The John C. Mithun Foundation recently expressed interest through its partnership with the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library in supporting the children’s area interior design renovation project at Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue). The Library interior design project team provided a presentation outlining the proposed layout, furnishings, and associated funding needs totaling approximately $550,000. Following the presentation, the Foundation generously committed to funding the full amount necessary to bring the children’s area renovations to life.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredibly generous support of the John C. Mithun Foundation,” said City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “This gift will support generations of children and families who visit the library and will lay the groundwork for lifelong readers to thrive in our community and beyond.”

The donation will fund several new and reimagined elements of the children’s area, including: comfortable and modern seating for all ages and bodies; activity stations and interactive spaces to support early literacy skill development; a designated Teen Area with collaborative seating for reading and gathering; performance space for year-round shows that educate and inspire; upgraded technology for safe and responsible use; updated shelving to foster browsing and promote reading; and much more. The children’s area design strives to make this portion of the library a place where all feel welcome to discover the joys of reading in a safe, accessible community atmosphere.

The Library will be launching a capital campaign in the coming weeks to raise the additional funds needed for improvements to the adult portion of the library, Community Room, lobby, common spaces, service desk area, and staff work spaces.

The Library will soon be undergoing construction for infrastructure upgrades as part of the Goleta Valley Library Americans with Disabilities Act, Safety, and Building Improvement Project. A special opportunity was identified to update the interior of the Library while it is closed for construction, which will create a more modern and accessible environment while retaining the charm and warmth of this treasured space. To learn more about the interior design and infrastructure improvements planned for Goleta Valley Library, visit the project page at GoletaValleyLibrary.org/BuildingForward.

Conceptual Rendering of GVL Children’s Area