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

Practical Skills Workshop for Adult Literacy Tutors

5:00pm–6:30pm
Adults
Off Site
Open
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Tutor Training
Registration Required
Body:

Join fellow volunteers for a hands-on tutoring skills workshop! Learn new skills to use during sessions with learners. Problem-solve challenges and celebrate successes in collaboration with current tutors.

Stay & Play

9:00am–10:30am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy
Body:

Drop by to learn and play, sing and share stories with your young children. Enjoy the company of other caregivers.

Disclaimer(s):

LOTG | Shoreline Park

10:00am–12:00pm
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 on the Go (LOTG)
Library Branch: Library on the Go (LOTG)
Room: Shoreline Park
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: Library on the Go, Spanish
Body:

The Library on the Go will be at Shoreline Park with a ton of books for all ages. Load up on books, get a library card, return items, or just drop by to say hi!

Disclaimer(s):

Music & Movement | Shoreline Park

10:30am–11:00am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Library on the Go (LOTG)
Library Branch: Library on the Go (LOTG)
Room: Shoreline Park
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy, Library on the Go

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. 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.

In case of inclement weather, outdoor activities may be canceled. For the most up to date information, please contact the library with any questions or concerns before traveling to library events.

Library Board Meeting

12:00pm–2:30pm
Central Library
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Purpose of Meeting

The Santa Barbara Public Library, established in 1882, offers free access to books, technology, programs, and resources for all. We invite everyone to explore our collections, connect with the community, and enjoy our wide range of events.

Knit 'n' Needle

2:00pm–3:30pm
Adults
Montecito Library
Library Branch: Montecito Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Culture

Join us for our weekly Knit 'n' Needle gatherings, open to all skill levels!

Whether you knit, crochet, embroider, or enjoy any other fiber arts, you're welcome to come and share your creativity with us.

Disclaimer:

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.

SBPL Works! Typing Course

2:00pm–3:30pm
Adults
Central Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery East (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Job & Career
Registration Required
Body:

SBPL Works! invites job seekers to a 8-part typing course, designed for beginners to navigate a keyboard and practice typing in a safe space.

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

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
Body:

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.

Trail Talks: Far-flung hikes of the Los Padres with Perry Van Houten

6:30pm–7:30pm
Adults
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: All Faulkner Galleries (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Trail Talks
Body:

Join local author Perry Van Houten as he shares about destinations in the mountains past Ojai that aren't so easy to get to. We'll travel to exotic locations with waterfalls, fire lookouts, and unusual botany or geology.

Yoga en Silla

9:30am–10:30am
Adults
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Arts & Culture, Spanish, Special Event
Body:

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.

LOTG | Oak Park

10:00am–12:00pm
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 on the Go (LOTG)
Library Branch: Library on the Go (LOTG)
Room: Oak Park
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: Library on the Go, Spanish
Body:

The Library on the Go will be at Oak Park with a ton of books for all ages. Load up on books, get a library card, return items, or just drop by to say hi!

Disclaimer(s):

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
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.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

4:00pm–7:00pm
Adults, Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Civic Engagement
Body:

Need help with taxes this year? The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year.

LOTG | Santa Barbara High School Swap Meet

8:00am–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), Adults, Family, All Ages
Library on the Go (LOTG)
Offsite Event
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
Body:

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.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

9:00am–1:00pm
Adults, Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Civic Engagement
Body:

Need help with taxes this year? The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year.

Explore Together

10:15am–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
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.

SAT/ACT Study Session

11:00am–12:30pm
Teen (High School)
Central Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery East (Central)
Age Group: Teen (High School)
Program Type: For Teens
Registration Required
Body:

Teens, get prepped for the SAT and/or ACT at the library! Staff will support learners through the digital resources via Brainfuse LEAP Learning platform and be around to answer questions.

Teen Volunteer Time

11:00am–12:30pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School)
Program Type: Civic Engagement, For Teens, Spanish

Teens are welcome to come and earn 90 mins of community service time every week at the Eastside Library. Teens will be helping with finding books, organizing library materials, preparing arts and crafts activities and other tasks.

No registration required!

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.

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
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.

Book Release Party: Celebrating the Living Black History of Santa Barbara

4:00pm–6:00pm
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Books & Reading
Body:

Celebrate the release of We Were Here, We Are Here: A Living History of Black Santa Barbara – a brand new book centering Black history in Santa Barbara, written by local author Simone Akila Ruskamp and illustrated by Reyna Harris.

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
Body:

Join SBPL and the

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.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

4:00pm–7:00pm
Adults, Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Civic Engagement
Body:

Need help with taxes this year? The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year.