This grant will strengthen Friends of the Santa Barbara Library programs including early literacy programs, programs for children in grade school, and programs targeted to teens.
There is a misconception that tax dollars pay the full costs of public libraries. In 2026, Friends of the Library (FOL) increased its annual contribution to the library from $80,000 to $100,000, reflecting their support for the programs, services, and resources that make the library an essential part of our community.
Grant support will build on FOL’s commitment to helping ensure that Santa Barbara’s population, particularly its youth, has access to literacy support, educational enrichment, caring relationships, and the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Programs include Baby & Me and Stay & Play which serve an average of 300 children and caregivers weekly; the after-school Grade 1-4 Orton-Gillingham tutoring program, a research-based approach to reading instruction currently serving 40 students; and activities that engage approximately 20 teens per week.
