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What’s Happening at the Library: May, 2026
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May is blooming with opportunities to connect and explore at the library. From poetry readings and community conversations to story times and outdoor pop-ups, there’s something happening for everyone. While you’re out and about this month, don’t forget to look out for Library on the Go around town for a friendly, outdoor library experience.
Below are just a few highlights, there’s so much more to explore! Browse our full calendar of events.
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Adults
- Guess Who’s in Town: Poetry Reading with James Crews & Brad Peacock
Friday, May 8 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Central Library, Fireplace Area
Husbands and poets James Crews & Brad Peacock will be sharing work from their bestselling book Love is for All of Us: Poems of Tenderness & Belonging from the LGBTQ+ Community & Friends. Check out the Library’s Catalog for more of Crews’s work. Or browse through Jace’s Staff Picks list for more poetry recommendations.
- Yoga en Silla
Friday, May 14 | 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Eastside Library, MLK Jr. Room
This is a series of welcoming and special chair yoga and mindfulness sessions designed to be gentle and accessible for all bodies and abilities. You’ll learn tools to support overall well-being through movement done while seated in a share. This is a bilingual Spanish/English event and is great for older adults. It is produced in partnership with Pink Means Go Wellness
- Trail Talks: Sespe Wilderness: Backcountry Wonders at the Intersection of Nature, Adventure, and Politics
Thursday, May 21 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Central Library, Faulkner Gallery
This edition of our popular Trail Talks lecture series will focus on the Sespe Wilderness in Ventura County’s Backcountry, designated in 1992 it now stands as the largest protected Wilderness area in the Southern Los Padres National Forest. This month’s speakers are local public land leaders Jeff Kuyper and Peter Deneen. Want to read more about the outdoors? Take a hike through this book list!
Children & Families
- World Game Day
Friday, May 8 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Central Library, Children’s Area, Island Room
Enjoy an afternoon of games from around the world! Board games, puzzles, tabletop games, and fun for all ages will be available for open play. Drop by and join the fun!
Teens
- SBPL x SBMA Teen Art pARTy
Friday, May 15 | 3:45 - 5:30 PM
Meet in the Lobby at Central Library & walk to Santa Barbara Museum of Art
At this special Art Party you’ll learn from and work with Teaching Artist Carlos Bardales in the Art Learning Lab at Santa Barbara Museum of Art to create unique works of art. Open to teens in grades 7-12. All materials will be provided.
In the Community
- Bioblitz Picnic in the Park
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Eastside Neighborhood Park, Yanonali Community Garden
Thanks for participating in SBPL’s Bioblitz! You’re invited to this closing celebration with crafts and refreshments. Participants can pick their favorite Bioblitz submission at the Eastside Neighborhood Park. Make sure to bring your picnic blanket!
- Library on the Go @ Community History Day
Saturday, May 9 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Library on the Go will be out for Community History Day! Explore Santa Barbara’s multicultural history with hands-on learning stations, arts & crafts tables, history tours, and more. Browse books for all ages at the Library van and discover upcoming library events. We’ll see you there!
Events are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Click into the event calendar for the most up-to-date information.