2023 Summer Reading Program Finishes Strong

Program at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries Celebrates Literacy and Community Togetherness

The numbers for the 2023 Summer Reading Program are in and show that reading soared this summer. The success is due to the annual program for all ages at the Goleta, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries and Goleta Valley Library Bookvan with service to Isla Vista. Thanks to everyone who helped bring this year’s theme - All Together Now - to life.

“It is always exciting to see our patrons come together during the summer,” said Goleta Valley Library Supervising Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “From attending special events, to discovering new books, to volunteering with the young readers, and supporting literacy through prize donations – the magic of the Summer Reading Program comes to life thanks to our wonderful community.”

By the numbers:

 - Over the course of seven weeks, more than 80 teen and adult volunteers worked with staff to host events, listen to readers report on their books, and award prizes generously donated by almost 40 local businesses and organizations.

 - 2,540 community members attended 26 events sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, the Friends of the Buellton Library, and the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley.

 - 1,918 children and teens registered for the Summer Reading Program, up 66% from 2022.

 - Adults read 1,060 books, a 35% increase from last year.

 - The Goleta Valley Library and Buellton Library saw a record-breaking combined 325 stuffies attend the Stuffed Animal Sleepover.

 - The program concluded on Saturday, July 29th with a grand finale performance by world-record-holding juggler David Cousin! Over 220 patrons attended the awe-inspiring shows at Goleta Valley Library and Solvang Library to celebrate all the fantastic reading that participants completed since the program launched in early June.

Thank you to our patrons for spending the summer with us! We look forward to seeing you at the library again soon. Be sure to check our online calendar and visit our website at www.goletavalleylibrary.org  to stay in-the-know on all our services and upcoming programs!

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2023 Summer Reading Program: Albertsons, Birkholms Bakery, Blenders in the Grass, The Book Loft, California Pizza Kitchen, Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, Chipotle, Chomp!, The Coffee House, Creation Station, Dana V. Wines, The Elverhoj Museum, Friends of the Buellton Library, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, Goleta Depot, Golf ‘N’ Stuff, Kyle’s Kitchen, Ice in Paradise, Ingeborg's Danish Chocolates, Isla Vista Food Co-op, Islands Burgers, Los Arroyos, Mother Hubbards, MOXI Museum, Mystic Merchant, Nathalie's Dollhouse, New Frontiers Natural Marketplace, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ocean Nails & Spa, Old Town Coffee, Pattibakes, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Parks-Janeway Carriage House, Senshin Center Aikido, Solvang Bakery, South Coast Deli, South Coast Montessori, Stuart C. Gildred YMCA, The Wildling Museum, Wingstop and Woodstock's Pizza.