Become a Friend
There has never been a more important time to become a Friend of the Santa Barbara Public Library. The demand for access to books and computers, educational opportunities for lifelong learning, public meeting rooms and galleries, is continuing to rise. From toddlers to teens, new immigrants to entrepreneurs, people are flocking to their libraries.
As a Friend, you’ll help provide additional funds for direct financial and program support. Membership begins at just $35, although we hope you will consider a larger contribution. There are also other ways to support the library, including one time and recurring donations, planned giving, and gifts to the endowment fund.
Get Involved
Library funding rarely keeps pace with the changing information and resource needs of our community. Please let local officials know that the Public Library is one of the most important institutions in our area. Learn more about becoming an advocate for the library here, and find contact information for the Board of Supervisors and the Santa Barbara City Council. Let them know that you care about the Santa Barbara Public Library.
There are many other ways to support the library, including volunteer opportunities with the Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library, such as helping with special events.
Join Us For An Afternoon of Mah Jongg
Sunday, October 13, 2024
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Santa Barbara Library Faulkner Gallery
If you love to play Mah Jongg, but don’t like the pressure of a tournament, join us for this non-competitive fundraiser for the Santa Barbara Library. Play with your regular group or meet other players. Beginners are welcome, but you should know how to play the game. Your donation of $40 will be used to support programs at the Santa Barbara Library and to purchase new books. We will provide a beautiful reception with a selection of savory and sweet treats, wine, and other beverages.
Please register in advance by making your $40 donation here and writing “Mah Jongg Event” in the comments box.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
September 10th: Visit the Library on the Go Van at the Farmer’s Market from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
September 17th: The League of Women Voters will be at the Faulkner Gallery to assist with voter registration and to give information about the upcoming election. 10-2:00 p.m. Measure I is asking for a ½ cent sales tax increase to help balance the budget and support ongoing services, including the library. On June 11, 2024, the City of Santa Barbara Council voted unanimously to place the Santa Barbara Essential Local Services Measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot. If approved by Santa Barbara voters, the measure will generate an estimated $15.6 million annually to support the City’s General Fund, which pays for local services, including public safety, maintenance, libraries, affordable housing, and more.
September 20th: Library Card Design Contest Deadline. Artists, your moment is here! Enter SBPL’s 2024 Library Card Design Contest to see your design on a limited edition SBPL card! Check the SB Library website for more details. Submit by September 20.
Ongoing: Shop for gently used books on the cart in front of the Voice Gallery. The sales help to support the Friends. When you go into pay, be sure and take a few moments to browse and enjoy the current art exhibition.
Early October: Visit the Eastside Library when it reopens after extensive repairs due to water damage.
October 13th: An Afternoon of Mah Jongg at the Faulkner Gallery from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Register here.
October 17th: Santa Barbara Reads. The SB Library Foundation and the Friends will be in front of the Satellite restaurant on October 17th to help distribute complimentary copies of the 2024 SB Reads books.
November 3rd: Gigantic Book Sale at the Plaza Palooza at Noon. Visit us at the Michael Towbes’ Plaza grand opening to shop for gently used books.
Attend a Friends’ monthly board meeting to find out more about what we do. We meet at the Faulkner or the Eastside Library on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. You can email us if you plan to attend.