On April 26, the “Meet Me at the New Downtown Library Festival” transformed the corner of Cedar and Lincoln Streets in Santa Cruz into a vibrant celebration of community and creativity. Hosted by the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, the event drew hundreds of attendees for an immersive preview of the future Downtown Santa Cruz Public Library. All afternoon, families, teens, and adults explored free programs, hands-on activities, and large-scale renderings of the library’s innovative spaces. Highlights included poetry readings, puzzle challenges, bubble stations, and a showcase of unique library offerings, like borrowing tools and tech. The festival also marked the official kickoff of the Downtown Library Capital Campaign, inviting all to become “Friends” with donations that will leave a lasting legacy in the new library.
Capturing the day’s energy was local photographer Sean McLean, whose stunning gallery of images showcases the joy and excitement of the event. From candid moments of the crowd marveling at architectural displays to live music and tasty food, McLean’s photographs, viewable below, beautifully document this milestone in Santa Cruz’s cultural journey.
Gallery of Images by Sean McLean:
