Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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

Sensory-Friendly Storytime

Friday, March 20, 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
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.

Swap meet LOTG

LOTG | Santa Barbara High School Swap Meet

Saturday, March 21, 2026 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

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

Teen Volunteer Time

Saturday, March 21, 2026 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
Illustration of Bluey and Chloe waving while standing on a picnic blanket in a grassy field.

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
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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Join us dressed as your favorite Bluey character and enjoy all things  Bluey! Create Bluey headbands, perler bead key chains, paint a Gnome Husband, and hunt for Long Dog.

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

Relax & Craft for Teens

Saturday, March 21, 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)
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.

Illustration of a child silhouette reaching for stars while standing on an open book with a SBCEO logo against a night sky background.

Children's Resource Fair

Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 10:30am - 1:00pm
Michael Towbes Library Plaza (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Early Literacy, Parents & Caregivers, 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
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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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.

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

Baby & Me

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
Island Room (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Early Literacy

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy
Illustration of three people engaged in a discussion with colorful, empty speech bubbles appearing above them.

Intermediate Spanish Conversation Class

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 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
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

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

Illustration of a woman practicing yoga in a room with floral decor.

Pre & Postnatal Yoga

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Faulkner Gallery (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Parents & Caregivers

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), Adults
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), Adults
Program Type: Parents & Caregivers
Event Details / Detalles del evento:

Join us for a gentle, accessible, and all-levels yoga class for expecting or new parents that includes stretching, dynamic movement, conscious breathing, and meditation.

Illustrations of the sun, musical notes, and a book against a sky background.

Bilingual Songs & Stories for Kids

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 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
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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
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

4:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
Central Library
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.

Read to a Dog

3:30pm–4:30pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Central Library
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.

Sensory-Friendly Storytime

4:45pm–5:15pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family, All Ages
Central Library
Upcoming
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.

Explore Together

10:00am–11:15am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family
Central Library
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.

Relax & Craft for Teens

3:00pm–4:30pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Baby & Me

11:00am–11:30am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Central Library
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.

English Conversation Group

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Central Library
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.

Teen Advisory Board

5:00pm–6:30pm
Teen (High School)
Central Library
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

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
Central Library
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!

Bilingual Music & Movement

10:15am–10:45am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Central Library
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

11:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Central Library
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.

Imagine That! STEAM Hour

4:00pm–5:00pm
School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Central Library
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.

Social Justice Book Club

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
Central Library
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

1st Thursday Art Reception

4:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Central Library
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):

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
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

3:30pm–4:30pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), 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), 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):

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

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
Central Library
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.

Explore Together

10:00am–11:15am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), Family
Central Library
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.

Relax & Craft for Teens

3:00pm–4:30pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Central Library
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.

Baby & Me

11:00am–11:30am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Central Library
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.

English Conversation Group

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Central Library
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.

Bilingual Music & Movement

10:15am–10:45am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Central Library
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

11:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Central Library
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.