Upcoming Events

Featured Events

An illustrated orange yarn ball against a transparent crochet knit background.

Knit 'n' Needle

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Montecito Library

Program Type:

Arts & Culture

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Montecito Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Neon illustration of icons of a microphone, music notes, and a person dancing.

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

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.

Two hands hold a microphone and paintbrush in a pop art style, with orange radiating lines in the background.

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
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
Body:

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.

Colorful illustrations of science supplies and doodles on graph paper.

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
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
Body:

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.

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

Teen Volunteer Time

Saturday, January 31, 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
New Tutor Training for Adult Literacy on transparent cream background

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

Note: Attendance is required for both sessions: Saturday, January 31 and Saturday, February 7. Registration is combined for both dates.

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

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

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.

Chuck Berry singing on the back of a red car with a guitarist behind and the logo of the Santa Barbara Black Culture House in the corner.

Screening of Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll and Q&A with Darrell McNeill of Santa Barbara Black Culture House

Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
All Faulkner Galleries (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Arts & Culture, For Teens, Job & Career

Age Group:

All Ages
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: All Faulkner Galleries (Central)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Culture, For Teens, Job & Career
Body:

Santa Barbara Black Culture House, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Public Library, will be presenting a free screening of Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail!

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

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

Independence Day

All Day 7/3–7/4
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 Friday & Saturday, July 3 & 4, for Independence Day.

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
Body:

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

Arts Advisory Meeting

3:30pm–5:00pm
Central Library
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Purpose of Meeting

Arts Advisory Meeting

Taller bilingüe de artes y manualidades para adultos

9:30am–11:00am
Adults
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Spanish
Body:

Note: This program is bilingüe, Spanish and English.

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
Body:

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.

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
Body:

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

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
Body:

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 i

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
Body:

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):

Montecito Poetry Club

10:00am–11:30am
Adults
Montecito Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Montecito Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading
Registration Required
Body:

Please join us as we explore the lives and work of poets you know and love – and some who will be new to you! Each meeting we’ll focus on the work of a featured poet. 

Arts Advisory Meeting

3:30pm–5:00pm
Central Library
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Purpose of Meeting

Arts Advisory Meeting

Grupo de lectura en español

9:30am–10:30am
Adults
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, Spanish
Body:

¡Acompáñanos en el Grupo de Lectura en español de la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Bárbara, el cual se realiza el último viernes de cada otro mes! Este es un grupo para intercambiar ideas y conversar sobre la lectura.

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
Body:

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

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
Body:

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):

Type 1 Diabetes Education & Screen and Treat Initiative

10:00am–12:00pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults, Family, All Ages
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults, Family, All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Body:

Join us at Eastside Library for a welcoming, community-focused program led by the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) to learn more about Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Arts Advisory Meeting

3:30pm–5:00pm
Central Library
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Purpose of Meeting

Arts Advisory Meeting

Mi Regalo Planificación Anticipada de Atención Médica. Un programa de Mi Vida, Mi Voz

11:00am–12:30pm
Adults, Family
Eastside Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Special Event
Registration Required
Body:

This program will be conducted in Spanish only, and everyone is welcome.

Taller bilingüe de artes y manualidades para adultos

9:30am–11:00am
Adults
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Spanish
Body:

Note: This program is bilingüe, Spanish and English.

Mi Regalo Planificación Anticipada de Atención Médica. Un programa de Mi Vida, Mi Voz

11:00am–12:30pm
Adults, Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Special Event
Body:

This program will be conducted in Spanish only, and everyone is welcome.

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
Body:

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):

Arts Advisory Meeting

3:30pm–5:00pm
Central Library
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Purpose of Meeting

Arts Advisory Meeting

Montecito Poetry Club

10:00am–11:30am
Adults
Montecito Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Montecito Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading
Registration Required
Body:

Please join us as we explore the lives and work of poets you know and love – and some who will be new to you! Each meeting we’ll focus on the work of a featured poet. 

Get it Done: Advance Care Planning – An Initiative of Hospice of Santa Barbara

11:00am–12:30pm
Adults, Family
Central Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Special Event
Registration Required
Body:

Join us for a two-part workshop series on Advance Care Planning (ACP), presented by Hospice. This free event is designed to help you understand the importance of ACP and guide you through creating your own personalized plan.

Get it Done: Advance Care Planning – An Initiative of Hospice of Santa Barbara

11:00am–12:30pm
Adults, Family
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Special Event
Body:

Join us for a two-part workshop series on Advance Care Planning (ACP), presented by Hospice. This free event is designed to help you understand the importance of ACP and guide you through creating your own personalized plan.

Grupo de lectura en español

9:30am–10:30am
Adults
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, Spanish
Body:

¡Acompáñanos en el Grupo de Lectura en español de la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Bárbara, el cual se realiza el último viernes de cada otro mes! Este es un grupo para intercambiar ideas y conversar sobre la lectura.