justice Book Club where we will read fiction and nonfiction titles that explore social justice issues such as race, gender, sexuality, immigration, environmental justice, healthcare access, food and housing insecurity, LGBTQ

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Tech Lab (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Books & Reading, Civic Engagement
Registration Required
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Join us for the Social Justice Book Club where we will read fiction and nonfiction titles that explore social justice issues such as race, gender, sexuality, immigration, environmental justice, healthcare access, food and housing insecurity, LGBTQ

Blue paintbrush and palette on framed black canvas with the words "Art Music Theatre Downtown Santa Barbara".

1st Thursday Art Reception

Thursday, May 7, 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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):

Illustration of multiple colorful hands raised upward against a white wooden background.

Teen Volunteer Time

Thursday, May 7, 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

World Game Day

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Special Event, STEAM & Maker
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family

Join us for an afternoon of games from around the world. Board games, puzzles, tabletop games, and fun for all ages!

Disclaimer(s):

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Special Event, STEAM & Maker
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Join us for an afternoon of games from around the world. Board games, puzzles, tabletop games, and fun for all ages!

Disclaimer(s):

Portraits of poets James Crews and Brad Peacock on a yellow background.

Guess Who’s in Town Poetry Reading with James Crews and Brad Peacock

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Fireplace Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture
Age Group:
Adults

Celebrate two Vermont-based poets at the "Guess Who's in Town" poetry reading series.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Fireplace Room (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Celebrate two Vermont-based poets at the "Guess Who's in Town" poetry reading series.

Colorful illustrations of science supplies and doodles on graph paper.

Explore Together

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:00am - 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

Hands use red scissors to cut green tissue paper on a table covered with craft supplies.

Relax & Craft for Teens

Saturday, May 9, 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

A crescent moon and two stars hanging on a soft pastel background.

Baby & Me

Monday, May 11, 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.

Illustrated icons of a messaging bubble and a word balloon.

English Conversation Group

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Tech Lab (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: Tech Lab (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.