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. Construction will be completed by June 2027.

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. The interior design improvements will include updated seating for all ages, private study pods for reservable use, upgraded shelving to support the library’s broad collection, an enhanced children’s area with interactive and flexible spaces, a designated teen zone, technology upgrades, refreshed common spaces, and more.

To bring this vision to life, Goleta Valley Library has partnered with the Santa Barbara Foundation for a capital campaign to raise $1,700,000 to fund interior design renovations throughout the facility. The campaign will run from February – December 2026 and will launch with $764,105 of this goal already secured. The community is invited to help us write the next chapter at Goleta Valley Library to continue our story for generations to come.

To learn more about the interior design and infrastructure improvements planned for Goleta Valley Library, visit the project page at Goleta Valley Library Improvement Project.

How to Support the Library's Goal

Library supporters can choose from four ways of donating to the campaign:

1. Santa Barbara Foundation: The fiscal sponsorship fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation, “Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter”, is facilitating all donations, offering various convenient methods including credit card, check, wires, stock, or other assets, as well as donor advised fund contributions. To make a tax-deductible contribution:

• Credit Cards: Visit the project listing page at https://sbfoundation.org/gvlibrary/ to make a secure gift transaction.
• Checks: Make payable to Santa Barbara Foundation, with "GVL: Writing the Next Chapter" in the memo line. Mail to: Santa Barbara Foundation, 1111 Chapala St #200, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
• Gifts of Stock or Other Assets: Contact Jessica Sanchez, Senior Director of Donor Relations, at (805) 880-9366 or jsanchez@sbfoundation.org for details.

2. Friends of the Goleta Valley Library: The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library will collect gifts toward the capital campaign and disburse them to Goleta Valley Library. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please specify that your donation is intended for the capital campaign through one of the options below:

• Credit Cards: Donate securely via the Friends website at friendsofthegoletavalleylibrary.org and include “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the notes field
• Checks: Make payable to the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, with “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the memo line. Mail to: Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, P.O. Box 635, Goleta, CA 93116-0635.
• Other Options or Questions: Contact the Friends directly at friendsofthegvlibrary@gmail.com

3. City of Goleta: Donations can be made to the Library directly. Please contact City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo at esaucedo@cityofgoleta.gov for details.

4. In-Person at GVL Express: Donations via credit card, cash, or check can be accepted at the service desk at GVL Express (6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105). The completion of a brief donation form will be requested for tracking purposes, and anonymous donations are also welcome.

The Santa Barbara Foundation is the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor of the "Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter" capital campaign.  As such, Santa Barbara Foundation receives all donations to the program and oversees funds are distributed in the manner intended by the committee. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.