The Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation supports the Library by funding large-scale initiatives. Join us in opening doors to literacy, technology, and lifelong learning at the cultural hub of Santa Barbara.
WE OPEN DOORS... ...TO EARLY LITERACY
30,000 children served annually
...TO A LIBRARY-ON-THE-GO VAN Reaching our most vulnerable community members
...TO LIFELONG LEARNING
600,000 patrons visit the library annually
...TO A NEW LIBRARY PLAZA
A new open-air gathering space in the heart of our community
OUR SUCCESS • Raised $4.6 million to create the new Children’s Library, opened in 2015. This bright, contemporary environment has doubled/tripled literacy opportunities for our youngest learners. • Established a Children’s Library endowment currently valued at $2 million to ensure growth for our children’s programming year after year. • Funded SBPL Delivers a book mailing program delivering thousands of books to patrons during the 2020 pandemic. • Launched the Library Plaza Campaign, securing HLC approval for design and a $1.15 million investment from the City.
CHILDREN’S LIBRARY
WHAT WE FUND Santa Barbara Reads embraces the motto “One Book, One Community,” with the intent to bring our community together around one title. The new Library Plaza will provide a central community hub at the heart of our historic cultural arts district. COVID-19 RESPONSE
TUTORING LIBRARY ON-THE-GO VAN
Coming up soon on our project list, a new Teen Center featuring the latest in 21st century digital and physical library resources designed by teens for teens. In the near future, we will restore the Second Floor Patio. This hidden gem will be a rooftop garden available for library patrons and special events. STORYWALK
THE LIBRARY PLAZA CAMPAIGN A NEW COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE We are working to revitalize the Library Plaza—10,000 square feet of programmable space between the Library and the Museum of Art. We have already raised $4 million toward our $5 million goal, with the City of Santa Barbara contributing $1.615 million. We can reach our goal with your help!
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL HUB Restoring a major community thoroughfare, and creating a public square for city festivals, music, dance, film screenings and drama performances, as well as entrepreneurial and educational events.
URBAN GREEN SPACE Ensuring the stewardship of our natural environment with drought tolerant landscaping, permeable pavers, and natural sandstone.
SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY Creating a safe and accessible barrier-free environment for strollers, wheelchairs, and patrons of all ages and abilities.
ANCHORING THE HISTORIC CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT Unifying the Cultural Arts District with a space where the community can regather and learn. Moving programs outside will allow passers-by to recognize the Library as a center for dynamic, enriching, and engaging activities—not just a repository of books.
A PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP The City of Santa Barbara funds 78% of the Library’s annual operating budget, capital projects are not included—such as the Children’s Library and the future Library Plaza—funded by the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation.
“The new Library Plaza will unite our Cultural Arts District and do what the Library does best, bring our community together.” — Lauren Trujillo, Foundation Director
OUR TEAM LIBRARY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Anne Howard, President; Emily Engel, Vice President; Brooke McDermott, Treasurer; Jim Sterne, Secretary; Alan Brumberger; Mark Cardona; Susan Case; Bob Fulmer; Jim Jackson; Irene Kelly; Linda Lorenzen; Roy Martinez; Art Merovick; Stephanie Riordan LIBRARY PLAZA CAMPAIGN CABINET Janet Garufis and Jim Jackson, Campaign Co-Chairs Anna Alldredge, Mark Asman, Bob Bason, Jessica Cadiente, Susan Case, Zora Charles, Marni Cooney, Emily Engel, Christie Glanville, Anna Grotenhuis, Anne Howard, Roy Martinez, Anne Towbes, Martha Townsend, Leslie Zemeckis
WAYS TO GIVE Support the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation with your tax-deductible donation. • • •
Contact info@sblibraryfoundation.org for private tours of the future Library Plaza. Become a Page Turner by joining our monthly giving program. Leave a legacy with a planned gift.
sblibraryfoundation.org | info@sblibraryfoundation.org | 805.689.2448
The new Library Plaza will be named in honor of Michael Towbes for his impact on the Santa Barbara community.