Welcome to the Library Reading Corner for March 2023

A Note from Library Director Allison Gray:

Dear Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library Users,

I have had the very good fortune of working at the Goleta Valley Library since 2008. With my retirement on March 24th I want to thank you all for the amazing memories I have had serving this community and our wonderful library users. What I will miss:

- Our amazing staff – I could take this entire space to explain why – but most of you already know what makes them special and who have always worked tirelessly for the benefit of the library and our town.

- Our loyal Friends of the Library who are more than just Friends-they feel more like family.

- Library patrons who have always shown unconditional support for our library.

People always say, “It must be so wonderful to work in a place where you are surrounded by books” and they are right. Working in a library is like working in a candy store – only with books, which are much better for you.

Now I may actually have time to read a few!
-B. Allison Gray
Library Director

We are grateful for the many years Allison Gray has contributed to the City of Goleta, and we wish her the best of luck in her well-deserved retirement.

We invite the community to join us for the 50th Anniversary of the Goleta Valley Library on March 11th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Please stop by as we celebrate the Library and join us in thanking Allison Gray for her many years of service to our community.

Save the Date: Goleta Valley Library Celebrates
50 Years at Fairview!

Sat, March 11th, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
For the past 50 years, patrons of all ages have been coming to the Goleta Valley Library (GVL) at 500 N. Fairview Avenue in Goleta. The Goleta Valley Library serves the City of Goleta and the County’s surrounding unincorporated areas including Isla Vista, “Noleta”, and Hope Ranch. To celebrate this meaningful milestone, the City of Goleta is inviting YOU to come celebrate with us on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at this treasured location which has meant so much to our community for the past five decades. It’s also a great opportunity to thank long-time Library Director Allison Gray who is retiring at the end of March.

Watch the video invitation in English (https://youtu.be/ejYrgOc4gHw) and Spanish (https://youtu.be/R41dx-PKkwY).

 Here is what you have to look forward to:

- Family friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt

- Music by library staff member Nicole Lvoff

- Birthday toast and special tributes at 3:00 p.m.

- Signature frame signing

- Photo station

- “My Favorite Thing about the Goleta Valley Library” Activity

- Goleta Valley Library “Celebrating 50 Years” commemorative bookmark

Bring your favorite GVL memories and you are welcome to wear the color gray in honor of Allison Gray for her 36 years of library service including the past 15 years in Goleta.

New Teen Programs and Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities at Goleta Valley Library

Teens looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon or a purposeful way to get involved should look no further than their local library this month.

At Goleta Valley Library, teens can register for a free crafting class to make Morse Code Bracelets on Saturday, March 18th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Bookworms in junior high and high school are invited to our first-ever Bring-Your-Own-Book Club to share and discuss what they’re currently reading with the group. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and community service opportunities will be available. Come to the first meeting on Sunday, March 26th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. to learn more!

Teen Volunteers who are interested in helping with the Tech Tutoring and Homework Help programs should complete a volunteer application and drop it off at the library. Stay tuned for more information about the 2023 Summer Reading Program teen volunteer program coming soon!

The Zip Book Program has returned!

What is the Zip Book Program? Goleta Valley, Solvang, and Buellton library card holders in good standing, can complete a form on our website to request books or books on CD to be mailed directly to their home from Amazon or an Amazon bookseller. Items that are eligible for the Zip Book Program must NOT be owned by the Goleta Valley, Solvang, or Buellton libraries, and must be available from Amazon for less than $50 in either print or large print formats, or less than $75 in book on CD format.  Requests are limited to five books per household per month.  Your requests will be mailed directly to your home from Amazon or an Amazon book seller. The items we purchase for you may be new or used (“in very good condition”). There is no due date, HOWEVER all, items MUST be returned to your home library and handed to a staff member with a note that says ZIP BOOK.  Books may not be put in the book drop. 

This Project was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. 

NEW! - The Magpie Club (curious readers of shiny bright things)

Sat, March 25th, 4:00 p.m.
Book discussion group for readers who like to explore a wide variety of books, from prize-winning fiction in various genres, to newer non-fiction.

The March title is The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig.

Sign up online via the library webpage, or email [email protected] to reserve a spot.

All Solvang Events