All Together Now! The 2023 Summer Reading Program Invites You to Another Month of Great Reads at Your Library

The Summer Reading Program started off strong in June with hundreds of readers of all ages enrolling in the fun-filled program that encourages community members to read their way through the summer months. Over 300 patrons attended our Magic Show with Shawn McMaster on June 15th (pictured above)!  

With exciting prizes to be earned and a full schedule of events still to be enjoyed through July 29th, there is something for everyone this summer at the library. We hope you will stop by your local branch to join the fun – read on to learn more!

A friendly reminder to our patrons, that all library locations will be closed for Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4th

Visit www.goletavalleylibrary.org  24/7 to access millions of eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies and more for free in our eLibrary!

Free Ice Skating Admission at Ice in Paradise with Your Library Card!
First Sunday of every month: July 2, 1:30 - 4:30pm and 7:00 - 9:00pm

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. Skate rentals are not included. One library card per skater is required. Skaters must be ages 3+.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Drop-Off: Friday, July 7, from 2:00 - 5:00pm
Pick-Up: Sunday, July 9, from 1:00 - 4:00pm

Your favorite stuffed toy gets to explore the library at this fun sleepover! Drop them off on Friday afternoon, and when you pick them up on Sunday you will receive a goody bag and photos from their overnight adventure!

Coffee & Community - Café y Comunidad
Sat, July 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Bring the family and join Mayor Paula Perotte, 1st District City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín and other Goleta staff members for coffee and conversation. This is a bilingual event with Spanish interpretation provided along with coffee and pan dulce (pastries).

Children who attend are invited to complete a fun scavenger hunt in the children’s area of Goleta Valley Library and win a prize!

Watch a recap of our first Café y Comunidad / Coffee and Community event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgvzF8w5IpI

We look forward to seeing you there!

Writers' Workshop
Sat, July 1, 12:30 - 2:00pm

The 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.

Senior Happy Hour
Thurs, July 6, 2:00 - 3:30pm

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!

Mark Collier Magic Show
Sat, July 22, 10:30am

This family-friendly show from world-renowned magician Mark Collier will entertain and delight magic fans of all ages! Join us for a spectacular performance and get inspired to try a few tricks of your own.

Luce Puppet Co. Presents: “Cinderella Builds Her Dream! An All-Dog Fairytale”
Sat, July 15, 2:00pm

A fantastic show from Luce Puppet Company! This is the fairy tale you know and love, but turned on its head with an all-dog cast and a do-it-yourself twist.

Juggler David Cousin
Sat, July 29, 3:30pm

Get ready to be amazed by the juggling talents of David Cousin! He holds five world records in juggling and has performed around the globe for audiences large and small. All ages will enjoy this spectacular show!

Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network Visit for Adults & Teens
Sun, July 23, 2:00pm

Attend this special presentation in the Multipurpose Room to learn more about the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network and see how its important work brings to life our Summer Reading Program theme “All Together Now” every day of the year.

Final Day of Summer Reading Program
Sat, July 29, 10:00am - 5:30pm

Stop by the library to report your reading and earn your final prizes of the summer! If you’ve been saving your prize drawing slips, be sure to enter them into the box for your age category by 5:30 p.m. today.

Congratulations on all your amazing reading this summer! We extend our sincere thanks to the Friends of the Library and all our generous community sponsors for their support of our program.

All Goleta Events

All Month

As part of our Summer Reading Program, join with your community all July in putting together the Big Buellton Puzzle at the Buellton Library.

Just ask for a puzzle piece at the front desk all month long!

No registration required.

Buellton Bookworms
Fri, July 21, 1:00 - 2:00pm

Join in the conversation and meet some new friends at the Buellton Bookworms!

This bookclub meets every third Friday of the month at the Buellton Library. This month we will be talking about The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Pick up a copy at the library or order yours through the library catalog!

July Craft Day
Fri, July 29, 1:00 - 3:00pm

Join in the crafting fun at the library!

Bring your own craft or join in the many crafts provided!

For all ages; no registration required.

All Buellton Events

STEM Activity: Making a UV Detector
Sat, July 8, 10:30am

What is Ultraviolet light and how do you detect it?  How can you block it?  

A NASA Kit activity for ages 6-11.

Sign up online to ensure a space.

Beading with Mie: Flower Earrings
Tues, July 11, 2:00pm

Make your own beaded earrings using needle and thread technique. A free workshop with Mie of Mie's Beads, for teens and adults. All materials provided.

Space is limited, please register!

Luce Puppets: Cinderella Builds Her Dream!
Sat, July 15, 10:30 am

An original, all-dog (puppet) fairytale by the incomparable Luce Puppet Company!

This is the fairy tale you know and love, but turned on its head with an all-dog cast and a do-it-yourself twist. Help Cinderella design and build her own way to her dream come true!

3-D Printing Workshop
Wed, July 12, 4:00pm

An introductory workshop - Join us as we design a simple 3-D model in Tinkercad.

Space limited, please register! Ages 9-17

Book Club for Kids (8-11)
Online: Wed, July 19, 4:30pm
In-person: WedJuly 26, 4:30pm

July's title:Ikenga, by Nnedi Okorafor.    On the day of his father's funeral, eleven year old Nnamdi receives an artifact known as an Ikenga, and gains the ability to shapeshift into a being similar to his favorite comic-book character, the Incredible Hulk.  Nnamdi wants to avenge his father, but struggles to harness his newfound power as a tool for good.

Please REGISTER separately for each date.

STEM Activity: Modelling Eclipses
Sat, July 22, 2:00pm

What happens in an Eclipse?  Make a model of the Lunar Eclipse to understand it.

A NASA kit activity for ages 6-11.

Sign up online to ensure a space.

Magic of Handwriting
The Magic of Handwriting Part 2: What's your style?
Thurs, July 27, 2:00pm

Master Handwriting Analyst Debbie Jenae returns to share some handwriting styles through the ages, and a Q&A about handwriting in general or on your particular style.

For adults and teens.

Juggler David Cousin
Sat, July 29, 10:30am

World-class juggler David Cousin returns to help us close out our summer reading program!  

Don't miss his show!

All Solvang Events