Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Swap meet LOTG

LOTG | Santa Barbara High School Swap Meet

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 8:00am - 1:00pm
In the Community at Library on the Go (LOTG)

Program Type:

Civic Engagement, Library on the Go, Spanish, 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), Adults, Family, All Ages
Library Branch: Library on the Go (LOTG)
Room: In the Community
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: Civic Engagement, Library on the Go, Spanish, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join the Library on the Go van at the Santa Barbara High School Swap Meet where we will be stocked with mostly adult items, but we’ll also have some children’s items available.

SBPL hosts workshops for intermediate Spanish speakers to practice language skills

Intermediate Spanish Conversation Class

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:30am
MLK Jr. Room (Eastside) at Eastside Library

Program Type:

Adult Literacy

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

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

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

Explore Together

Saturday, December 13, 2025 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
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.

teen volunteer time

Teen Volunteer Time

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Eastside Library

Program Type:

Civic Engagement, For Teens, Spanish

Age Group:

Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: Civic Engagement, For Teens, Spanish
Hands use red scissors to cut green tissue paper on a table covered with craft supplies.

Relax & Craft for Teens

Saturday, December 13, 2025 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)
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.

"Raices y Suenos" text surrounded by colorful emblems including a guitar, coconut tree, cactus, and avocado

Storytime at Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 11:00am - 11:45am
Off Site

Program Type:

Early Literacy, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family
Program Type: Early Literacy, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join us for a joyful morning of bilingual storytime and art, designed to support your child’s early literacy development through action rhymes, movement, and short stories in both English and Spanish.

SBPL hosts workshops for intermediate Spanish speakers

Intermediate Spanish Conversation Class

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Tech Lab (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Adult Literacy

Age Group:

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

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

bilingual songs and stories

Bilingual Songs & Stories for Kids

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:00am - 11:30am
MLK Jr. Room (Eastside) at Eastside Library

Program Type:

Early Literacy, Spanish

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy, Spanish
Red mug topped with whipped cream with the T.A.B. logo next to a stack of books on a evergreen background.

T.A.B. Presents: Cozy Reading & Cocoa

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Island Room (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

For Teens, 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, All Ages
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), Teen (High School), Family, All Ages
Program Type: For Teens, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join members of the Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) for a cozy holiday evening! Sip hot cocoa, browse cozy holiday books, make paper snowflakes, and enjoy a festive, joyful time. For teens, families, and friends.

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

Read to a Dog

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Eastside Library

Program Type:

Books & Reading, Spanish

Age Group:

School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Books & Reading, Spanish
Filters
Age Group

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Library Services Orientation for Teens

5:00pm–6:00pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: For Teens
Details/Detalles:

Teens, join SBPL staff for an informative overview of library services and programs, including community service opportunities and physical and digital resources to support your academic and career goals.

Story Creators

4:00pm–5:00pm
School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Central Library
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 Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Tween Glow Party

4:00pm–5:30pm
School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Central Library
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.

Open Mic Night & Art Gallery

6:00pm–7:30pm
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
Central Library
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.

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Presidents Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Central Library, Eastside Library, Montecito Library, Library on the Go (LOTG), Virtual, Off Site
Description:

All SBPL locations will be closed on Monday, February 16 for Presidents' Day.

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Lunar New Year Family Festival

1:00pm–4:00pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Family
Central Library
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!

Story Creators

4:00pm–5:00pm
School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Central Library
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 Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Wiggle, Read, Create: Bluey

11:00am–12:30pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Family
Central Library
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!

Children's Resource Fair

10:30am–1:00pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Family
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Michael Towbes Library Plaza (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: Early Literacy, Parents & Caregivers, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Do you have a child between 0-12 years old? Join SBPL for this special event co-sponsored by Santa Barbara County Education Office to learn what our community has to offer.

Story Creators

4:00pm–5:00pm
School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Central Library
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 Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

SBPL x SBMA Teen Art pARTy

3:45pm–5:30pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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. 

César Chávez Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Central Library, Eastside Library, Montecito Library, Library on the Go (LOTG), Virtual, Off Site
Description:

All SBPL locations will be closed on Tuesday, March 31 for César Chávez Day.

Imagine That: Villains Party

3:00pm–5:00pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High), Family
Central Library
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.

Teen Volunteer Time

4:15pm–5:45pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.