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 to 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.
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.
About the Goleta Valley Library:
Built in 1972, this 15,000-square-foot facility was originally constructed and owned by the County of Santa Barbara and operated by the City of Santa Barbara under a contract with the County. When the City of Goleta was incorporated in 2002, it took over ownership of the building. In 2017, the Goleta Valley Library received state designation as a municipal library; in 2018, the City of Goleta took over the management of the GVL. In 2019, the City of Goleta also took over the management of the Solvang and Buellton libraries. Approximately 26 staff members work at the Goleta Valley Library site and the Library Bookvan. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library circulated approximately 600,000 items each year and had more than 250,000 visitors. The numbers are steadily increasing as patrons feel more comfortable returning to the library in person. In the fiscal year 2021-22, more than 130,000 e-materials were downloaded from the library’s website. For the latest update on the Goleta Valley Library, watch the Library Director’s presentation to the Goleta City Council on March 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will be available at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
We can’t wait to see you at 500 N. Fairview on March 11 and hear what you love about the GVL.
