Andrew Carnegie
Our Santa Barbara Public Library is a treasured institution and it should be fully funded for the benefit of our community. For decades, it has provided a welcoming space for all: our families, seniors, teens, and young children; it is where we explore books at the Children’s Library, enjoy the Library-on-the-Go vans that bring books to us, cozy up to read, or access free Internet. Children improve reading skills through the tutoring program. Teens work together at the Eastside Library on their entrepreneurial and fundraising skills, and adults improve their English language skills through Adult Education programs.
Libraries are called “the palaces of the people,” and for good reason. Libraries are unique entities that offer every community member a place to read newspapers, journals, and books, to gain access and instruction on how to use the Internet, and support for learning new skills, from parenting, to starting one’s own business, to filing one’s taxes. Programs are provided for community engagement, book discussions, and presentations on a variety of topics.