Welcome to the Library Reading Corner for May 2023

National Library Week wrapped up on April 29th and now is the perfect time to reflect on this year’s theme which was "There's More to the Story."  There is definitely a lot to our story. The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries have everything from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. Libraries are also wonderful places to take advantage of special offerings like our Library of Things, programming that brings our communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, crafting classes, and lectures.  Our staff continues to encourage everyone to explore and take advantage of all the opportunities available at the Library, so come find out if there is more to our story that is new and resonates with you. 

We are also thrilled to announce Elizabeth Saucedo’s recent promotion to serve as the new Supervising Librarian at the Goleta Valley Library. Elizabeth has been serving in an interim capacity since late February 2023 and previously served as interim Supervising Librarian in early 2022. Elizabeth is no stranger to Goleta, and has been with the City since 2018 when she was hired to serve as the Children’s Librarian. Among the many great programs she has helped lead are the annual Summer Reading Program and classroom field trips. Our younger patrons will recognize her as our previous storyteller for our popular Baby & Me Storytime.

Elizabeth Saucedo

Feel free to stop by the Goleta Valley Library and congratulate Elizabeth on her well-deserved new role!

Thanks for taking time out to check out the Reading Corner and for supporting our awesome libraries.

Elizabeth Saucedo

New Supervising Librarian

Goleta Valley Library

Senior Happy Hour!

Thurs, May 4, 2:00 - 3:00pm

Come join us for a fun social hour and easy crafts. This event is free and all supplies are provided. Senior Happy Hour takes place at the Goleta Valley Library on the first Thursday of every month. Come check us out, all ages welcome!

Teen Volunteer Applications & Orientation Dates

Teen Volunteer Applications Due, Sat May 20

Turn in your Volunteer Application to be a part of our Summer Reading Program at the Goleta Valley Library and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries! The Summer Reading Programs runs from June 10th – July 29th. Earn community service hours this summer by listening to youth participants report their reading, award them prizes, and help us with special events. Attend an orientation to learn more!

Teen Volunteer Orientation Dates

Attend one of our orientation sessions to learn everything you need to know about volunteering at the library this summer. You will earn community service hours for attending the training, too!

Saturday, May 27th from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 30th from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 3rd from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. (at Solvang Library)

Saturday, June 3rd from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Online Author Talks 

Britt Hawthorne - Wed, May 3, 10am

Britt Hawthorne is the author of the highly-anticipated New York Times Bestseller Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide. The book is an interactive guide for strategically incorporating the tools of inclusivity into everyday life and parenting. Click here to register for the online presentation.

Jena Friedman - Wed, May 10, 5pm

Jena Friedman is a comedian, filmmaker, and creator of AMC’s Indefensible and Soft Focus with Jena Friedman on Adult Swim. She has worked on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Late Show with David Letterman, and her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, ARTNET, and The Guardian. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and won a Writer’s Guild of America award for her work on Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. Click here to register for the online presentation.

Courtney Summers - Sat, May 20, 11am

Courtney Summers is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of several novels for young adults, including Cracked Up to Be, All the Rage and Sadie. Her work has been released to multiple starred reviews, received numerous awards and honors--including the Edgar Award, John Spray Mystery Award, Cybils Award, Odyssey Award, and International Thriller Award--and has been recognized by many library 'Best Of' and Readers' Choice lists. Click here to register for the online presentation.

Goleta Valley Library 

Mother's Day Cardmaking

Tuesday, May 9 - Sunday, May 14 

Create a beautiful card for the special mom in your life!

Cards and coloring materials will be available in the children’s area during open hours.

Peter Pan

Peter Pan Storybook Ballet

Sat, May 20, 1:00pm

Join us for a delightful children’s dance show with Inspire Dance Santa Barbara as they perform scenes from the classic tale of Peter Pan.

See your favorite characters in action, including Captain Hook and Tinkerbell!

Goleta Valley Writers' Workshop

Sat, May 6, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

The Goleta Valley Writers' Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Storytimes

Wiggly Wednesdays: 

15 months  - 5 years old

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Join us for Storytime with Miss Nicole! We'll do short story, songs, dance party, and bubbles!

Baby & Me:  0-12 months / pre-walkers

Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, kap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play.

Free Ice Skating Admission

Sun, May 7

1:30 - 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Ice in Paradise has generously donated free skating admission on the first Sunday of every month in 2023 to patrons of the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries! Present your Goleta Valley Library or Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card at Ice in Paradise to receive free skating admission. One library card per skater is required.

Skate rentals are not included. Skaters must be ages 3+. Ice in Paradise is located at 6985 Santa Felicia Drive, Goleta, CA 93117.

Teen Bring-Your-Own-Book Club

Sun, May 28, 2:00 - 3:00pm

Bring a book, any book, to share and discuss with the group. Snacks and drinks are provided. Community service opportunities available - attend the meeting to learn more!

Late Opening - May 24th

Goleta Valley Library will open at 12:00 p.m. instead of 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24 for staff training.

Thank you for your understanding.