Welcome to the Library Reading Corner for September 2022

A Note from Library Director Allison Gray: 

Welcome to the September edition of the Reading Corner.  As you will see, there are a lot of great things happening this month.  We hope everyone is excited and enjoying settling in for a fantastic school year ahead.  We are here for our local students with books for science projects and book reports, online research websites, and even free after-school homework help. Plus, September is officially Library Card Sign-Up Month, so this is the perfect time to stop by your local branch to register for a library card and start enjoying its many benefits.

You may have noticed that the library has not been receiving as many new titles recently.  We are in the process of establishing Koha as the new Circulation and Acquisitions system for the Black Gold libraries. We appreciate your patience as we work through the learning curve of a new software system and get up to speed.  Just know, we are doing our very best to get you the materials you want in as timely a fashion as possible.  Thanks to our hard-working library staff for all you are doing to get through this transition.

Thanks for taking time to get caught up on what is happening at your libraries, and for your tremendous support.  Make sure to stop by the Lemon Festival at Girsh Park on September 24th and 25^th and say hi to us at the library table! We look forward to seeing you, making library cards, and giving away some fun prizes. Have a happy September, library patrons!

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

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning more about the culture, leaders, and places.

First created as a week-long celebration in 1968, National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) honors the cultures and contributions of all Hispanic and Latinx Americans. September 15 is significant because it marks the independence days of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.

Nonfiction
A selection of nonfiction titles focusing on Hispanic American's ethnic identity, cultural assimilations, and social conditions. 

Fiction and Literature
Fiction and literature books to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This list includes Latinx authors and highlights the cultures of North and South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Spain. 

Cooking and Food
Books to cook from for Hispanic Heritage Month. Books include recipes and cultural information from Mexico, Spain, Cuba, and states of the Caribbean region.

Biographies
Biographies of Hispanic and Latinx figures. Read inspiring stories of perseverance and success. 

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the American Library Association and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs-up for their own library card.

Throughout the school year, public librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.   

How much money can you save?  Visit our Library Value Calculator to total your savings. 

10 awesome things that are free with your Goleta Valley Library card:

- Free to borrow books, DVDs, and CDs
- Free eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines
- Free streaming music and movies with Hoopla
- Free automatic renewals
- Free in-person tutoring
- Free programs for all ages

Visit your library online or in-person to see what's new and take part in the celebration.

Goleta Valley Library

Writer's Corner 

Goleta Valley Library has a new Writers’ Corner!  The books were purchased by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library to help supplement the recommended reading for the Goleta Valley Library Writers’ Workshop. They are a new addition to the collection and can be checked out by all patrons. Come take a peek and see what looks interesting.

Creek Week Art Contest 

September 1st - 14th
Calling all artists! The City of Goleta is having an art contest for all ages! Create a piece of art with the theme “Creek Week” to promote awareness of the habitats, watersheds, and critters that are affected by the actions of our community. The art will be hung on the wall and be displayed at Goleta Valley Library. Pick up an application and submission guidelines at the library.

Art must be submitted by 9/14/22.

Baby & Me Storytime

Fridays at 10:30 a.m. starting September 2nd
Baby & Me Storytime is back for the first time since March 2020!

Join us every Friday for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play. This calm program has a focus on bonding with your child and building community. Ages 0-12 months / pre-walkers.

Writer's Workshop

Saturday, September 3rd, 12:30 p.m. 
The GVL Writers' Workshop meets monthly to share work, feedback and encouragement, and discuss the tools of the trade. For this coming session, titled “Fluid Dynamics,” we'll discuss methods to chart the shifting events in a story and the basics of mapping out plot.

Nursery Rhyme Dance Time

Every Wednesday, starting September 7th,  10:30 a.m. 
Bring your little one to wiggle, jump and sway to music and nursery rhymes! Sean Lynn Crawford from Inspire Dance Santa Barbara will lead fun movements to help your child develop coordination and experience the joy of music and dancing.

Best for ages 1-4

Grandparents Day Cards

September 6th - 11th. 
Stop by the children’s area of the library to color and create your very own card to send to your grandparents! Supplies will be available in the children’s area from 9/6 - 9/11.

Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 11th.

Wiggly Wednesdays

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. starting September 14th 
Join us for toddler storytime on Wednesday mornings with Miss Nicole. We'll have a short story, songs, a dance party, and bubbles!

Rosh Hashanah Storytime

Thursday, September 22nd, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a fun and educational storytime for all ages to learn about the holiday of Jewish New Year, with special guest Shterna Kudan, Youth Director at Chabad of S. Barbara.

Homework Help

Thursdays, September 22nd, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Kindergarten - 6th grade students 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. Our volunteer tutors are excited to help our local students reach their academic goals this school year!

Paper Marbling Craft for Teens & Adults

Friday, September 23rd, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a fun and beautiful paper marbling craft!

Space is limited, sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot.

Mystery Book Club

Tuesday, September 27th, 5:30 p.m.
September Pick: The Cage, by Bonnie Klister
This month the Mystery Book Club meets to discuss The Cage, by Bonnie Kistler. Join us to share your reactions and reflections on this wildly popular title!

From the publisher: On a cold, misty Sunday night, two women are alone in the offices of fashion conglomerate Claudine de Martineau International. Leaving at the same time, the two women, each preoccupied by her own thoughts, enter the elevator that will take them down from the 30th floor. When they arrive at the lobby, one of the women is dead. Was it murder or suicide? An incredibly original novel that turns the office thriller on its head, The Cage is a wild ride that begins with a bang and picks up speed as it races to its dramatic end.

Tech Tutoring

Tuesdays 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursdays 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.*
Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 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? Come receive help with the library’s resources and your tech needs. Click here to request an appointment. 

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.

Thursday sessions will begin 09/29

Become a Homework Help Tutor or a Tech Tutor and earn community service hours for school!

Turn in your application at the front desk today to get started! 

Buellton Library

Craft Kits

September 1st - 30th
Stop by to pick up a 3-D hot air balloon craft kit anytime this month.

Buellton Bookworms

Friday, September 16th, 1:00 p.m. 
Join us for our first in-person meeting to discuss Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. 

Summary: Although Hercule Poirot has retired and is now devoting his time to growing vegetable marrows, when murder occurs nearly on his doorstep he once again gets involved with finding the killer.

Buellton Tech Tutoring

Every Tuesday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Need help with your new laptop? Are you looking for more information about Goleta and Santa Ynez Libraries' online resources? Do you need assistance with your electronic or mobile device? Or various tech needs?

Stop by or call the library at 805-688-3115 to make a 20 minute appointment with a in-person tech tutor!  Tech tutoring is available every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30pm.

Solvang Library

Craft Kits

September 1st - 30th 
Make your own tiny windmill in honor of Solvang's Danish Days, celebrated this year September 16^th - 18^th! 

The free kits will be available in the library hallway all month.

Outdoor Storytime

Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Bring a blanket and join us every Wednesday under the Sycamore tree for stories, songs and more!

Memory, Coffee, and Compassion: A Support Group

Thursday, September 8th, 10:30 a.m.
A support group for those dealing with memory issues and cognitive disorders in the family. Held outdoors on the Solvang Library patio on the second Thursdays of the month. 

Call Solvang Library at (805) 688-4214 to reserve a spot.

Outdoor Book Sale

Saturday, September 10th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us for a book sale on the lawn in front of the library.

Online Book Club for Kids

Wednesday, September 14th and 28th, 4:00 pm
Readers ages 8-11 will meet online to discuss Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan. The first 10 kids to REGISTER will receive a free copy!

Summary: “In a small town located "somewhere in the Américas," eleven-year-old Max has been raised by his no-nonsense father and head-in-the-clouds grandfather, ever since his mother disappeared when he was a baby. Longing to find her, the fútbol-loving protagonist uncovers secrets about his family's past and embarks on a dangerous mission to help a refugee from a dictator-led neighboring country find her way to Mañanaland.”

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