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Welcome to the Library Reading Corner
for January 2025
A Note from City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo:
Happy New Year, library patrons! We are excited to turn the page together to a bright and opportunity-filled year ahead. As you plan your resolutions, we hope you’ll keep your local library in mind to help you reach your goals. Are you interested in learning a new skill or language? Our extensive print and online collections hold endless possibilities for lifelong learning and exploration. Are you hoping to jumpstart your child’s literacy development with delightful incentives? Sign up for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at any of our branches and receive your first colorful reading log – and work your way to a graduation party each time you read a book together! And if reducing monthly expenses is on your 2025 wish list, look no further than your library card; explore this fun tool to see just how much you could save simply by borrowing and visiting your library today.
Throughout the year, we will look forward to keeping you informed of what’s new and novel at each of our library locations. Stay tuned for updates coming soon on the construction project and temporary site for Goleta Valley Library, the upcoming completion of the Buellton Library move to its new home at the historic Willemsen property, and a warm welcome to a new branch supervisor who will be joining the team soon at Solvang Library. Next time you visit Goleta Valley Library, be sure to say hello to new Supervising Librarian Kim Crail, who joined the team on December 16th and will be overseeing library services, programming, and collections at our main library with enthusiasm and expertise.
The dedicated teams at each of our libraries are looking forward to connecting you with high-quality information, entertainment, resources and more to help your new year shine.
Finally, our team extends a heartfelt thank you to our community for your patronage of our libraries and for the opportunity to serve you. We look forward to all that the new year will bring!
-Elizabeth Saucedo,
City Librarian
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Now through Sunday, January 26
Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the library’s 13th annual Winter Reading Program! The 2024-2025 theme is “Reading is Cool!” and encourages our local patrons to find some cool books in the library’s vast collection of print and digital materials this winter. Participants will complete one entry slip per book read. Prize drawings will take place weekly for the age-group categories of Children, Teens, and Adults. The more you read, the better your chances will be of winning! Visit your local branch at Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, or the Bookvan to get started.
First Sunday of Every Month
Ice in Paradise has generously donated free skating admission on the first Sunday of every month in 2025 to patrons of the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries! Choose from two sessions: 1:30pm - 3:30pm or 7:00pm - 9:00pm.
Present your Goleta Valley Library or Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card at Ice in Paradise to receive free skating admission on the dates below. Skate rentals are not included. One library card per skater is required. Skaters must be ages 3+.
Free Admission Dates in 2025:
- January 5th
- February 2nd
- March 2rd
- April 6th
- May 4th
- June 1st
- July 6th
- August 3rd
- September 7th
- October 5th
- November 2rd
- December 7th
Thank you to Ice in Paradise for this generous gift to our patrons!
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Goleta Valley Library
Welcome Supervising Librarian Kim Crail!
Please welcome our new Supervising Librarian, Kim Crail! Kim officially stepped into the role on December 16th, and joins #TeamGoleta with over a decade of experience in public librarianship. Her motto is "Libraries—fun for all ages.”
A resident of the area since 1998, Kim has a deep-rooted connection to Goleta and fondly remembers visiting Goleta Valley Library with her children during their formative years. “When I think of the Goleta area, I think of being in the natural spaces here, including Ellwood Mesa, North Campus Open Space, Lake Los Carneros, More Mesa, and Stow Grove Park," said Kim. "I love how the City has grown and is thriving, but continues to feel welcoming and friendly.”
Welcome, Kim—we are excited to see the library grow with your leadership!
Wednesday, January 8, 10:30 - 11:30am
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.
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Thursday, January 9, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Paint a Kindness Rock with the Senior Happy Hour class! Bring a rock or use one that we have to write a message of kindness and hope. All of the supplies are provided in this fun and free craft class.
Open to All Ages
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Thursdays, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Kindergarten - 6th grade students can receive free, one-on-one help with their homework after school at the library. Service is provided on a drop-in basis, so no appointment is needed ahead of time. Our volunteer tutors are excited to help our local students succeed this school year.
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Thursday, January 23, 5:00pm - 6:45pm
Learn about the classic fantasy role-playing game in this free session for ages 13 and up. We have room for 6 players and 6 viewers. Reserve your spot now: Call (805) 688 - 4214 or email solvanglibrary@cityofgoleta.org.
Space is limited. Registration required.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30am
Join us for stories, songs, and more!
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Tuesday, January 25, 3:30 - 5:00pm
A book group for readers who like to explore a wide variety of books, from prize-winning fiction in various genres to newer non-fiction. The January 2025 title is Lady Tan's Circle of Women, a historical novel by bestselling author Lisa See.
All readers are welcome at the Magpie Club discussions.
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Buellton Library Service Update
As construction nears completion on the new Buellton Library site at 202 Dairyland Road, our staff will be turning their focus to preparing the library for reopening. Details will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned!
Learn more about Buellton Library's move here.
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Stay Connected
Keep up to date on our fun programs, new materials, free resources, and more!
Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for the latest information.
P.S. If you received this e-newsletter from a friend and would like to subscribe, click here.
Thank you for your interest and support in our libraries. Happy Reading!
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