Special Programming Summer Reading Program Reach Out and Read Teen Poetry Contest and Other Teen Programs Adult Literacy Santa Barbara Reads!

"Friendship for the Libraries is enlightened self-interest."
                                                             ~ Barbara Tushman

hrough the generous donations, gifts, bequests, and membership dues to the Friends, the Library and community has benefited by having expanded collections and programs that serve the community. Here is a list of the current programs that the Friends fully or partially support. The * indicates programs and services that are fully funded by the Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library.

*Special Programming

Janice Rorick Senior Librarian for Youth Services	Kathleen MacIntosh Children’s Librarian

Preschool storytimes are in English or Spanish and are intended for 2 ½ - 5 year olds. They are geared toward early exposure to children’s literature through stories in picture book format and finger plays, flannel stories and other activities. The Friends fund truly memorable programs with nationally known storytellers and puppeteers and magicians and musicians, as well as regional and local professional artists.

*Summer Reading Program

There will be a reading program in the summer of 2008. For the younger children the theme will be an insect one. Catch the Reading Bug will be the motto. For teens the theme will be Metamorphorsis.
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Reach Out and Read

We partner with the Santa Barbara Public Health Department to provide services at the Franklin Clinic and Carpinteria Clinic for this valuable project. Participating pediatricians distribute books to each child and “prescribe” reading 20 minutes a day to the parents.  Local volunteers read to children in the waiting room and are encouraged to use the library next door. The library staff conducts training for the volunteers. We also purchase books for the clinic.
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Teen Poetry Contest and Other Teen Programs

This program provides materials and services of interest to the 13 to 18 year olds. Music CD’s, books on tape, DVD’s and videotapes as well as books and magazines have been purchased and are set up in the Teen Corner upstairs. Annual programs for teens include a poetry contest in the Spring where winners receive recognition in The Independent and give a poetry reading at the library. In addition, about 500 teens participate in the Summer Reading Program with incentive prizes and programs. Teen Read Week in October features programs, contests and games. The Friends fund a yearly movie license to show movies and host teen film festivals.
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Adult Literacy

This program provides invaluable one-on-one literacy tutoring to approximately 120 older teens and adults each year from trained volunteers. Participants receive free and confidential tutoring in reading, writing.  The Friends provide teaching materials and high interest, accessible vocabulary books.
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* Indicates programs and services fully funded by Friends of the Library

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