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Welcome to the Library Reading Corner
for August 2025
A Note from City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo:
Welcome to our latest roundup of library updates! This month we are celebrating the spirit of back-to-school season with all the ways that libraries help us thrive as lifelong learners. Did you know that you can you visit us in person to check out up to 99 items with your library card? The library shelves have something for every interest and reading level, from board books about dinosaurs to graphic novels for teens to bestselling adult fiction. Our friendly staff are eager to help at each of our libraries, including at the recently opened Goleta Valley Library Express at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105. There is a world of online learning available, too, including Calisphere’s archival and museum databases, Brittanica School’s student research support, and free access to news via The New York Times online.
Library programs also foster new skills. Join fellow crafters at the new Fiber Arts Club at Solvang Library, or drop in to Senior Happy Hour or Goodland Yarn Works at the Goleta Community Center. Monthly book clubs are hosted at each of our libraries, too – let us know what you think of this month’s picks!
Throughout August, our team will be planning our fall schedule of programming and outreach. Stay tuned for some new and engaging offerings just around the corner.
Thank you, as always, for your support of our libraries!
-Elizabeth Saucedo,
City Librarian
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The 2025 Summer Reading Program has come to a successful finish after inviting readers to Level Up at Your Library! During the six-week program, over 1,200 readers participated in the all-ages program, logging an impressive total of 7,580 books and 148,039 minutes. This important program helps keep reading skills sharp in between school years and develop reading as a lifelong habit.
Read more about all the fun we had this summer here.
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:
- August 3rd
- September 7th
- October 5th
- November 2rd
- December 7th
Thank you to Ice in Paradise for this generous gift to our patrons!
Community Visioning Survey
Thank you to all who participated in the recent Community Visioning Survey. We received over 730 responses! A summary of the input received from the community will be shared at the Library Advisory Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4 at the Goleta City Hall Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive Goleta).
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Goleta Valley Library
Fridays in August - check calendar for location
Baby & Me, 10-10:30 am: Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play.
Best for infants and pre-walkers.
Wiggly Storytime, 10:30-11 am: We'll do a short story, songs, a dance party and bubbles.
Best for ages 15 months-5 years old.
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Saturday, August 2, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Goleta Community Center
(5679 Hollister Ave)
The GVL Writers' Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.
Best for Teens and Adults.
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Thursday, August 7, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Goleta Community Center
(5679 Hollister Ave)
The first Thursday of every month from 2:00-3:30pm, we get together to relax, laugh, socialize and create something beautiful. This month we will be making laminated luggage tags. Supplies are provided, but you are welcome to bring a photo to add to yours.
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Find the Bookvan at the Goleta Dam Dinner
Saturday, August 16, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Visit us at the Lake Los Carneros Dam for the #BestDamDinner! Bring your own food or purchase on-site from AR Catering at this majestic venue. You can also plan your visit by checking the Bookvan calendar for stops in Isla Vista and Goleta.
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Friday, August 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Join the Buellton Bookworms Book Club for a lively discussion of what everyone's reading in a bring-your-own-book style round table. It's a great opportunity to expand your bookshelf with new authors and books while connecting with others in your community. The circulation desk is always here to help find that next read. We meet in the Buellton Library Community Room at 1pm. See you there!
August's Theme: Technology
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Saturday, August 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Join in our monthly craft day! Every last Saturday of the month, from 1-3pm, the Buellton Library will have a drop-in craft day for all ages. All supplies will be provided and the crafts change every month. Keep up with the Buellton Library's social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for more information about what the craft will be each month! No registration is required.
For all ages.
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Every Friday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Enjoy the beautiful view and a comfortable chair as you take some dedicated time to read quietly with your community. The space is reserved every Friday of the month, from 1-2pm EXCEPT during the Bookworms Book Club on the 3rd Friday of the month.
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Fiber Arts Club
Thursday, August 21, 4:30pm
Are you looking for a place to work on your fiber art projects with a fun and supportive group of people? Crochet, embroidery or knitting, our Fiber Arts Club is just the place for you! Please bring your own supplies and materials. For adults and teens. We meet on every third Thursday at 4:30pm.!
For Teens and Adults.
Magpie Book Club
Saturday, August 23, 3:30pm
Our August theme is childhood favorites, pick a book you fell in love with as a youth. Come a share a nostalgic re-read and remember your passion for reading. We meet on every fourth Saturday at 3:30pm.
For Adults.
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Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30am
Join us for stories, songs, and more!
Best for preschool age.
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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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