Upcoming Events

Featured Events

bilingual songs and stories

Bilingual Songs & Stories for Kids

Tuesday, July 22, 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
SBPL hosts free summer lunches for school-age children.

Lunch at the Library

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
All Faulkner Galleries (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Adult Literacy, Books & Reading, Summer Reading

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: 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: Adult Literacy, Books & Reading, Summer Reading
Details/Detalles:

Children and teens are invited to eat a free, nutritious meal at Central Library as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis - no applications or documentation needed.

Promotional graphic for Imagine That! with orange and green text on transparent background of art supplies.

Imagine That! : STEAM Hour

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Michael Towbes Lower Plaza (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

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

Age Group:

School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Michael Towbes Lower Plaza (Central)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Spanish, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Get crafty in the library!

Turn your imagination into reality with a new, hands-on workshop every Tuesday.

Bilingual English and Spanish speaking staff will be present.

Disclaimer(s):

Collection of plant illustrations on beige and cream background

Family Garden Exploration

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Off Site

Program Type:

Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, STEAM & Maker, Summer Reading

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Early Literacy, STEAM & Maker, Summer Reading
Details/Detalles:

Join SBPL and Explore Ecology for this hands-on, family gardening class in Franklin Elementary School’s culinary garden. This program teaches gardening and garden vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.

Blue octopus illustration on a pastel beach background

Shiver Me Timbers! Pirate Storytime

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Michael Towbes Upper Plaza (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Books & Reading, Special Event, Summer Reading

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Michael Towbes Upper Plaza (Central)
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5), School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Books & Reading, Special Event, Summer Reading
Details/Detalles:

Ahoy mateys! You are cordially invited to a pirate storytime. Build a fort, don your finest pirate garb, and hunt for treasure. Be sure to keep an eye on the sea, lest you walk the plank!

SBPL hosts free summer lunches for school-age children.

Lunch at the Library

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
All Faulkner Galleries (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Adult Literacy, Books & Reading, Summer Reading

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: 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: Adult Literacy, Books & Reading, Summer Reading
Details/Detalles:

Children and teens are invited to eat a free, nutritious meal at Central Library as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis - no applications or documentation needed.

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

Read to a Dog

Wednesday, July 23, 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
SBPL hosts a Dungeons and Dragons session for tweens.

Dungeons & Dragons for Tweens

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Faulkner Gallery East (Central) at Central Library

Program Type:

Special Event

Age Group:

School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery East (Central)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Program Type: Special Event
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Middle schoolers: interested in playing Dungeons & Dragons? This introductory, 4 week campaign for up to 6 participants in grades 5-8 will be led by a local volunteer Dungeon Master. Make new friends and enjoy this popular game!

Skill workshop text on light blue background with laptop and paper clip art

Practical Skills Workshop for Adult Literacy Tutors

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Off Site

Program Type:

Adult Literacy, Tutor Training

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Tutor Training
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

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

Stay & Play

Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 9:00am - 10:30am
Eastside Library

Program Type:

Early Literacy, Spanish

Age Group:

Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy, Spanish
Details/Detalles:

Drop by to learn and play, sing and share stories with your young children. Enjoy company and snacks with other caregivers. Bilingual Spanish and English speaking staff will be present.

Disclaimer(s):

Filters
Age Group

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
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.

Alebrije Workshop with Jesús Sosa Calvo

3:00pm–5:00pm
Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults, Family
Eastside Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Teen (Junior High), Teen (High School), Adults, Family
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

This program will be conducted in Spanish; however, bilingual staff will be available to provide support.

A Special, Free Day at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

11:00am–4:30pm
All Ages
Off Site
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join us for a delightful day at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special, free admission.

Baby & Me

11:00am–11:30am
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

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.

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
Details/Detalles:

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

Disclaimer(s):

Intermediate Spanish Conversation Class

10:00am–11:00am
Adults
Central Library
Open
Registration Required
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 & 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 | 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
Details/Detalles:

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

Sabores Saludables: Celebrando la Herencia Latina a Través de la Cocina Nutritiva

5:30pm–7:00pm
Adults, Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults, Family
Program Type: Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event, Sustainably SBPL
Details/Detalles:

¡Acompaña a la dietista registrada Mary Galindo de Rooted Santa Bárbara County durante un taller interactivo diseñado para hacer que la alimentación saludable sea fácil, deliciosa y sostenible!

Considered Coffee Bus

9:30am–1:30pm
Adults
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Michael Towbes Upper Plaza (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Details/Detalles:

Enjoy a hot beverage or snack on the Library Plaza! Schedule is subject to change, please visit the Considered Coffee Bus site for the most up to date information.

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
Details/Detalles:

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.

Creator’s Club: Raíces y Sueños Edition

2:00pm–3:00pm
School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6)
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Creator’s Club: Raíces y Sueños Edition

Read to a Dog

3:00pm–4:00pm
School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Family
Program Type: Books & Reading, Spanish

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.

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, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

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.

Fiction Book Club

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
Central Library
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery West (Central)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

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

Stay & Play

9:00am–10:30am
Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Literacy, Spanish
Details/Detalles:

Drop by to learn and play, sing and share stories with your young children. Enjoy company and snacks with other caregivers. Bilingual Spanish and English speaking staff will be present.

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
Details/Detalles:

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.

English Conversation Group

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
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.

Cryptid Hunters

2:00pm–3:30pm
School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery (Central)
Age Group: School-aged children (Grades K-2), School-aged children (Grades 3-6), Teen (Junior High)
Program Type: Arts & Culture, STEAM & Maker
Details/Detalles:

Test your knowledge and become a cryptid hunter. Learn what makes an animal real or cryptid. Track down Bigfoot and his relatives, create your own cryptid, or see if you can help Mothman stop a disaster in our escape room.

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.

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
Details/Detalles:

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
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.