Welcome to the Library Reading Corner for February 2023
A Note from Library Director Allison Gray:

Dear Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library Users,

This March we are celebrating a special milestone for the Goleta Valley Library, the 50th Anniversary of our building. Please join us for this special celebration on March 11th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Library. This milestone would not have been possible without the support of you, our wonderful patrons, and our dedicated team of library staff.  

It is with very mixed feelings that I am writing this month’s column. I want to let you know that I will be retiring; my last day will be March 24.

I have had the very good fortune to work at the Goleta Valley Library since 2008, first as the Branch Supervisor for 10 years and then as Director of our Library System since 2018. It has been a wonderful experience working with our incredibly dedicated staff, each of whom I treasure and appreciate.

I also hold close to my heart all of the relationships and conversations I’ve been able to have with our phenomenal library users. Seeing your friendly faces, enjoying hearing about your lives, building the best slate of services I could – it has all been a great experience.

Allison Gray, Library Director
I hope that the GVL and SYV libraries continue to grow and evolve, entice more of the community to use their services and continue to feed the needs of our diverse community.

I will miss you all.

-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.

Winter Reading Program:
January 3rd - February 28th - All Branches!
Winter Reading Slip
The 2023 Winter Reading Program began on January 3rd and is happening now through February 28th! Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the categories for children, teens, and adults. This year’s theme of “Reading Makes You Bright!” encourages readers of all ages to expand their horizons through our collection of books and online materials.

You can read in whatever format you like best, including print books, graphic novels, eBooks, and audiobooks. Children who are not yet reading may be read to by their parents or caregivers. We have started to receive new books again for the first time in several months, so there has never been a better time to visit your library and discover your next great read! While you’re here, check out our Black History Month displays to browse our collection of titles that celebrate this important month.

Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration recognizing the achievements of black Americans in our nation’s history
Please join the City of Goleta as we commemorate and celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to this country and reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice since the nation's earliest days.

To learn more about the rich history of social, political, and cultural contributions made, make sure you check out the Goleta Valley Library’s in-person and online catalog.

50th Anniversary
Save the Date: Goleta Valley Library Celebrates 50 Years!
Sat, March 11th, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Save the date for Goleta Valley Library’s 50th Birthday Celebration! Join us for an afternoon of sharing memories with library staff and community members. In preparation for this event, we are gathering photos of the library through the years. Please bring your photos of the library to Goleta Valley Library by February 28th so that we may add copies of them to our archives and share them as part of this memorable occasion. All photos will be returned to their owners. Thank you for joining in this celebration with us!

Senior Happy Hour
Senior Happy Hour - Feb 2nd, 2-3:30pm

Come make a Valentine Card! Follow the instructions provided or create your own masterpiece. This class is for anyone who wants to get out and get creative! All supplies provided, all ages welcome. No registration required.

First Thurs of the month, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Ice in Paradise Ice Skating
Free Ice Skating!
Feb 5th

Free skate admission with your Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley library cards at Ice in Paradise! The first Sunday of every month in 2023! Skate rentals not included. One library card per skater required. Ages 3+.

Located at 6985 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta, CA 93117.

Vitalant Blood Donation
Vitalant Blood Drive - Feb 7th, 10am - 1:30pm

In the Goleta Valley Multipurpose Room. To schedule an appointment, please visit donors.vitalant.org  using blood drive code 8641; call (805) 542-8500; or click here for the Blood Drive Appointment Link.

City of Goleta Logo
Goleta Valley Library
1000 Books Before Kinder
1000 Books Before Kindergarten Party
Sat, Feb 25th, 11:00 a.m.
Join us as we celebrate the young readers who have completed the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. We will read a story, hold a brief ceremony, enjoy a dance party, and for the grand finale we’ll end with a balloon drop! Families are welcome to attend to learn more about the program, sign up, and take home their next 1000 Books reading log. Each finisher will receive a book, a personalized certificate, and a goody bag, and everyone in attendance will receive a special sticker for coming to the party. We hope to see you there to celebrate the magic of reading!

“I Love My Library!” Write a Valentine to Goleta Valley Library
All Month
Write a Valentine to the Goleta Valley Library! Use our heart-shaped template to share a memory, draw a picture, or express your love of books and reading. Drop off your heart by February 12th to be featured on our gallery wall starting on Valentine’s Day, February 14th through February 28th! Valentines will be accepted and added to the display all month.

All ages welcome

I Love my Library
Adult & Teens Valentines Day Craft        
Valentine’s Day Crafts for Adults and Teens
Sat, Feb 4th, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a relaxing afternoon of crafting! Make a whimsical Valentine’s Day Tree with 3D butterflies or a beautiful felt garland. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot at the front desk or call 805-964-7878.

Children’s Valentine Craft
Sat, Feb 11th, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Drop by the library for a fun-filled crafternoon! Make Valentine cards, a paper bag puppet, and find "Cupid on the shelf" to win a prize! Best for children ages 12 and under.

Homework Help GVL
After School Homework Help
Thurs, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Students K - 6th grade can receive free, one-on-one help with their homework after school at the library.

Tutoring is provided on a drop-in basis, no appointment needed

GVLWW
Writers' Workshop
Sat, Feb 4th,12:30 p.m.
The GVL Writers' Workshop meets monthly to share work, feedback and encouragement, and discuss the tools of the trade.

Wiggly Wednesday
Storytimes
Nursery Rhyme Dance Time: Ages 1-4
First Wednesday of every month
With Sean Lynn Crawford from Inspire Dance Santa Barbara

Wiggly Wednesdays: 15mo - 5
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Baby & Me:  0-12 months / pre-walkers
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Mystery Book Club
Mystery Book Club
Tues, Feb 28th, 5:30 p.m.
This month’s pick: Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

Author Talks       
LIVE ONLINE: Author Talks!
Lana Harper
Thurs, Feb 9th, 4:00 p.m.
Tune in for a magical evening with New York Times best selling author Lana Harper as she discusses the enchanting third installment of her immensely popular The Witches of Thistle Grove series, Back in a Spell.

Grace M. Cho
Thurs, Feb 16th, 10:00 a.m.
You don’t want to miss an insightful chat with award-winning author Grace M. Cho as she discusses her memoir, Tastes Like War: A Memoir.

Sadeqa Johnson
Tues, Feb 28th, 1:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you for an invigorating conversation with highly acclaimed author Sadeqa Johnson as she talks about her brand new novel, The House of Eve!

All Goleta Events
Buellton Library Branch Logo
GU Treasure Hunt       
Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt
All Month of February
Ask the front desk about our scavenger hunt! Find letters that spell a lovely word in the library and get a sweet surprise along with a Valentine to sign for local homebound senior citizens in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Going on during the library's open hours through the month of February.

Best for ages 3-12.

GU Seed Library
Buellton Gardening Club
Tues, Feb 7th, 4:00 p.m.
Share your gardening adventure with your community in a monthly in-person meeting to swap stories, seeds, successes, and questions. Whether you're an experienced green thumb or just starting to dig in the dirt, this will be the place to share and grow your knowledge.

The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month, from 4pm-5pm in the City Council chambers adjacent to the library.

Feb Craft Day
February Craft Day
Sat, Feb 11th, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join us in the library anytime between 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. for a drop in craft.

We will have supplies to make cards, origami roses, and more!

No registration required. Free to the public.All Buellton Events
Solvang Library Branch Logo
Family Night
Wed, Feb 15th, 5:00 p.m.
Family Night Solvang Library
Stories, activities, and fun! Come spend some time together at the library. Each month has a different theme and a different game!

Please sign up online so we can plan for you!

Third Wednesdays of every month at 5:00 p.m.

Take Home craft kits       
Take-Home Craft Kits
All month
Take-Home Craft Kits are always available in the Solvang Library hallway!

In February we celebrate Black astronauts and inventors with two different crafts: a paper rocket, and a traffic signal

Swim Team
Online Book Club for Kids
Wed, Feb 8th & 22nd 4:30 p.m.
Join us to explore some great books! The group meets online twice this month. The first 10 readers to register receive a free copy of the book!

The February book is Swim Team, by Johnnie Christmas

For Ages: 8 - 11

Register for Zoom link here

Brain Booster
LIVE ONLINE: The Memory Club - a Brain Boosters Class
Thurs, Feb 16th, 10:30 a.m.
Learn basic information about memory, why we forget and how memory changes over the lifespan; learn lifestyle strategies that are key to maintaining memory fitness; and learn memory-enhancing & skill building "neurobics" Group discussion AND humor included! Led by Lauren Mahakian, Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Meets on the THIRD THURSDAY each month.

Register for Zoom link here

Magpie Club
NEW! - The Magpie Club (curious readers of shiny bright things)
Sat, Feb 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.

Meets on fourth Saturday afternoons at Solvang Library. The first book has been chosen by staff; the group will have input on subsequent book choices.

February's book is Harlem Shuffle, by Colson Whitehead

Copies are available at Solvang Library

All Solvang Events