Tell Us Why You Love Your Library!

The I Love My Library campaign, initiated by Library Support Groups, invites the Santa Barbara and Montecito communities to visibly and collectively show support for its public libraries and library staff. From February 1-14, Valentine-themed collection boxes will be placed at participating local businesses and schools throughout Santa Barbara and Montecito. At each location, pre-printed postcards will be available to make participation easy and accessible for all ages. Library Support Groups will use these messages in ongoing advocacy efforts to demonstrate broad public support for libraries.

“Using your public library and sharing your support are powerful ways to advocate for libraries,” said Brandon Beaudette, Santa Barbara Public Library director. “Through our collections, free programs for all ages, and community partnerships, we’re committed to offering services that are open to all and strengthen community connections.”

That community support has a tangible impact, and the Montecito Library is a great example. Last year, community advocacy helped lead to several enhancements, including new book returns, a revitalized Reppy Reading Room, and refreshed paving outside the library. Beloved programs such as Knit ‘n’ Needle and the Montecito Book Club continued to see dedicated attendance, while new offerings drew record participation. In 2026, library staff are building on community input by bringing back the Montecito Poetry Club and are introducing special crafting events, such as Love at First Sniff. Through the continued efforts of support groups like the Friends of the Montecito Library and dedicated library staff, the Montecito Library remains an accessible, welcoming space where residents can gather to read, learn, and connect.

Where can you find the I Love My Library Collection Boxes? 

• Alpha Resource Center
• Art and Soul Gallery
• Art From Scrap
• B’nai B’rith Congregation 
• Brass Bear
• Carrillo Recreation Center
• Cathedral Athletics SWELL
• Chaucer’s Bookstore
• Community Arts Workshop
• Franklin Neighborhood Center
• Friendship Center
• Gallery 113
• Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara
• Grant House Sewing Center
• Hope Elementary School
• Jewish Federationof Greater Santa Barbara
• Laguna Blanca School (Upper & Lower)
• Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop
• Louise Lowry Davis Center 
• MacKenzie Park Lawn Bowling
• Maravilla Senior Living
• Mesa Books
• Monte Vista Elementary School
• Montecito Public Library
• Montecito Village Travel
• Montecito Bank & Trust
• Mosaic Locale
• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
• Roosevelt Elementary School
• Rori’s Ice Cream (all locations)
• Samarkand Retirement Community
• Santa Barbara Art Museum 
• Santa Barbara City Hall
• Santa Barbara Eastside Library
• Santa Barbara Public Library
• Santa Barbara Visitor Center 
• Santa Barbara YMCA
• SBCC School of Extended Learning 
• Shalhoob’s (all three locations)
• Storyteller Children’s Center 
• Tecolote Book Shop 
• The Crafters Library
• Trinity Episcopal Church
• Unitarian Society
• Vices and Spices Coffee 
• Vieja Valley Elementary School
• Vista Del Monte  

This column is written in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Montecito Library, Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library, Members of the City Library Board – In partnership with the Santa Barbara Public Library.