Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Small music notes on a soft pastel background of musical symbols.

Bilingual Music & Movement

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Michael Towbes Lower Plaza (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Early Literacy, Spanish

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Michael Towbes Lower Plaza (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy, Spanish
Colorful science and math themed illustrations with watercolor dots.

Creator's Club

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Eastside Library

Program Type:

Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Spanish, STEAM & Maker

Age Group:

School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Body:

Looking for a fun and creative after-school activity? Join us at the Eastside Library for a weekly STEAM activity inspired by children’s literature. Bilingual Spanish and English speaking staff will be present.

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)
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Island Room (Central)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Program Type: Arts & Culture
Body:

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.

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.

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Age Group

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.

Stay & Play

9:00am–10:30am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Montecito Library
Library Branch: Montecito Library
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 | Mission Park Healthcare Center

10:30am–11:30am
Adults
Library on the Go (LOTG)
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Library on the Go (LOTG)
Room: In the Community
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Library on the Go, Spanish
Body:

The Library on the Go is coming to Mission Park Healthcare Center!

Pre & Postnatal Yoga

10:30am–11:30am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), Adults
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), Adults
Program Type: Parents & Caregivers
Body:

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.

Bilingual Songs & Stories for Kids

11:00am–11:30am
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, Spanish

This class focuses on developing your child’s literacy skills with action rhymes, a short story, and songs in both English and Spanish. Your child will practice language skills, social skills, motor skills, and you’ll have the chance to connect with other caregivers.

This class is best for children 0-5 years of age 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.

LOTG | Villa Santa Fe II

12:15pm–1:15pm
Adults
Library on the Go (LOTG)
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Library on the Go (LOTG)
Room: In the Community
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Library on the Go, Spanish
Body:

The Library on the Go is coming to Villa Santa Fe II! We'll be stocked with a great selection of materials for adults, including large print, fiction, nonfiction, and Spanish-language books.

English Conversation Group

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Literacy Center Office (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.

Montecito Book Club

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Montecito Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Montecito Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading
Registration Required
Body:

Join the Montecito Book Club every fourth Tuesday of the month!

LOTG | State Street near the Farmers Market

4:00pm–6:30pm
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
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: Library on the Go, Spanish
Body:

The Library on the Go will be just outside the entrance to the Farmers Market on State and Canon Perdido Streets 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!

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.

LOTG | Harding School

12:30pm–2:00pm
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: Harding School
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 Harding School 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):

Creator's Club

2:00pm–3:00pm
School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Body:

Looking for a fun and creative after-school activity? Join us at the Eastside Library for a weekly STEAM activity inspired by children’s literature. Bilingual Spanish and English speaking staff will be present.

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
Body:

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.

Career Exploration Fair: For Teens & Young Adults

4:00pm–6:00pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: All Faulkner Galleries (Central)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults
Program Type: For Teens, Special Event
Body:

Join SBPL and the Junior League of Santa Barbara for an evening of connection and career exploration!

Successfully Navigating College Admissions This Winter

4:30pm–5:30pm
Teen (High School), Adults
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Teen (High School), Adults
Program Type: For Teens, Parents & Caregivers, Special Event
Body:

High school teens and parents, join partners Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper of Stand Out For College, LLC, for a free informational zoom session that&nbsp

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.

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.

LOTG | Bohnett Park

2:30pm–4:30pm
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
Library on the Go (LOTG)
Library Branch: Library on the Go (LOTG)
Room: Bohnett 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 Bohnett 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):