Michael Towbes Plaza of Literary Possibilities

When I was young, libraries were my gateway to adventure. I traveled through stories, climbed metaphorical mountains, and learned boundless skills, all from the coziness of an armchair. Stepping into a library always felt like stepping into a world where anything was possible, an enchanted gateway that took me on journeys beyond the horizon. This love for libraries has only deepened over the years, making the grand opening of the new Michael Towbes Library Plaza in Santa Barbara on November 3, 2024, especially momentous. Last weekend, the city came alive with Plaza Palooza, an event that marked this important milestone with joy and community spirit.

The celebration began at noon, drawing crowds eager to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony that symbolized a new era for the Santa Barbara Public Library. The day was filled with captivating performances by local groups, including CAMA, Flamenco Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Symphony, setting an exuberant tone for the festivities. Anapamu Street was closed to traffic and transformed into a lively pedestrian plaza where over 50 local nonprofits, such as A to Z Cooking School, The SB Humane Society, Girls Inc., and MOXI hosted interactive booths. From arts and education to wellness and environmental conservation, these organizations showcased the vibrant spirit of Santa Barbara, and invited the community to connect and learn.

“Great libraries build communities,” said Lauren Trujillo, Director of the Santa Barbara Library Foundation. This belief was at the heart of the Plaza, a $5 million vision supported by a $1 million endowment for sustainability, promising more than just aesthetic beauty, it promised connection and renewal.

As Andrew Carnegie famously said, “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.” This sentiment rings true with the opening of the Michael Towbes Library Plaza, a space designed to reflect that very essence. For over a century, the Santa Barbara Public Library has been a beacon for learning, exploration, and civic engagement. With the addition of the Library Plaza, this historic landmark has transformed into a dynamic, modern space where stories meet community, sparking connections that extend beyond the written word.

The Plaza, designed as a versatile urban green space, is now set to host a spectrum of events: story-times, local author fairs, college and career expos, and more. This 10,000-square-foot venue amplifies the Library’s impressive lineup of free programs, enriching the community in new ways. The excitement of puppet shows, science experiments, and music performances – all under the open sky and just steps from the bookshelves that inspire them – is now a reality.

Attendees at Plaza Palooza enjoyed Library tours, a Friends of the Library Book Sale, face painting, and film screenings in the Faulkner Gallery, while local food trucks provided delicious options to complement the lively scene. It was a day filled with laughter, discovery, and an unmistakable sense of unity.

Named in honor of Michael Towbes, a philanthropist whose legacy resonates throughout Santa Barbara, the new Plaza ensures the Library’s role as a communal gathering space for generations to come. Its drought-tolerant landscaping, permeable pavers, and natural sandstone demonstrate a thoughtful approach to sustainability, proving that beauty and practicality can coexist seamlessly. Regular maintenance by the city, supported by the Library Foundation’s endowment, will keep the Plaza vibrant and welcoming. This investment underscores a deep belief in the Library’s evolving mission: nurturing literacy, fostering civic engagement, and building lasting community bonds.

The new Plaza is more than just an architectural addition; it acts as a driving force for community revitalization. According to Jim Jackson, Co-Chair of the Library Plaza Campaign, this project is pivotal for energizing downtown Santa Barbara. The space now seamlessly connects the cultural arts district and serves as a stage for a wide array of activities, embodying the vibrant and diverse spirit of the city

For those of us who cherish the written word, the Plaza invites gatherings that may spark book clubs and conversations reaching into the heart of Santa Barbara’s intellectual community. Many attendees, myself included, felt the excitement of receiving a new Library card at the event, ready to embark on fresh literary adventures.

This past weekend we didn’t just celebrate the opening of a space; we celebrated a renewed commitment to each other, and to the future of our community. The Michael Towbes Library Plaza now stands as a place where stories meet reality, ideas flourish, and Santa Barbara comes alive. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in our city’s story, one filled with promise, connection, and the magic that libraries have always provided.