A Note from Interim Library Director Diane Satchwell:

Dear Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library Users:

Happy September! I want to share the success of the 2023 Summer Reading Program thanks to our enthusiastic community, Friends of the Library, and dedicated staff.

We welcomed 33,933 people to the Goleta Valley Library this summer, which is up from 29,071 in 2022. Across the board, all of our libraries have seen an increase in both community participation and volunteer hours completed. This is all topped off with an almost 50% increase in sign-ups for the Summer Reading Program.

All of our family and children's programs were well attended across the summer, and it is wonderful to see the libraries filled with excited children, teens and adults.

I want to make sure to thank our incredible teen and adult volunteers for registering readers, handing out prizes, and helping keep our shelves restocked as materials were returned throughout the summer.

And of course, we are grateful to the Friends of the Libraries who have continuously supported and sponsored all of the great programs we offer not only in the summer, but year-round.

But the zest is yet to come for our library patrons! Make sure to stop by the Lemon Festival at Girsh Park on Saturday September 30th and Sunday October 1st and say hi to us at the library table! We look forward to seeing you, making library cards, and giving away some fun prizes. Have a happy September, library patrons!

The Ghost Story Challenge

Write an original story in 500 words or less that is scary or mysterious and involves the supernatural

Calling all local writers! Are you ready for a spooky challenge? Whether you're an adult, high schooler, or middle schooler, we want to read your spine-tingling tales.The Challenge is open to all writers in these age categories: Adult (18 and up), High School (9th-12 gr.) or Middle School (6th-8th gr.)

Student entries from Goleta/ South County schools and Santa Ynez Valley/North County schools will be judged separately (more winners that way!).

Submissions will be taken from Sept 1-30 DEADLINE is September 30, 5:00 pm

How to submit: 

- Stories must be in the body of an email- no attachments.
- Email to [email protected]
- Include in Subject line:  Ghost Story  [and "Goleta" or "Santa Ynez Valley" for student submissions]
- Include in body of email:
Full Name of author
Phone
Age category, and name of school if student
Don't forget to title your story!

Winners will be announced on October 26th. Prizes include horror genre books, including some signed by the judges, gift certificates and more. 

We can't wait to read your spook-tacular tales!

Goleta Valley Library

Second Annual Creek Week Art Contest

Entry Dates: Sept 1 - 8
Creek Week: Sept 23 - 30 

We want to see your creativity! In honor of Creek Week (September 23-30) the Goleta Valley Library is hosting the Second Annual Creek Week Art Contest. Community members are invited to submit original artwork inspired by our creeks, watersheds, and ocean using this year’s theme, “Goleta the Goodland, Thriving Habitats.” Artwork may be submitted at the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) September 1 – 8, during regular business hours.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/z5343sh2

Bookworm Bingo

Fri, Sept 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Join us for a book-themed bingo night at the library!

Have fun and earn fabulous prizes.

For Adults and Teens

After School Crafternoon:
Talk Like a Pirate Day

Tues, Sept 19, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Let's get crafty at the library on "Talk Like a Pirate" day!

Drop yer anchor and sail over to the Goleta Valley Library for pirate themed: crafts, scavenger hunt, activity table, photo booth and more! You'll have a swashbuckling good time!

Autumn Tree Craft for Adults and Teens

Sat, Sept 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate the incoming season by getting crafty! Make an enchanting tree with whimsical 3D leaves and create some beautiful fall décor.

Space is limited, so please reserve your spot at the front desk or call (805) 964-7878. All supplies provided.

Goleta Events Calendar

Bug Escape!
Treasure hunt at the Buellton Library

All Month

The bugs have escaped in the library! All September kids can go on a treasure hunt to find the critters in their hiding places and win a special prize!

Ages 3 - 12

Wiggly Storytime

Every Monday, 10:30am

Come join the fun every Monday morning at 10:30am for Wiggly Storytime! Learn your alphabet, numbers and rhymes to prepare your little one for reading!

All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

Buellton Bookworms

Fri, Sept 15, 1:00pm

Hosted in the Council Chambers inside the Buellton Library. Come and join the conversation and meet new friends. Copies of the book are available at the library and able to requested to be put on hold at gvl.blackgold.org See you there!

For more information on the latest book club selection please feel free to contact the Buellton Library or stop by and grab a copy.

Buellton Events Calendar

Semi-Annual Outdoor Book Sale

Sat, Sept 9, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Don't miss this huge sale, on the lawn in front of Solvang Library!

Gently used books for all ages, collectibles, media, and even puzzles!

Investors' Roundtable

Sat, Sept 9, 3:00pm - 4:15pm

This group is resuming after taking the summer months off. Led by economist Dr. Ken Harwood, the Investors’ Roundtable welcomes both novice and veteran investors to informal presentations and discussions on the second Saturday of each month. In September, the group will look at Amgen, a Dow Jones Industrial stock headquartered in Thousand Oaks, and discuss current markets.

The group meets in-person and also offers a Zoom link for remote participation. Please Register via the library's online calendar to reserve a place and to receive the link.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley.

Randel McGee, storytelling as Hans Christian Andersen

Fri, Sept 15, 4:00pm

Master storyteller Randel McGee will appear as Hans Christian Andersen, telling his timeless tales in person with warmth and humor.  We may even see a demonstration of papirklip, the Danish art of papercutting! The free event will be on the lawn outside the library. 

Solvang Events Calendar

Stay Connected
Keep up to date on our fun programs, new materials, free resources, and more!

- Goleta Valley Library:  Facebook: Facebook.com/GoletaValleyLibrary and Instagram: Instagram.com/goletavalleylibrary

- Solvang Library: Facebook: Facebook.com/SolvangLibrary and Instagram: Instagram.com/solvanglibrary

- Buellton Library: Facebook: Facebook.com/BuelltonLibraries and Instagram: Instagram.com/buelltonlibrary

Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for the latest information.

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