Welcome to the Library Reading Corner for December 2023

A Note from Interim Library Director Diane Satchwell:

Dear Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library Users:

Greetings and a Happy Holiday Season to all!

'Tis the season for good news! As you know, the California State Library awarded Goleta Valley Library a $4.2m grant to bring the building up to code. With the exceptional help of the Friends of the Library, we will start with a contribution of $250,000 to be used in the remodeling of the children's restrooms. As we work to prioritize the various pieces of upgrades and ADA, we will work closely with the Friends of the Library to add some bling to the Library.

New books will also be coming soon! We just placed our first test order of new books and are counting down the days until they arrive.

Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for our Bookvan and enthusiastic staff at the Holiday Parade! They've put their creative skills to work decorating the van, so let's show them some love and support! Happy reading!  -Diane Satchwell, Interim Library Director

Goleta's Finest - Public Servant of the Year
Allison Gray

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Goleta's Finest Community Awards Gala is on December 1, and former Library Director Allison Gray is being recognized as outstanding Public Servant of the Year! Congratulations to Allison for this well-earned recognition!

To read about her exceptional work in the community, click here: sbscchamber.com/event/goletas-finest-2023/

As a reminder regarding Holiday closures: the Goleta Valley, Buellton, Solvang libraries, and the Goleta Valley Library Bookvan with service to Isla Vista will be closed on Sunday, December 24 and Monday, December 25 for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1 for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Have a safe and happy Holiday season!

Goleta Valley Library

Snowflake Ballerina Craft
for Adults & Teens

Sat, Dec 2, 3:00 - 4:30pm

Spend a relaxing afternoon making beautiful Snowflake Ballerinas. Hang them with fishing line to make them look like they're floating and add an extra touch of magic to the winter season.

Reserve your spot at the front desk or by calling (805) 964-7878.

Holiday Craft for Kids Sat, Dec 16, 2:00 - 4:00pm Get creative at the library! Make winter-inspired crafts, cards, and more! Best for children ages 12 and under.

Semi-Annual Live Poetry Series Sun, Dec 17, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of poetry! Hosted by former Santa Barbara Poet Laureate David Starkey, the library's semi-annual poetry event showcases local poets, both adults and those under eighteen. Our third event will begin with Ruby Chow from Mountain View Middle School, followed by our featured poets, Gabriella Klein and Paul Willis.

Holiday Hootenanny Treasure Hunt

All December

Find all the instruments in the library during the month of December and get a special prize!

Best for ages 3-12

Letters to Santa at the Buellton Library Dec 1 - 15 Buellton Library is helping Santa deliver letters this year! Stop by the library and write a letter to Santa before the 18th of the month and come back after Christmas to pick up a response. No registration is required

Buellton Bookworms Dec 15, 1:00pm Join in the conversation here at the library with the best seller book Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. Step into the lives of a Korean family over four generations as they try to control their destiny in 20th century Japan. A story of love, sacrifice, loyalty and ambition step into the halls of Japan’s criminal underbelly of their pachinko parlors. No registration is needed and copies of the book may be checked out at the front desk.

Craft Kits:
Julehjerte-Danish Quilted Heart Basket

All December

This traditional paper craft can contain a small gift or become a decoration.

No registration required. 

Holiday Hallway Book Sale Dec 1 - 9 Craft Booths on Sat Dec 2 & 9, 12:00pm - 3:00pm Browse gently used and new books, audiovisuals, puzzles and more! Our volunteer crafters will have some special items for sale from 12:00pm - 3:00pm on Saturday December 2nd and 9th.

Storytimes: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30am - 11:00am Stay and play after storytime and make a new friend! Copies are available at Solvang Library, and as an E-book download via Libby.

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!