Oct 22 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.
Oct 23 Friday
Oct 24 Saturday
Oct 25 Sunday
Oct 26 Monday
Oct 27 Tuesday
Oct 28 Wednesday
Oct 29 Thursday
Salute to Scouting 2026Scouting America – Los Padres Council will honor Central Coast leaders Bill MacFadyen, founder and publisher of Noozhawk.com, and the Borgatello Family of MarBorg Industries at the annual Salute to Scouting celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at the Santa Barbara Club in Santa Barbara.MacFadyen will receive the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA), while the Borgatello Family will be presented with the Los Padres Council Legacy Award for their longstanding leadership, philanthropy, and community service across the Central Coast.The annual evening event brings together business, civic, and community leaders to celebrate leadership and support youth development programs serving more than 3,000 young people throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Proceeds benefit Scouting programs, leadership development initiatives, and outdoor education opportunities, including Camp Rancho Alegre’s Outdoor School.To RSVP for the event, call 805-967-0105, email carlos.cortez@scouting.org, or visit https://scoutingevent.com/053-116001
Oct 30 Friday