The Santa Barbara Eastside Library hosted a grand re-opening gala this Saturday. Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider cut the red ribbon at noon, kicking off an afternoon to celebrate the newly renovated library facilities. Festivities included fruit and cake, a live performance by Quetzalcoatl Children’s Mexican Folk Dance Troupe, craft activities, and a bilingual story time. On display throughout the day were art pieces by young adults from the Santa Barbara Arts Commission Youth Artists at the Franklin Center.
The adult section of the library had been closed for renovations since February 8, with limited collections available in the children’s room. Thanks to a generous donation by library patron Rose Karat, the library was able to renovate its adult room with new computers, paint, carpets, lighting, and furniture. It also expanded its DVD and book collections, especially in the areas of gardening, healthy cooking, and parenting.
Event attendees were impressed by the library’s new look, and excited at the prospect of an increased number of computers for patron use (from six to 12) and the addition of outlets to plug in laptops. The patio outside was also open for the event, featuring photographs and paintings by neighborhood youth.
The Eastside Library is largely a family-oriented place, as demonstrated Saturday: Most of the individuals in attendance were families and youth. The library hosts story times, science days, and many other activities for children throughout the week.