Construction Updates
As construction progresses at SBPL locations, please return here for the latest information regarding closures or changes at all of our branches. We look forward to inviting you into revitalized spaces very soon!
Central Library
Central Library is currently being outfitted with a new, state of the art, ADA-accessible elevator, which will be in the center of the building. This will allow for better access to those with mobility challenges, and it will also be a beautiful, modern, glass structure. The anticipated completion date for this project is before the end of 2024. In the meantime, patrons are still able to access all of SBPL’s collections and utilize limited library spaces, but please pardon the occasional construction noise.
The Michael Towbes Library Plaza renovation project is nearing completion. Once finished, the Plaza will significantly increase the Library’s programmable space, allowing for Library resources and events to be brought outdoors. The Plaza will officially open to the public in November 2024, however, from June-August, the Lower Plaza area – adjacent to City Lot 7 – will be open for Summer Reading programming. The Library Plaza renovation project is made possible in part by the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation.
The Faulkner Galleries will be closed for upgrades through August 16. The Library will not be accepting rental reservations or hosting art exhibitions during this time. We apologize for the inconvenience, but look forward to having a fresh new space available.
Eastside Library
The Eastside Library will be closed for renovations until Monday, July 15, 2024, due to water damage sustained during the recent storms. The closure will address necessary repairs to walls and floors, along with the implementation of a permanent drainage solution to prevent future issues.
Eastside Library’s outdoor book returns will be unavailable during this closure. Due dates have been extended on books, DVDs, Blu-rays, and physical audiobooks that were borrowed from Eastside Library. Library of Things items, passes, chromebooks, and hotspots have not had due date extensions. Please return these items to Central Library or at Library on the Go Stops.
To alleviate community impact, the Eastside Library will relocate programming to offsite locations and expand Library on the Go (LOTG) stops in the Eastside Neighborhood. Explore the full list of LOTG stops.
Outdoor Book Returns
During outdoor book return closures materials deadlines are extended on items that would generally be returned in the book returns, such as books, DVDs, Blu-rays, and physical audiobooks. Due dates on Library of Things items, passes, chromebooks, hotspots, and other items you would usually return inside are not extended.
You may always return items:
- Inside any library during open hours, if that library is open.
- At Library on the Go Stops.
- At available book returns at other SBPL branches: Central, Eastside, or Montecito Libraries.
Stay Connected During Construction
Try Book Match! Fill out our Book Match form and a librarian will curate a bundle of books for you and place them on hold for you to pick up from our Main Level holds shelf.
Visit the Library On The Go! Every day our Library On The Go van is out in the community making stops at your favorite parks and places in the community. Check out our events calendar for weekly Library On The Go van stops.
Access our Digital Library! Hundreds of ebooks, audiobooks, e-comics, music, movies, and more for free with your library card through our digital library resources.
Place a Hold! Use our online catalog to place holds on materials for children and families. We will place them on the Main Level holds shelf for you and notify you when they are ready for pickup!
Visit a Branch! We have materials for children and families that patrons can browse at Montecito.
Contact: Library Administration
Email: libraryadmin@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
Phone: (805) 564-5608