The Library Kicks Off the Summer Season with a Variety of Special Programs
Santa Barbara Public Library is celebrating the beginning of summer. The Library has a full calendar of fun and educational events planned for community members of all ages throughout June, July and August.
Festivities begin with the Summer Reading Kick-off at Alameda Park on Saturday, June 10. Families can stop by between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m for free activities to kick off their summer reading adventure. Kids can sign up for the summer reading challenge and pick out a free book. Take pictures and dance with a real Wild Thing from Maurice Sendack’s Where the Wild Things Are, complete a scavenger hunt around the park, build and create at our maker and craft stations, and enjoy a Kona Ice (while supplies last). The Library on the Go Van will be there too with all the Library books you need to get started on your summer reading goals.
Adults are invited to celebrate the beginning of summer reading on Friday, June 16, at 6 p.m. with Elaine Castillo, author of How to Read Now. Her conversation will inspire readers to develop a more engaged relationship not just with our fiction and our art, but with our buried and entangled histories. Complimentary copies of her collection of essays will be available for attendees while supplies last.
School-age children will have many opportunities to learn with the Library this summer, including STEM activities at Library Lab, cooking classes, dance classes, free lunches, maker challenges, and special family events like Diary of Wimpy Kid Day and Pokémon at the Library.
Teens can join us for activities like Gamer Night, a Murder Mystery Event, a music production class series, and a DIY Spa Day. Youth looking to earn volunteer hours can review books for us and help other young people find great books to read! Teens can also get volunteer hours every Wednesday at Central Library at our aptly named Teen Volunteer Time Program.
SBPL is also hosting several events for adults to celebrate reading and learning, including a launch party for the Santa Barbara Literary Journal, an opportunity for local history enthusiasts to collaborate and document the biographies of prominent historical figures in a Wikipedia edit-a-thon, as well as fun events like a MakeSB concert and DIY extravaganza.
Juneteenth Santa Barbara is a local celebration of the national recognition of Black Independence Day. All ages are invited to a performance of Ring Shout to commemorate and learn about Juneteenth and a special game of Bingo hosted by Drag Queen, Miss Angel.
The Library on the Go van will also be out and about at local parks, on State Street, and at festivals and events. Catch us to sign up for a Library card, borrow books, or attend an outdoor program. Check the Library Calendar for details.
Readers of all ages are invited to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenges! Learn how to join on the Library’s website. Keep up to date with news about Summer Reading and Library on the Go by visiting www.SBPLibrary.org to sign up for SBPL’s newsletter or check the Library calendar.