All SBPL locations will be closed from Thursday November 28 through Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving.

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Michael Towbes Library Plaza Grand Opening
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The Michael Towbes Library Plaza Grand Opening

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The Santa Barbara Public Library is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Michael Towbes Library Plaza: a public space designed to expand library services, events, and programming outdoors while offering a gathering space for people to learn and connect. This project was made possible by a partnership between the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the long-term sustainability of the Santa Barbara Public Library.

The newly renovated Library Plaza in Santa Barbara’s Cultural Arts District beautifully blends historic architecture with modern enhancements. Inspired by the original 1917 Central Library and 1930 Faulkner Memorial Art Gallery, the Plaza’s design restores iconic elements while introducing sustainable features and new community spaces.

At the upcoming grand opening, guests will enjoy dance and music performances, a ribbon cutting, short films in the Faulkner Gallery, food trucks, Library tours at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and much more! This event is brought to you by the generosity of donors and community members through the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation and in collaboration with the City of Santa Barbara.

Plaza Palooza: Michael Towbes Library Plaza Grand Opening
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Central Library - 40 East Anapamu St.
Plaza Palooza Event Info | Add event to your calendar

Everyone can continue to enjoy the Library Plaza at Mercado Raíces y Sueños on November 9, 2024. This pop-up art market will be the first event after Plaza Palooza and will feature the art and wares of artists from our community. This event is made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

The grand opening of the Michael Towbes Library Plaza marks a new renaissance era for Santa Barbara Public Library. As the heart of Santa Barbara’s Cultural Arts District, the community’s new Library Plaza will serve as a gathering space for programs and events, connecting and engaging people of all ages and backgrounds.

For a complete look at the Library Plaza’s rich history and recent upgrades, visit Library History.

To reserve the Michael Towbes Library Plaza for your event, visit Library Facility Rentals.

Renovation Highlights

  • Library Plaza’s renovation was inspired by original architectural elements of the Central Library (designed by architect Francis Wilson and opened in 1917) and the Faulkner Memorial Art Gallery (designed by Myron Hunt and opened in 1930).
  • The Egyptian Sunburst Poppies design above the exterior doors of the Faulkner Gallery, first created by California landscape artist John Gamble, has been restored to its original grandeur.
  • The three historic reflecting ponds in the Plaza’s original 1930 design, are creatively and sustainably reimagined through two travertine mosaics and a pond-shaped planter that flow outward from the Faulkner Gallery toward Anapamu Street.
  • The Faulkner Gallery, also recently renovated with new carpet and painted walls, known for featuring exhibitions by community artists groups such as the Oak Group, Santa Barbara Art Association, and Fiber Arts Guild, once showcased artworks from Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, “The Blue Four” exhibition in 1932 (Feininger, Kandinsky, Jawlensky, and Klee), and Alfredo Ramos Martínez.
  • The Central Library’s old main entrance area has also been revitalized. The Historic Tympanum Archway has been refurbished and a new programming space, named Storytime Square, features a stone patio, fresh landscaping, and California native trees.