Welcome to the Library Reading Corner for November 2023

A Note from Interim Library Director Diane Satchwell:

Dear Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library Users:

Welcome to the November issue of the Library Reading Corner! This month is filled with exciting events and activities for you to enjoy. We have a fantastic lineup of family programs at all of our branches, so be sure to join us and make some wonderful memories this holiday season. 

Just a friendly reminder, the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries have recently switched to a new app called LiDA (Library Discovery App). This amazing app gives you full access to our Black Gold catalog and is provided by ByWater, the same company behind our Aspen catalog and the Koha ILS. Please reach out to our friendly staff at any of our libraries if you need assistance in learning how to use the new app. 

We're also excited to announce that we will be purchasing new materials for our library. We appreciate your patience as we navigate the changes of the new fiscal year. Our dedicated staff have already filled their order carts and are ready to hit send to our book vendor. Get ready for some amazing new additions to our collection! 

In addition, we have made some changes to our Zip Books program to make it even more convenient for you. You can now request up to three items at a time, and we kindly ask that you return them to the library within six months. To ensure you receive credit for returning your books, please hand them to our staff with a note indicating that they are Zip Books. If you're not familiar with Zip Books, keep an eye out for the launch of our 2023-24 program. We would also like to express our gratitude to the California State Library for its generous funding support.

Lastly, we want to let you all know that the City received a $4.2m Building Forward grant from the California State Library. The first step will be a visit to the Goleta City Council to 

formally accept the funds. This will be followed by an assessment to layout a timeline and prioritize specifics from the grant. We will keep you posted as more details are made available. It is a very exciting time for the Library! Happy reading!  -Diane Satchwell, Interim Library Director

Ghost Story Challenge 2023
Winners Announced!

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries "Ghost Story Challenge 2023" was a smashing success! 119 scary and mysterious stories were submitted.

Are you brave enough to read our most terrifying stories? Check out the full list of Adult, Teen, and Student winners and their most bone-chilling tales - click here, if you dare!

In-N-Out Cover to Cover

Program Dates: Oct 7 - Nov 18
The In-N-Out Cover to Cover reading program is back! All branches of the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library System will be participating in the In-N-Out Cover to Cover Reading Program

Children will receive an award of one free hamburger or cheeseburger for every five books read, up to three awards! Please see your local branch for details.

As a reminder regarding Holiday closures the Goleta Valley, Buellton, Solvang libraries, and the Isla Vista Bookvan will be closed on Saturday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day, and on Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Goleta Valley Library

Meet our New Children's Librarian! The Goleta Valley Library has a new Children’s Librarian. Kaeley Christensen is a familiar face to the Goleta community having worked the past five years as the Library Media Specialist for Mountain View Elementary School in the Goleta Union School District. She has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State and brings a wealth of experience to the position. As an added bonus, Kaeley is a longtime patron of Goleta Valley Library herself and understands the importance of creating a nurturing and welcoming environment for children and families at this cherished community hub. Read more here.

Picture Book Month:
Scavenger Hunt & Activity Station

Wed, Nov 1 – Thurs, Nov 30

Find your favorite Picture Book Characters at Goleta Valley Library!  Participate in the library's scavenger hunt, get an awesome bookmark with your favorite character, and receive a prize drawing ticket for a chance to win lots of picture book bundles, stuffed animals, mugs, posters, and more! The Scavenger Hunt will change every week, giving kids four chances to enter the prize drawing. (Prizes will be drawn at the end of the month and winners will be contacted soon after.) While you’re here, check out the Picture Book Activity Station to make your own picture books and bookmarks, complete crossword puzzles and word searches, and enjoy themed coloring pages!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop for Adults & Teens Sat, Nov 4, 10am Join us for a pumpkin centerpiece workshop at Goleta Valley Library! In this fun class you will create a fall centerpiece that will last all month long.  Bring a pumpkin for yourself and several succulent cuttings to use and share with others. Reserve your space for this beautiful holiday centerpiece class by calling (805) 964-7878 or register in-person at the circulation desk.

Children's Thanksgiving Craft Sat, Nov 18, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Stop by Goleta Valley Library for a delightful afternoon making Thanksgiving cards, décor, and more! Happy Crafts-giving!

November Craft Kit

All November

Buellton Library is giving its patrons a free, paper hanging, pumpkin take-home craft that is best suitable for ages 5+.

Drop by the library to grab yours today!

Buellton Library Bookworms Fri, Nov 17, 1:00pm Join in the conversation with the Buellton Bookworms every third Thursday of the month. In November we will be talking about Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb. No registration is required and plenty of audiobooks and books are available at the front desk upon request.

Buellton Library Food Frenzy! All November Please help the library staff find their missing holiday food items! Whether it's comfort food or otherwise the library staff need the help of all our young patrons to find food throughout the library; can you be our detective and help us get the food frenzy that we need to save the library refrigerator? There is a prize if you do! Best for Ages 3 - 12

Investors’ Roundtable

Sat, Nov 4, 3:00pm

Helping individual investors since 1995, the Investors’ Roundtable welcomes both novice and veteran investors to informal presentations and discussions. Led by economist Dr. Ken Harwood, the meetings often look at a sample stock, and discuss current markets. November's focus will be on JP Morgan Chase & Company. The group meets in-person and also offers a Zoom link for remote participation.

Please REGISTER to reserve a place and to receive the link.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley.

Family Yoga - Los Olivos Library Sat, Nov 18, 11:00am A free Yoga class for children of all ages and their parents/caregivers. Offered by instructor Leigh Bode.  Bring a mat or a towel. The Los Olivos Library is in the Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Avenue, in Los Olivos.

Magpie Club: Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese  Sat, Nov 18, 3:30pm A 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. The November title is "Hester", by Laurie Lico Albanese. Copies are available at Solvang Library, and as an E-book download via Libby.

Fall Lantern Craft Wed, Nov 22, 10:30am - 2:30pm Drop by to make a fall-themed luminaria with a paper bag, wax paper, tissue paper and a sharpie! Best for ages 5 and up. Adults and teens welcome.

Stay Connected
Keep up to date on our fun programs, new materials, free resources, and more! 

• 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

Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for the latest information.

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Thank you for your interest and support in our libraries. Happy Reading!