We are pleased to share with our community that Goleta Valley Library (GVL) Express is now open for visits! The temporary library site opened its doors on Wednesday, July 9th from its location at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105.

Since this is a new space for all of us, we encourage you to read through the points below before visiting. This will help to make your first trip to GVL Express as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Location

The entrance to GVL Express is on the side of the 6500 Hollister Avenue building that faces the Goleta Valley Athletic Club. The Library is one of multiple tenants in this beautiful, shared building, so while many of our services are the same, there are some new rules which we will cover below.

Parking

There is a total of 20 parking spaces designated for Library patrons. These are marked with the word “Library” in each space. There are also two handicapped parking spaces for those with accessibility needs. Additionally, there is ample street parking on Los Carneros Way as well as overflow parking at City Hall right next door. Please note that any cars parked in spaces marked for other tenants may be subject to towing.

Metered Visits

The occupancy of the suite is a total of 35 individuals, so during peak hours we may need to meter how many patrons are inside at one time. If this occurs, please expect a brief wait before entering, and the possibility of a “short and sweet” visit inside GVL Express.

Our Library team is prepared to efficiently meet our patrons’ needs while maintaining public safety. We appreciate your patience as we transition into this new space together.

Hours and Returns

The hours at GVL Express remain the same as those at Goleta Valley Library:

• Tuesday through Thursday: 10:00am - 7:00pm
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00am - 5:30pm
• Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00pm
• Closed Monday

Returns will be accepted inside GVL Express during open hours. Two exterior book drops are located at the front of Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive) and the entrance to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) for 24/7 returns. Materials are retrieved and checked in daily Tuesday-Sunday. Returns are also accepted at the Bookvan and at any Black Gold library.

Holds Pick-Up

If you have holds ready for pick-up on the Bookvan, please plan to pick them up from any of the Bookvan stops in Goleta or Isla Vista. The full Bookvan schedule is available here.

The Bookvan will be in Goleta on the following days and times this week, in addition to its Isla Vista stops:

• Thursday, July 10^th from 5:00 - 8:00pm at the Goleta Community Center (Meet Me in Old Town)
• Friday, July 11^th from 9:30-11:30am at Stow Grove Park (Storytime)
• Saturday, July 12^th from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Goleta Community Center

To help with the transition from Bookvan service to GVL Express, the Bookvan stops at the Goleta Community Center on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 6:30pm will continue through July 30^th. The Bookvan stops at the Goleta Community Center on Saturdays will no longer continue after July 12^th; however, patrons may pick up Bookvan holds in the Holds Pick-Up Room at GVL Express on Saturdays and Sundays through July 26^th.

When placing new holds through the online catalog, you can select “Goleta Valley Library” to pick up your holds at GVL Express. Our modified collection will be back online and titles will be reservable again starting this week.

Summer Reading Program & Ongoing Events

The Summer Reading Program is running now through July 27^th! Readers of all ages can register in person at GVL Express or online through Beanstack. Prizes can be redeemed from our friendly teen volunteers anytime during open hours, just as you might remember from prior summers at Goleta Valley Library. Don’t forget to register for our Silent Disco, which will be our grand finale event on July 26^th!

Programming continues at the Goleta Community Center and at parks and open spaces across Goleta. Visit our online calendar of events or pick up a printed copy to attend Summer Reading Program events, craft workshops, book clubs, and more.

Computers

Four computers are available for public use. Patrons may still access up to two hours per day of total computer time. Sessions will be 30 minutes each to allow computer access to as many patrons as possible. Reservations are available upon request.

Patrons may access the internet, copying, printing, word processing, email, and more. For the comfort and security of all patrons in the smaller space, privacy screens will be in place during all computer sessions.

Donations

Donations of books, DVDs, and other materials are currently on pause. Please check back as we settle into our new home. Monetary donations are accepted and appreciated.

Thank you for your support of the Library during construction work at our main location at 500 N. Fairview Avenue. In October 2023, the City of Goleta received a Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program grant ($4.2 million) from the California State Library to make several infrastructural improvements to the Goleta Valley Library. The project is focused on bringing the building up to the current code standards and improving accessibility, safety, and sustainability measures within the facility. The completion date is projected for summer of 2027.

The Library team extends a heartfelt thank-you to the many colleagues and supporters who made this move possible, and to our community for their patience during this transition. We look forward to welcoming you at GVL Express!

GVL Express Exterior at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105

Library Staff at the newly opened GVL Express 

GVL Express Know Before You Go

GVL Express Parking Map