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Graphic with the words “Story Creators” over a cursive background and an illustrated hand holding a pen.

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.

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.

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

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.

Colorful, art theme with "imagine that!" text surrounded by illustrated pencils, paint, and shapes

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.

1st thursday art on canvas

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):

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

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.

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

Explore Together

Saturday, February 14, 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.

Yoga en Silla

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:30am
MLK Jr. Room (Eastside) at Eastside Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Arts & Culture, Spanish, Special Event
Age Group:
Adults

Join SBPL and Pink Means Go Wellness for a series of special chair yoga and mindfulness sessions. This program is designed to be gentle and accessible for all bodies and abilities.

Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Arts & Culture, Spanish, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join SBPL and Pink Means Go Wellness for a series of special chair yoga and mindfulness sessions. This program is designed to be gentle and accessible for all bodies and abilities.

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

Explore Together

Saturday, February 21, 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.

Lunar New Year Family Festival

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
All Faulkner Galleries (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Special Event
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), Family

Join SBPL and the Santa Barbara Chinese School for a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: All Faulkner Galleries (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), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join SBPL and the Santa Barbara Chinese School for a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year!

Graphic with the words “Story Creators” over a cursive background and an illustrated hand holding a pen.

Story Creators

Wednesday, February 25, 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.

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

Explore Together

Saturday, February 28, 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.

Drumming with Mister Boom Boom

Monday, March 2, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Michael Towbes Upper Plaza (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, Special Event
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2)

Join us for a fun, interactive, and educational experience! In an African Drum Circle we’ll learn about a variety of West African hand drums including the djembe, talking drum, and more.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Michael Towbes Upper Plaza (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2)
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join us for a fun, interactive, and educational experience! In an African Drum Circle we’ll learn about a variety of West African hand drums including the djembe, talking drum, and more.

Colorful, art theme with "imagine that!" text surrounded by illustrated pencils, paint, and shapes

Imagine That! STEAM Hour

Wednesday, March 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.

1st thursday art on canvas

1st Thursday Art Reception

Thursday, March 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):

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

Explore Together

Saturday, March 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.

Yoga en Silla

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:30am
MLK Jr. Room (Eastside) at Eastside Library
Program Type:
Adult Literacy, Arts & Culture, Spanish, Special Event
Age Group:
Adults

Join SBPL and Pink Means Go Wellness for a series of special chair yoga and mindfulness sessions. This program is designed to be gentle and accessible for all bodies and abilities.

Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Arts & Culture, Spanish, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join SBPL and Pink Means Go Wellness for a series of special chair yoga and mindfulness sessions. This program is designed to be gentle and accessible for all bodies and abilities.

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

Explore Together

Saturday, March 14, 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.

Wiggle, Read, Create: Bluey

Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Faulkner Gallery (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), Family

Join us dressed as your favorite Bluey character and enjoy all things  Bluey!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (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), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Details/Detalles:

Join us dressed as your favorite Bluey character and enjoy all things  Bluey!

Graphic with the words “Story Creators” over a cursive background and an illustrated hand holding a pen.

Story Creators

Wednesday, March 25, 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.

“Teen Art Party” text over a colorful painted background with logos for SBPL, SBMA, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

SBPL x SBMA Teen Art pARTy

Friday, March 27, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, For Teens, Spanish, Special Event
Age Group:
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)

Teens, join SBPL and SBMA for a special art party, where you’ll get to learn from and work with Teaching Artist Carlos Bardales in the Art Learning Lab to create unique works of art. 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: Arts & Culture, For Teens, Spanish, Special Event
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Teens, join SBPL and SBMA for a special art party, where you’ll get to learn from and work with Teaching Artist Carlos Bardales in the Art Learning Lab to create unique works of art. 

SBPL hosts family-friendly, interactive learning activities that explore science, math, literacy, and art

Explore Together

Saturday, March 28, 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.

Colorful, art theme with "imagine that!" text surrounded by illustrated pencils, paint, and shapes

Imagine That! STEAM Hour

Wednesday, April 1, 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.

Imagine That: Villains Party

Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Culture, Special Event, Spring Break Party, STEAM & Maker
Age Group:
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High), Family

Calling all devious divas and shifty scoundrels! Be prepared for your world domination campaign here at the library. Craft your nefarious ne’er-do-well persona with outrageous masks and hypnotize the masses during villain karaoke.

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), Teen (Junior High), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Special Event, Spring Break Party, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Calling all devious divas and shifty scoundrels! Be prepared for your world domination campaign here at the library. Craft your nefarious ne’er-do-well persona with outrageous masks and hypnotize the masses during villain karaoke.