Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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.

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.

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 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!

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
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):

SBPL hosts free summer lunches for school-age children.

Lunch at the Library

Thursday, July 24, 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.

ball of yarns with knit n needle text

Knit 'n' Needle

Thursday, July 24, 2025 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
Filters
Age Group

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.

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.

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.

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.

1st Thursday Art Reception: Raíces y Sueños with Artist Jacqueline Valenzuela

5:00pm–6:00pm
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
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), Adults, Family, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Culture, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

Join us for a special 1st Thursday Art Reception in the Faulkner Galleries featuring Raíces y Sueños, an exhibit by Los Angeles based artist Jacqueline Valenzuela.

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
Details/Detalles:

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):

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
Details/Detalles:

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):

Día de los Abuelos

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Eastside Library
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event
Details/Detalles:

This page is for Spanish registration.

Grandparents Day

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Eastside Library
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Eastside Library
Room: MLK Jr. Room (Eastside)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Adult Literacy, Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Raíces y Sueños, Spanish, Special Event
Registration Required
Details/Detalles:

Join us for a joyful and heartwarming celebration in honor of our beloved grandparents. This special Grandparents Day event is part of our Raíces y Sueños program, which celebrates the cultural heritage and deep roots of our community.

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.

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):

LOTG | Villa Santa Fe

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
Details/Detalles:

The Library on the Go is coming to Villa Santa Fe!

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 | Presidio Springs

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
Details/Detalles:

The Library on the Go is coming to Presidio Springs!

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

Teen Advisory Board

5:00pm–6:30pm
Teen (High School)
Central Library
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Faulkner Gallery West (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!

Email our Teen Services Librarian for questions: KSaffie@santabarbaraca.gov

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.

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.

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.