Santa Barbara Library

In fiscal year 2017 the library system circulated 1,888,710 items to approximately 235,577 residents.

The library's current director is Jessica Cadiente, who has held her position since 2016.

The original building was designed by local architect Francis W. Wilson, based on sketches by Henry Hornbostel of Pittsburgh, and opened on August 27, 1917, with Frances Burns Linn as head librarian.

Carleton Winslow directed the 1925 reconstruction (following the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake) and designed the tympanum over the main entry.

The Faulkner Memorial Art Gallery was designed by Myron Hunt and opened on October 15, 1930.