New Santa Barbara Library Plaza one week away from opening after years of planning and construction

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara Library will open its long awaited Michael Towbes Library Plaza with a festive event November 3.

An insider preview look is taking place Friday.

Santa Barbara Library Foundation Director Lauren Trujillo said, "the library really needed the space. I would say after the children's library opened in 2015 the library exploded in attendance with visitors with programs."

Many of the areas that were overlooked have been revived through construction and restoration, including a wall with an art feature showing poppies. "poppy art. "This design is really leaning back into the history of the 1930," said Trujillo. There are doors to the Faulkner gallery that will also be opened at times, for in an out library program experiences. "Making it adaptable to what the modern needs are," she said. "It is so welcoming and inviting and you can really see the building again.  when you drive by you know the library is here"

The project has been a lengthy process with several supply delivery delays, funding issues, and hurdles that had to be overcome on several fronts. "Literally the rains and unexpected things came the way of this project.  We started fundraising for this project in March of 2020 right before the pandemic," said Trujillo. The excitement for those involved is all going forward now.

There are endless plans for activities on the site ranging from music to outside movies and field trip gatherings. "You don't see any tables or chairs here now but his area is programmable they can be added or taken away or moved around depending on the size of the event and the  number of people they are expecting," said Trujillo. "There's something for everyone. There's something for all ages and there will be more on the plaza to peak your interest and  to start exploring resources and services in the community."

The number of people coming and going is expected to exceed 600,000 annually.

There will also be a new lower plaza space that connects the library to the Museum of Art and the La Arcada court.   Events will be held here too.

Both areas can also be rented out for the public to use for special events.

It is also expected to be a boost for downtown Santa Barbara's economy which has been searching for new ideas and changes to draw the public back to the promenade.

The opening Community Arts Festival will begin with a ribbon-cutting before performances from CAMA, Flamenco Santa Barbara, the Symphony, Folklorico, and other performances.

All of Anapamu Street will be closed.

Nonprofits across the community will also be in attendance with activities for all ages, food trucks, Library tours, a Friends of the Library Booksale, and film screenings in the Faulkner Gallery will take place during the grand opening celebration.

(More details, video and photos will be added here later today.)