Library Events

Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation while promoting a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies up to 12 months and their caregivers.

Teens bring your friends for a Friday afternoon of gaming. Play against your friends or sit back and watch the action on our large screen. Light snacks will be provided.

The Library and Branches will be closed in observance of Independence Day.Cerrado en cumplimiento del Día de la Independencia. 

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

 Get creative with an afternoon of art. Youth create a masterpiece while exploring different mediums. Each lesson focuses on an artist, their process, and a different element of art.  This program is for ages 6-12. 

Story time session: Wednesdays, June 15 - August 3 at 3:30pmSongs, fingerplays, and stories in English and Spanish. Story time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time.  

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

Paws to Read 10:30 June 23, July 7, July 21Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading out loud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do!

Join the bookmobile Librarian at Evans Park located at 200 W. Williams St. for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Join the bookmobile Librarian at Preisker Park located at 330 Hidden Pines Way for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Curious preschoolers and caregivers, come to a special story time filled with exploration and discovery, designed for preschoolers aged 3-5. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math themes will be explored through stories and discovered through hands-on activities. Come dressed for mess! Regi...read more

Can you help Eleven escape the Upside Down? Bring friends and try to solve the clues to this Stranger Things puzzle before time runs out. Prizes will be awarded to the team with the best time, and Elle’s favorite food will be served.

The Santa Maria Public Library is excited to host the Ancient Homelands: Native music from North, Central, and South America. Martin Espino will perform this cultural, entertaining, and educational program. This amazing interactive program will be in English and Spanish.The project was made possible...read more

Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting-up new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. Registration is required. Please call the Library at 805-925-0994 ext. 8562 to schedule an appointment.

Saturday, July 9, 11:00amMartin Espino will present a cultural, entertaining, and educational program featuring music from the Americas. This amazing interactive program will be presented in English and Spanish for the whole family to enjoy.  This project was made possible in part by the Instit...read more

It's time to create, build, explore, and use your imagination at the Library Maker Events. Silhouette Cutter Friendship Bracelets 3Doodler PensEs hora de crear, construir, explorar ye usar su imaginación en el iEventos de la biblioteca! Cortador de Silhouette Brazalete de amistad Bol&iacu...read more

The Valley Reads Book Club meets the second Saturday of every month at 2:00 PM.The Valley Reads Book Club for the month of July will meet Saturday, July 9th, 2:00 PM.The book for the month of July will be 1984 by George Orwell.Patrons can register here by providing their name, email and ph...read more

Music, Sign, and PlaySaturday, July 9, 2:00pmLearn baby sign to communicate more effectively with your child.  Attend three-part series June 11, July 9, and August 13.  Program content will progressively increase. For parents or caregivers with babies 0-3 years of age, presented by&nb...read more

Pyjama DramaMonday, July 11, 11:00amMonday, July 18, 12:00 noonMonday, July 25, 11:00amInteractive and imaginative learning play, stories, and songs for families with children ages 18 months through 3 years old. Presented by Pyjama Drama, in a three-part series.

Tuesdays, July 12, 19, 26 & August 2 | 4-5:30 pm | 7/2 in Shepard Hall, the rest in Learning CenterThe Santa Maria Public Library is pleased in welcoming Naomi and Randy Altergott from World Financial Group (WFG).WFG's goal is to help people understand how their money works to avoid fin...read more

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

Paws to ReadJune 21, June 28, July 12, August 2Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading out loud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do!

Join the bookmobile Librarian at Central Plaza Apartments located at 200 N. McClelland St. for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Tuesday, July 12, 3:00pm Celebrate “Reading Beyond the Beaten” path and create a custom nature journal. A nature journal is used to record observations, thoughts, and feelings about what you see in nature.  Get your journal ready for your next adventure outside!

Join the bookmobile Librarian at Armstrong Park located at 1000 E. Chapel St. for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Wednesday July 13, 11:00amPreschoolers and caregivers, learn how to create your own sensory bin. Sensory bins allow children to explore, discover, imagine, create, and learn while engaging their senses. This program is for children ages 3-5; adult assistance is required to assemble sensory bins. Reg...read more

Wednesday, July 13 | 3-5 pm Starting a business? Growing a business? Business planning is THE roadmap to success. SCORE will show you two forms of business plans: the Business Model Canvas which gives you a one page, 10,000 foot overview of what your business does and the Traditional Business P...read more

Story time session: Wednesdays, June 15 - August 3 at 3:30pmSongs, fingerplays, and stories in English and Spanish. Story time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time.  

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

Camp Ocean Traveling Lantern Theatre CompanyThursday, July 14, 2:00pmWelcome to Camp Ocean, little guppies!  Attend this lively fish-fact-filled voyage to the bottom of the sea, through an interactive program and performance.  All hands-on deck for this program!

Drop in for a morning of yoga with stories and breathing exercises. Children are introduced to mindfulness and will learn exercises to help regulate emotions. Space and supplies are limited. Yoga mats will be provided or bring one from home. Open to children ages 3-5 with caregivers.

Paws to ReadFriday, July 15 and Saturday July 16 at 11:30amReading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading out loud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do!

Come by Rotary Park for a special tea party. The bookmobile Librarian will read a few stories while visitors enjoy tea and treats. After the tea party, complete a special dinosaur inspired craft.

Friday, July 15, 4:00pmIf you’re a teen who is into anime or manga, come to Anime Club! Hang out with other fans, eat Japanese snacks, and do fun activities. New members are always welcome! 

Join us for adult summer camp! We will be make fun, colorful water bottle holders out of duct tape! All materials will be provided, registration is required.

Pokémon trainers participate in the popular Pokémon Club at the Library. Learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, watch an episode of Pokémon the Series, and participate in other fun activities. Bring a deck from home to battle or borrow one of the Library’s...read more

Paws to ReadFriday, July 15 and Saturday July 16 at 11:30amReading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading out loud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do!

It's time to create, build, explore, and use your imagination at the Library Maker Events. Screen Printing Duct Tape Zip Bag Make a CardEs hora de crear, construir, explorar ye usar su imaginación en el iEventos de la biblioteca! Serigrafia textil Bolsa de Duct Tape Haz una tarjeta

A Teddy Bear PicnicSaturday, July 16, 2:00pmMonday, July 25, 2:00pmAttend a Teddy Bear Picnic with the family, follow along with an interactive performance by Pyjama Drama.  Strengthen and use imagination to help make this the best picnic of the summer. 

Pyjama DramaMonday, July 11, 11:00amMonday, July 18, 12:00 noonMonday, July 25, 11:00amInteractive and imaginative learning play, stories, and songs for families with children ages 18 months through 3 years old. Presented by Pyjama Drama, in a three-part series.

Tuesdays, July 12, 19, 26 & August 2 | 4-5:30 pm | 7/2 in Shepard Hall, the rest in Learning CenterThe Santa Maria Public Library is pleased in welcoming Naomi and Randy Altergott from World Financial Group (WFG).WFG's goal is to help people understand how their money works to avoid fin...read more

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

Summer Craft AdventureTuesdays, July 19, and July 26, 1:00pmCelebrate summer with the Santa Maria Public Library.Come to the Altrusa Theatre to complete a fun and adventurous craft.

Celebrate summer-- create a fun and adventurous craft at the SMPL to Go Bookmobile’s regular stop.This program will be at the Armstrong Park stop location, 1000 E. Chapel St.

Join the bookmobile Librarian at Grogan Park located at 1155 W. Rancho Verde for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Story time session: Wednesdays, June 15 - August 3 at 3:30pmSongs, fingerplays, and stories in English and Spanish. Story time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time.  

Join the bookmobile Librarian at Boys and Girls Club located at 901 N. Railroad Ave. for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Nathalia’s South American heritage and passion for bilingual education has served as a major influence in the music she creates. From rock to cumbia, jazz to reggaeton, Nathalia's songs are produced in a number of different musical styles and written with the whole family in mind.&nbs...read more

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

Paws to Read 10:30 June 23, July 7, July 21Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading out loud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do!

Thursday, July 21, 3:30pmLet’s read together! Each month will feature a new chapter book.  Talk about last month’s book, and then read the first chapter of the new book together. Copies of the book will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Designed for youth, ages 8 thro...read more

Really a Villain Story timeFriday, July 22, 11:00am Join us for a special story time by reading beyond the beaten path.  Stories presented by Villains from A Wish Your Heart Makes.

Teens, enter the FREE Super Smash Bros. Tournament. The winner will receive an awesome prize. Controllers will be supplied, and light snacks will be provided.

Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting-up new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. Registration is required. Please call the Library at 805-925-0994 ext. 8562 to schedule an appointment.

Saturday, July 23, 12:00pmEver wondered what it would be like inside of a giant bubble?  Take a journey off the beaten path into a world of bubbles.  Explore the fun and science behind what makes bubbles so intriguing during this bubble adventure. 

Visit the bookmobile at monthly Saturday Bookmobile Pop-up Stops for a family friendly maker project you can do at the park or take home. Join us at Minami Park; 600 West Enos Drive

It's time to create, build, explore, and use your imagination at the Library Maker Events. 3D Printing Book Page Bows Straw RollercoasterEs hora de crear, construir, explorar ye usar su imaginación en el iEventos de la biblioteca! Impresión de 3D Moños de papel de libros Mon...read more

Pyjama DramaMonday, July 11, 11:00amMonday, July 18, 12:00 noonMonday, July 25, 11:00amInteractive and imaginative learning play, stories, and songs for families with children ages 18 months through 3 years old. Presented by Pyjama Drama, in a three-part series.

A Teddy Bear PicnicSaturday, July 16, 2:00pmMonday, July 25, 2:00pmAttend a Teddy Bear Picnic with the family, follow along with an interactive performance by Pyjama Drama.  Strengthen and use imagination to help make this the best picnic of the summer. 

Tuesdays, July 12, 19, 26 & August 2 | 4-5:30 pm | 7/2 in Shepard Hall, the rest in Learning CenterThe Santa Maria Public Library is pleased in welcoming Naomi and Randy Altergott from World Financial Group (WFG).WFG's goal is to help people understand how their money works to avoid fin...read more

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

Summer Craft AdventureTuesdays, July 19, and July 26, 1:00pmCelebrate summer with the Santa Maria Public Library.Come to the Altrusa Theatre to complete a fun and adventurous craft.

Celebrate summer-- create a fun and adventurous craft at the SMPL to Go Bookmobile’s regular stop.This program will be at the Armstrong Park stop location, 1000 E. Chapel St.

Story time session: Wednesdays, June 15 - August 3 at 3:30pmSongs, fingerplays, and stories in English and Spanish. Story time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time.  

Story time session: Tuesdays and Thursdays June 14 – August 4 at 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will have songs, fingerplays, and stories.

Together at the Library, create a boot to apparate, learn and practice playing quidditch, make a Hermione extension bag and more fun activities. Or pick up a pack and grab your magical tent and head out into the backyard or local park with camping crafts from Harry Potter. If you can't apparate ...read more

Join the bookmobile Librarian at The Residences at Depot Street located at 205 N. Depot St. for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Join the bookmobile Librarian at Rotary Centennial Park located at 2625 S. College Dr. for outdoor story time. Bring a blanket to sit and enjoy literacy building and fun for the whole family. 

Join former The Simpsons artist Carlos Nieto III as he teaches you how to create and modify an anime character from scratch, no matter what your drawing level is! All materials are provided.

Grab your magical tent and head into your local branch library. Pick up a pack beginning on Saturday, July 30. Pack will have some fun camping ideas from Harry Potter. Create a boot to apparate, learn and practice playing quidditch, make a Hermione extension bag and more fun activities. Wh...read more

Grab your magical tent and head into your local branch library. Pick up a pack beginning on Saturday, July 30. Pack will have some fun camping ideas from Harry Potter. Create a boot to apparate, learn and practice playing quidditch, make a Hermione extension bag and more fun activities. Wh...read more

Please join us for a special workshop with the Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society. Patrons will have the opportunity to learn about library resources available for genealogy research, the 1950 Census, and much more. The workshop will include time for exploration of the Library Edition of Ancest...read more

Saturday, July 30 12:00-3:00pmCheck in at the Youth Services desk to join the Summer Reading Participants Party.  Face painting, crafts, therapy dogs, and treats will be available for those who participated in Summer Reading 2022.

It's time to create, build, explore, and use your imagination at the Library Maker Events. Digital Photo Editing Rock Painting LegoEs hora de crear, construir, explorar ye usar su imaginación en el iEventos de la biblioteca! Editar fotos digitales Pintar piedras Construir con Lego

Central Coast Aquarium Tidepools on Tour Saturday, July 30, 1:00 pm Central Coast Aquarium will bring Tidepools on Tour in mobile aquarium tanks.  Live animals include crabs, sea stars, sea snails, and more.  Come learn about life under water, off the beaten path. Registration is...read more

Central Coast Aquarium Tidepools on Tour Saturday, July 30, 1:30 pm Central Coast Aquarium will bring Tidepools on Tour in mobile aquarium tanks.  Live animals include crabs, sea stars, sea snails, and more.  Come learn about life under water, off the beaten path. Registration is...read more

Central Coast Aquarium Tidepools on Tour Saturday, July 30, 2:00 pm Central Coast Aquarium will bring Tidepools on Tour in mobile aquarium tanks.  Live animals include crabs, sea stars, sea snails, and more.  Come learn about life under water, off the beaten path. Registration is...read more

Central Coast Aquarium Tidepools on Tour Saturday, July 30, 2:30 pm Central Coast Aquarium will bring Tidepools on Tour in mobile aquarium tanks.  Live animals include crabs, sea stars, sea snails, and more.  Come learn about life under water, off the beaten path. Registration is...read more