Sep 17 Thursday
Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.
The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.
This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.
Sep 18 Friday
Sep 19 Saturday
Be part of the solution to ocean pollution on Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 19, at 9:00 am! Take action to protect the beaches, creeks, and parks that make Santa Barbara County such a wonderful place to live.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome at any of our 2026 cleanup sites. Pre-registration isn’t required, but is encouraged! Everyone who pre-registers will be automatically entered into a prize drawing.
Each site will have a captain on hand with cleanup supplies. Bring your own gloves, buckets, and other reusable items to reduce waste.
Every piece of trash picked up is one less piece in the ocean. The coast needs you on Coastal Cleanup Day!
Join Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) for its 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day. Over 15 farms, ranches, wineries and agricultural organizations from Santa Maria to Carpinteria welcome the public on Farm Day. Guests can expect a variety of activities, including behind-the-scenes tours, tractor rides, product tastings and giveaways, and plenty of kid-friendly exhibits, all while learning about the farms that feed our communities and the world.
For more information about Farm Day, to register, and to view a list of participating farms on an interactive map, go to https://sbcfarmday.org. Visitors select the locations they want to visit and travel at their own pace.Farm Day is free and open to all ages. No pets allowed.
Santa Barbara County Farm Day is organized by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). SEEAG’s mission is to educate students and the greater community about the farm origins of our food and the role of agriculture in our nutritional well-being.
Sep 20 Sunday
Sep 21 Monday
Sep 22 Tuesday
Sep 23 Wednesday
Sep 24 Thursday