Welcome Library on the Go 2.0!

Santa Barbara Public Library is thrilled to announce the arrival of its second Library on the Go mobile outreach vehicle. With a storied history of bookmobiles -- including an early 20th-century book delivery to the workers building Gibraltar dam, and a wagon bringing books to Cuyama -- the Library has long been committed to delivering services beyond its walls.  

The first modern Library on the Go was introduced in 2021, allowing the Library to operate more dynamically during the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of the first van saw the operation grow into its own Library Branch, with dedicated staff, a collection of 6,000+ library items for check out, and operations almost 7 days a week.  

In 2025 we provided 709 hours of public service at 373 Library on the Go van stops. This direct impact has brought library services to places where the library does not have a physical presence, building community through literacy and bringing joy wherever it goes.  

The addition of a second van is a milestone two years in the making. It will allow us the flexibility to bring the library into more neighborhoods and community spaces. This will expand our outreach capacity and help extend our mission throughout our service area.  

To find out when Library on the Go will visit a location near you, visit our events calendar. 

The Library on the Go 1.0 was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara. Library on the Go 2.0 was made possible thanks to a grant from the California State Library and a generous donation from the James M. Cox Foundation.  

You’re Invited! 

Join us on Wednesday, March 25 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to celebrate the launch of our second Library on the Go. 

Library on the Go 2.0 Launch Event! 
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Van tours and book checkouts: 11:00 a.m.  
Remarks: 11:45 a.m. 
Ribbon Cutting: 12:15 p.m 
Location: Central Library (40 E. Anapamu), Michael Towbes Library Plaza  
Parking: Available adjacent to Central Library in City Lots 6 and 7. The first 75 minutes are free. Each additional hour or part is $3.00. 

Celebrate with us as we prepare to expand our outreach services. Can’t wait to see you there! 

Growing Thoughtfully: With the addition of Library on the Go 2.0, Santa Barbara Public Library is expanding outreach capacity. Services will be introduced in phases as the library builds staffing and refines routes to best meet community needs. This phased approach will help library staff grow into expanded van operations while ensuring that we sustain high quality community support.