The Santa Barbara Public Library has been gited $10,000 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The award is part of a nationwide commemoration recognizing Carnegie Libraries across the country and honors Andrew Carnegie’s historic investment in free public libraries, including the $50,000 grant that established Santa Barbara’s Central Library in 1914.

The library will receive the Carnegie Corporation funds in January and will reinvest them into the Central Library’s facilities and programming efforts.

“This support helps us continue to meet the evolving needs of our community while honoring our historical legacy,” library officials said.

Since opening its doors on Aug. 27, 1917, the Central Library has served as a cornerstone of learning, culture and community in Santa Barbara.

“From providing refuge after the 1925 earthquake to hosting many remarkable artists in the Faulkner Memorial Art Gallery, the library has upheld its legacy of public service for more than a century,” the library said.

Recent enhancements, including the 2025 transformation of the outdoor space into the Michael Towbes Library Plaza, solidify its role in downtown Santa Barbara, according to the city.

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