"I cannot live without books."
~ Thomas Jefferson
Friends Membership
There has never been a more important time to become a Friend of the Santa Barbara Public Library, or to increase your involvement if you are already a member.
Nationwide, the demand for library services, open access to books and computers, educational opportunities that support lifelong learning, public meeting rooms, and galleries for local artists, is continuing to rise. From toddlers to teens, new immigrants to entrepreneurs, people are flocking to their libraries.
The Friends are a Not for Profit organization which allows the library to be able to apply for and receive grants from various Foundations. Your membership contributions augment the shortfall in funding for collections and programs. Membership begins at just $35, although we hope you will consider a larger contribution.
In Santa Barbara, we face unique challenges. Funding cuts have led to reduced hours. In addition, since 2000, there have been staff reductions, as well as reductions to our collections, programming, and technology budgets. In 2005, less than 6% of the total library budget was spent on the materials collection.
At such a time, Friends make the difference. We help provide additional funds for direct financial and programmatic support. It is also through the Friends of SBPL that the library is able to apply and receive grants from various Foundations.
Membership begins at just $35, although we hope you will consider a larger contribution.
Member Benefits
Your most valuable benefit is knowing that you support this community's center for free information, education, entertainment and literacy. In 2007, there were 580,839 visits to our library, 740,703 items were checked out, 534,827 visits to the library web site, and 104,578 reference questions were answered. All this from only 37.22 percent of city residents who are registered borrowers.
As a member you also receive:
-
A subscription to The Friends Exchange, the Friends quarterly newsletter
-
Invitation to members-only events
-
Advance registration for space-limited programs
All contributions to The Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library are Tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
For questions regarding membership or any other donation, please email Contact@Friends-SBLibrary.org.
Give a Gift Online
Membership Levels: |
| The Reserve List **** |
$1000 and up |
 |
| Conservator *** |
$400 - $999 |
| Book Collector ** |
$250 - $399 |
| Bibliophile * |
$100 - $249 |
| Book Lover |
$50 - $99 |
| Bookworm |
$35 - $49 |
**** Travel Cup, Book Bag and Special Acknowledgement
*** Travel Cup and Book Bag
** Book Bag
* Travel Cup
Email our membership committee.
back to top
|
