Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, announced on Monday that he has secured $850,000 for improvements to the Eastside Library through the Community Project Funding program, which allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects in their districts.
Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, announced on Monday that he has secured $850,000 for improvements to the Eastside Library through the Community Project Funding program, which allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects in their districts. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

Santa Barbara’s Eastside Library is getting patio and exterior upgrades thanks to an $850,000 federal grant. 

Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, announced this week that he secured the funding for the library through the Community Project Funding program, which allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects in their districts.

“Public access to books, computers, study spaces and more is a critical service in every community,” Carbajal said. “I know that firsthand, as someone who grew up in Oxnard in a working-class community, it was books that were essential for my own education and development.”

Carbajal said the City of Santa Barbara identified the library at 1102 E. Montecito St. as a priority project that needed funding.

City Library Director Brandon Beaudette said the funding will go toward turning the library’s two patios into a more usable environment for families to enjoy. It also will go toward accessibility and landscaping improvements. 

“Thanks to his (Carbajal’s) support, we are able to move forward with enhancements that will expand access to literacy, technology and welcoming public spaces for families and individuals across our community,” Beaudette said.

From left, Santa Barbara Library Director Brandon Beaudette, Mayor Randy Rowse, City Administrator Kelly McAdoo and Congressman Salud Carbajal celebrate the 0,000 Carbajal secured for the Eastside Library through the Community Project Funding program.
From left, Santa Barbara Library Director Brandon Beaudette, Mayor Randy Rowse, City Administrator Kelly McAdoo and Congressman Salud Carbajal celebrate the $850,000 Carbajal secured for the Eastside Library through the Community Project Funding program. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

He added that improvements will allow the library to expand partnerships with Adelante Charter School and Franklin Elementary School. 

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse said the Eastside Library is more than just a place with books and where kids learn. 

“It’s a civic center within the Eastside,” Rowse said. “It’s a place where we gather. It’s a place where we have community meetings. It’s a place where neighbors have come for years and years.”

Rowse thanked Carbajal for listening to the city’s pleas to help fund library improvements.

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse says the city's Eastside Library is more than just a place with books and where kids learn.
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse says the city’s Eastside Library is more than just a place with books and where kids learn. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

It likely will take two years before the improvements are complete, according to City Administrator Kelly McAdoo.

The library was last renovated in the beginning of 2020, when roughly $235,000 was spent on the interior, furnishings and exterior painting. 

The library was also closed for two months in 2024 to replace carpets and floors damaged from storm-related flooding. 

— Noozhawk staff writer Rebecca Caraway can be reached at rcaraway@noozhawk.com.