Welcome to the July issue of the Reading Corner! June was filled with some amazing events, and we are carrying that momentum forward into July with more fun that the whole family can enjoy.

Thanks to the California State Library, the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries are able to make some wonderful databases, including the New York Times and Value Line, available to you for free. Seniors can also sign-in to GetSetUp for live, online classes on anything from learning a language, using your phone, doing chair yoga, taking a cooking class, learning photography, or even just chatting with others who share your hobbies, and so much more! You don’t have to be a senior to love their classes! To learn more about these free resources available to you, please click here .

We are very proud of our Library Staff and over 15 Teen Volunteers who made this year’s Stuffed Animal Sleepover one for the history books! If you haven't heard about this amazing event, make sure to read the story below to find out more and check out all the fun photos.

We would like to congratulate the over 800 community members that have signed up for our Summer Reading Program. If you haven’t done so yet, there is still time to dive into the fun and earn prizes that are “shore” to delight through the end of the program on July 30th. We have a great month of all-ages programming lined up for July, so be sure to save the dates and we’ll “sea” you soon at the library!

Stay Connected

We would love for you to follow us on social media! Stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the Library by following us on Facebook and Instagram (below) and our YouTube channel (Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries). We post regularly about programs, books, resources, and more. Please also visit our website, www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org, for the latest information.

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
B. Allison Gray
Library Director

P.S. If you received this e-newsletter from a friend and would like to subscribe, click here.

Allison Gray, Library Director
Library Director Allison Gray

Juggler David Cousin
Thursday, July 7th, 10:00 a.m. Solvang Library
Thursday, July 7th, 3:00 p.m. Goleta Valley Library

Get ready to be amazed by the juggling talents of David Cousin! He holds five world records in juggling and has performed around the globe for audiences large and small. All ages will enjoy this family-friendly spectacular show!
**For Solvang families: the event will be outdoors under the Sycamore tree- bring a blanket to sit on.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover Party
Goleta Valley Library

Over 200 “stuffies” were dropped off for the “all-nighter” event this year. Our animal friends enjoyed a variety of adventures and shenanigans -they made s’mores, enjoyed yummy drinks, played fun games, and even had a dance party! The night was capped off with a special bubble machine bedtime story. You can view photos and read more about the event here.

Nathalia Music Concert
Saturday July 23rd, 10:00 a.m. Solvang Library
Saturday, July 23rd, 2:30 p.m. Goleta Valley Library

Join us for a musical morning with the talented musician and original songwriter Nathalia! Sing, dance, clap and learn with us through bilingual songs and upbeat music at this children’s concert for the whole family.
**For Solvang families: The event will be outdoors under the Sycamore tree- bring a blanket to sit on!

Tech Tutoring
Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tech Tutoring is back! Are you looking for more information about GVL's online resources? Do you need assistance with your electronic or mobile device? All you have to do is fill out this form and one of our friendly staff will reach out to meet your needs!
You will be contacted by a staff member to schedule a 30-minute in-person appointment at the Goleta Valley Library.

Tech Tutoring is offered for all patrons of the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library System, but in-person appointments are only held at the Goleta Valley Library

Ocean Craft for Adults & Teens
Saturday, July 9th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Goleta Valley Library
Adults and Teens are invited to enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon at the library while making an ocean-themed craft to take home. Space is limited, please call the Goleta Valley Library at (805) 964-7878 to register.

Ocean Craft for Kids
Thursday, July 14th, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Goleta Valley Library
Dive into an ocean-themed crafternoon at the library! Join us to make a variety of fun crafts that all tie in to our Summer Reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities”! This family-friendly craft is best for ages 10 and under. All supplies will be provided, no registration is required.

Mark Collier Magic Show
Saturday, July 16th, 10:30 a.m. Goleta Valley Library
This family-friendly show from world-renowned magician Mark Collier will entertain and delight magic fans of all ages! Join us for a spectacular performance and get inspired to try a few tricks of your own. This family-friendly show will be filled with astonishment and hilarity.

Goleta Valley Library Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, July 26th, 5:30 p.m. - July Pick: Nine Lives, by Peter Swanson
Nine strangers receive a list with their names on it in the mail. Nothing else, just a list of names on a single sheet of paper. None of the nine people know or have ever met the others on the list. They dismiss it as junk mail, a fluke—until very, very bad things begin happening to people on the list.

FBI agent Jessica Winslow, who is on the list herself, is determined to find out. Could there be some dark secret that binds them all together? Or is this the work of a murderous madman? As the mysterious sender stalks these nine strangers, they find themselves constantly looking over their shoulders, wondering who will be crossed off next

End of Program Summer Splash Party
Saturday, July 30th from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Goleta Valley Library
Let’s celebrate all of the awesome reading you did this summer with an End-of-Program party! Stop by the library to enjoy crafts, stickers, games, learn about the ocean and receive free museum passes from the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. PLUS - Take home a copy of Seven Seas Press’s newest bilingual children’s book, Makana is a Gift/Makana es un Regalo! You can also pick up your final Summer Reading prizes and enter your tickets into the prize drawing boxes. Winners will be announced the first week of August! Great job to all of our fantastic readers, and big thanks to our generous local sponsors of the 2022 Summer Reading Program.

Buellton Library
The Rose Code
Buellton Bookworms Book Club
Friday, July 15th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join in the conversation with our monthly bookclub!  We meet once a month via Zoom to discuss the book. This month we have chosen The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Quinn takes you back to 1940's England. These famous group of codebreaking women that helped defeat the Nazi's in World War Two is based on true events.  Call or stop by the library to get a copy or visit the catalog at gvl.blackgold.org. We have 10 copies of the book available for in-person pick up and additional electronic copies are available through our online catalog at gvl.blackgold.org. For the Zoom meeting link and password, please click here.

Pizza Knight Role Playing Adventure Kit
Friday, July 29th, All Day
In this new grab-and-go kit, you’ll find everything you need to dive into the excitement of role-playing games. Included are simple rules designed to get your Game Master and adventurers up and running quickly, 5 pre-made characters, an original story quest with maps, and dice. You also have the option of creating your own characters. New story quests will be available from the Buellton Library once a month if you want to keep the adventure going.

Distant Sea
Solvang Library's Online Book Club for Kids
Wednesday July 6th & 20th, 4:00 p.m.
For readers 8-11 years old.  Join us to explore some great new books! The group meets online twice this month: Wednesday July 6 and Wednesday July 20, at 4:00 pm (on July 22nd, the group will have an in-person get-together to have fun and talk about other favorite reads.)

July's book is Lalani of the Distant Sea, by Erin Entrada Kelly Twelve-year-old Lalani Sarita takes on the impossible task of traveling to the legendary Mount Isa, towering on an island to the north. Generations of men and boys have died on the same quest--how can a timid young girl in a tiny boat survive the epic tests of the archipelago?  Please REGISTER to receive the link for the online meetings--the first 10 readers to register receive a free copy of the book!!

3-D Printing Workshop
Tuesday, July 12th, 3:00 p.m.
An introductory workshop for ages 10-17.  Join us as we design a simple 3D model in TinkerCAD.  Space is limited, please register to reserve a spot

Memory, Coffee, and Compassion: A Support Group
Thursday, July 14th, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join memory care expert Lauren Mahakian for an open conversation about dementia held on the Solvang Library patio. When a member of the family shows signs of dementia or is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other cognitive disorders, the entire family is impacted; questions of care and safety arise, as well as concerns about all the unknowns lying ahead

Lauren Mahakian, a certified dementia practitioner, speaker, educator and founder/CEO of Family Connect Memory Care, will address many of these issues during this free meeting.  Come with your questions, concerns, and allow Lauren to help you work through this process and journey in a loving, caring, and honest way. This monthly support group, held on the Solvang Library patio on the second Thursday morning of each month. Please reserve a spot.

Teen BYO Book Club
Thursday, July 14th, 5:00 p.m.
For middle  grades and high school readers.  This is an in-person get-together to have fun and talk about our favorite books and authors. We'll meet outside under the Sycamore tree.  A loose theme for this month might be favorite Graphic novels? Or just favorite summer read! Please REGISTER so we have enough snacks for everyone.

Bead Workshop: Daisy Chain Bracelet
Tuesday, July 19th 3:00 p.m.
This workshop is taught by Mie of Mie's Beads in Solvang!  For ages 10-17.  Learn the "daisy chain" stitch to make a bracelet with needle, thread and small beads. All supplies are provided. Space is limited, please register to be sure of a space.

Beads
Book Club for Kids       
Solvang Library’s Book Club for Kids: In-person meeting
Friday, July 22nd, 4:00 p.m.
For readers 8-11 years old.  This is an in-person get-together to have fun and talk about our favorite books and authors. We'll meet outside under the Sycamore tree.  A loose theme for this month might be "Books that surprised you"?  Or just your favorite summer read. Please REGISTER so we have enough snacks for everyone.

Oceans
Ice Cream Social with the Friends of the Library of SYV!
Saturday, July 30th, 3:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of the Library to celebrate the last day of the Summer reading, and to thank our volunteers and donors to the program!  And, of course, to eat some ice cream! The event will be on the Solvang Library lawn.