Santa Barbara’s Library Plaza to Open with Festive Ribbon-Cutting and Local Performances

The newly renovated Michael Towbes Library Plaza in Santa Barbara is set to open with a grand celebration on Sunday, November 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., welcoming the community with a vibrant arts festival and family-friendly activities. The event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and feature an array of captivating performances from local cultural organizations, including the Community Arts Music Association (CAMA), Flamenco Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Symphony, and Ballet Folklorico. The celebration will spill over onto Anapamu Street, which will be closed for the occasion, hosting booths from various nonprofits, an array of food trucks, and a Friends of the Library book sale.

Visitors can also enjoy screenings of selected films in the Faulkner Gallery, as well as guided tours of the library’s new spaces. As part of the Santa Barbara Reads initiative, attendees can receive free copies of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, alongside a selection of children’s books celebrating themes of love. The festival marks the culmination of extensive renovations to the Library Plaza, envisioned as a space for connection, learning, and community engagement.

This celebration promises something for everyone, with activities for all ages and a lineup of musical and dance performances that reflect the cultural richness of the region. It’s a chance for the community to gather, enjoy the new plaza, and honor the legacy of Michael Towbes, a champion of learning and the arts in Santa Barbara. Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience the heart of the library anew and celebrate its bright future.

See Instagram Post from Santa Barbara Library Foundation (link)

See Event Details (link)