What is the Santa Barbara Central Library? This downtown
community center offers SB Reads, the Summer Reading Program, Adult Literacy
Tutoring, Book Club in a Bag, Computer Coaching, exhibits, book clubs, films,
concerts, Career Skills and Workforce Training, Career Online High School, Preschool
Storytime, Makerspace, STEM activities, a Tech Lab with a 3D Printer, homework
help, books, streaming, and downloads.
Although many of us have fond memories of checking out stacks of
books with our own library card, it is quite impressive how many services are
currently offered at our local library. Did I mention there is no charge to the
public for anything?
As a board member of the Santa Barbara Friends of the Library,
we meet monthly with the Library Director Jessica Cadiente and Jace Turner. As
we raise funds to help support programming and the purchase of books, we are an
enthusiastic audience for the latest report on library happenings. When asked
how they continue to come up with so many innovative programs, Cadiente tells
us that collaboration and creativity are encouraged among the librarians and
staff members.