Advocacy and Volunteer Opportunities
Friends continues a rich tradition of active and vocal support to ensure excellent library services for the community. Going forward, we will continue to work with City leaders and Library administration to ensure a first-class public library for the Santa Barbara community.
See below to learn more about how you can get involved.
What is Library Advocacy?
Although private funding can enhance the public library, the majority of library funding should come from public sources. The Friends advocacy efforts are intended to ensure adequate public funding exists to support a premier library system.
What Can You Do?
During any election year, help us make sure candidates for all city offices – the Mayor, City Council, and Library Board – are talking about library funding. Pay particular attention to the Council members who are on the Finance Committee. Too often, library issues have been left to Library Board candidates alone, who are not empowered to independently increase library resources. When you see candidates, ask them if they consider improved library funding a city priority and, if so, what their plan is to help our library system.
How to Contact Your Elected Officials:
Board of Supervisors
https://www.countyofsb.org/1599/Board-of-Supervisors
Mayor and Council
http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/contact/council/default.asp
Mailing:
Post Office Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990
City Hall:
735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Voice: (805) 564-5318
Fax: (805) 564-5475
Volunteer Opportunities
Friends Exchange Newsletter Contributor
Do you like to write?
“Friends Exchange” is the Friends’ newsletter designed to communicate with its members and the library users. People interested in contributing can write book reviews, library related stories or interviews with volunteers or members, among other topics. They can work with recurring columns in Friends Exchange, or propose new ideas: they can contribute to several issues or one time only, as they are able and interested. If you are interested in contributing, or just have questions about the possibility, please email.
Other Opportunities
There are also other types of volunteer work with the Friends of the Library. We do not work “in the library,” but for the library. Some of the possibilities for volunteering are: helping with mailings, event planning and working before and during the event, advocacy, membership outreach, soliciting donations and others. Help with the new Local Business Partner’s Program, and updating the lobby kiosk displays.
If you would like to volunteer please email us.