Executive Order Targets Libraries
On March 14th, the Senate passed a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2025, providing funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through September 2025. On the evening of March 14th, President Trump then ordered that the IMLS – the singular federal agency dedicated to funding library services – “be eliminated to the maximum extent of the law.”
The President’s Executive Order U-turn has found the nation’s libraries in its crosshairs. The announcement also ordered the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reject any budget requests from IMLS other than funds needed to shut down the agency.
April 6-12 is National Library Week 2025 – an opportune moment to describe the Executive Order’s effects and reverberations. Lauren Trujillo is Director at Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation.
“IMLS is the only federal agency that provides critical funding for libraries, museums, and cultural institutions nationwide. IMLS provides $15 million in support to California libraries alone. Our Santa Barbara Public Library is an essential public good and a cornerstone of our democratic society, working to improve our community, protect the right to education and literacy, and promote the free exchange of information and ideas. While SBPL is largely locally funded, IMLS grants support initiatives including:
-Lunch at the Library
-Adult Literacy programs like SBPL Works
-Community cultural events like Racies y Suenos celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
-Connectivity needs, providing affordable broadband services
Without this funding,” Trujillo adds, “essential Library services – including those that make our Library world-class – will be at risk.”
Note that on Thursday, April 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm the Shalhoobs Funk Zone Patio at 220 Gray Avenue will be hosting “Celebrate National Library Week.”The evening will feature a Santa Barbara-inspired Lotería, books for all ages, and a team of typists ready and willing to take down your message on a Postcard to the President.
The Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation invites the community to advocate for and support the Santa Barbara Public Library.
411: www.sblibraryfoundation.org/advocacy
Messages from the Universe! Astro on Tap
Attention all space gurus and scientists, the Los Cumbres Observatory’s FREE monthly Astronomy on Tap program features Dr. Tousif Islam presenting “Ripples in Space-Time: Messages from the Universe.” There will also be the artfully open-source news updates from space by LCO’s head scientist, Dr. Andrew Howell,with Katie Kudla, PhD student from UCSB. Head over to State Street’s M. Special Brewing Company back area on Thursday, April 10, where the presentation starts at 7:30 pm. Wear something with a space element, get a free NASA Hubble poster.
411: https://lco.global/aot/april-10-2025/
Explore Ecology Environmental Winners Luncheon Tix
Time for the annual Explore Ecology Environmental Winners Luncheon celebration, on Thursday, April 17, 12 pm, at the Cabrillo Pavilion. There will be an awards ceremony, speeches, and lunch. Reservations required by April 11. Funds support continuation of Explore Ecology programs.
411: https://exploreecology.org
New Art Learning Lab Opens at Museum of Art
The Art Learning Lab (ALL) is a drop-in space for art making that is free and accessible to all on weekends and 1st Thursdays. The Lab’s three studios serve as classrooms for creative exploration and collaboration for visiting school and community groups, adult studio workshops, after-school classes, and camps. ALL includes a street-side gallery for family-friendly art installations by students participating in the Museum’s programs and our community partners.
Annual Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet
The 66th annual Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 26, at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria facility in Carpinteria. The 1st such banquet was held in 1958 and was called the “Man of the Year” event, and after several name changes over time, it is now known as the Annual Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet. This annual event is hosted by the Carpinteria Community Association for the sole purpose of celebrating people and businesses of the Carpinteria Valley for their various efforts, deeds and accomplishments, particularly in the area of volunteerism. Education awards also play a major role in the evenings activities as two local teachers are chosen as Educator of the Year, one from the elementary schools and one from the secondary schools. After a rigorous application and interview process, three Junior Carpinterian of the Year Finalists are chosen. The purpose of this award is to honor local high school seniors for their leadership abilities and special contributions to their school, Carpinteria, and beyond. A lovely evening with dinner – courtesy of Events by Rincon – ends with the final highlight, which is the announcement of the Carpinterian of the Year for 2024.
411: Ticket information is available at carpca.org
Girls Inc. Carpinteria New Library Grand Opening
Executive Director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria, Jamie Collins, is inviting the community to attend the grand opening of the new library built in the past year on their campus, Thursday, April 24, 5:30 pm. The library supports the organization’s goal of increasing literacy in girls and women. The library is located in the campus silo and is named the John C. Mithun Foundation Library.
411: Reservations required. Send your email to information@girlsinc-carp.og
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