Goleta Valley Library Improvement Project

Overview: Goleta Valley Library Building, Safety, and ADA Improvement Project

Goleta Valley Library opened its doors on Fairview Avenue in 1972, and has been a beloved community treasure for more than 50 years.

During this time, the facility has not undergone significant infrastructure upgrade renovations. 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.

Due to the age of the facility, the complex nature of the project, and the June 2027 grant completion deadline, it is necessary for the library to close to the public for 18-24 months during construction. Goleta Valley Library has relocated to a temporary site, "GVL Express", where modified services continue to be available to patrons. Programming and outreach services are being provided throughout the community during this time to maintain high levels of access to library resources.

We are very grateful to serve a community that values and celebrates their local library, and we understand that our anticipated closure impacts our community. We are looking forward to engaging with our patrons in innovative ways during construction and are committed to maintaining the high-quality service that our community currently enjoys. When Goleta Valley Library reopens, we will be excited to welcome you into a renovated space that is safer, more accessible, and will continue to enrich the lives of patrons for generations to come.

Learn more about the project below. We encourage you to check back often for news and updates as we keep our community informed throughout the project.

Library Services Details

Where is the library's temporary site located?

When did Goleta Valley Library temporarily close?

Is GVL Express open?

Is the library still offering programming?

Where can I return my library materials?

How can I stay informed about library programs and services?

For questions about modified Library services during construction, please contact goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org.

Project Details

What improvements will be made to the library?

The Goleta Valley Library ADA, Safety, and Building Improvements Project will result in the following improvements to the Goleta Valley Library:

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restroom Upgrades: This includes renovating the children's and adults' restrooms to meet accessibility requirements.

Modernizing and Replacement of HVAC Systems: The entire HVAC system will be replaced and upgraded with a Building Automation System.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Path of Travel: The improvements include improving the path of travel inside and outside the facility.

Life Safety and Security Installation and Upgrades: This will include installing a fire suppression system throughout the facility and upgrading life safety systems.

LED Lighting Retrofits: This includes retrofitting to energy-efficient LED bulbs, replacing the electrical system and panels, and installing new controls.

Doors/Windows Replacements & Upgrades: The project will replace various doors, hardware, and windows around the facility to meet ADA requirements and energy efficiency measures.

Fascia Repair & Exterior Paint: The project will replace the exterior fascia and repair weather and termite damage.

How is the project funded?

The project is primarily funded by a $4,278,560 grant from the California State Library Building Forward Facilities Improvement Program. The City’s local match is $1,069,640 million, of which the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library donated $250,000 to support the ADA restroom renovations component of the project. The remaining City match is comprised of a combination of Library Special Tax, County per Capita, and General Fund. On June 17, 2025, as part of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget adoption, City Council appropriated an additional $1.542 million to the Project budget.

Where can I view the City Council reports related to this project?

On December 19, 2023, City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-75, authorizing the City Manager to accept the grant funds and execute the grant agreement with the California State Library for the Building Forward Facilities Improvement grant. The staff report can be found here.

On May 21, 2024, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Jeffrey Miller Architect and Design (JMAD) for Architectural and Engineering services for the Goleta Valley Library ADA, Safety, and Building Improvements Project (CIP No. 9130) and to accept a donation of $250,000 from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library to fund the City’s grant match for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restroom improvements portion of the project. The staff report can be found here.

On October 1, 2024, staff discussed options for providing temporary offsite Library Services during the construction of the Library ADA, Safety, and Building Improvement project. The staff report can be found here.

On November 19, 2024, City Council authorized staff to pursue a short-term lease at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 100, to serve as a temporary offsite Library location during the project construction. The staff report can be found here.

On August 19, 2025 (see Item D.2), City Council authorized Staff to issue the Notice Inviting Construction Bids. The construction bid is anticipated to be awarded in late Fall.

All City Council agendas and recordings can be accessed here.

On August 19, 2025, City Council received a presentation on the proposed design for the Library Project and authorized Staff to advertise a notice inviting construction bids for the Project. The staff report can be found here.

What is the project timeline?

For questions about the building improvement project, please contact General Services Director Matthew Fore at mfore@cityofgoleta.org.

Goleta, CA

Goleta Valley Library Improvement Project

Stay Informed about Library Services and the Project

Library Services Details

Project Details