Yes, GVL Express is open to the public as of July 9, 2025.

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.

GVL Express is located at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105.

Here is a map showing the distance from the main Goleta Valley Library to GVL Express:

The hours of operation at GVL Express are the same as they were at Goleta Valley Library:

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

Parking

• Library patrons may park in any of the 20 designated spaces that are painted with the word "LIBRARY" in white letters. 
• Ample street parking is also available on Los Carneros Way.
• Two handicapped spaces are available in front of the entrance.
• Please Note: Overflow parking is also available at City Hall. Vehicles parked in spaces associated with other tenants may be towed. 

Bus Stops

• There are two bus stops on Hollister Avenue in close proximity to GVL Express. Visit the Santa Barbara MTD website to plan your trip.

Yes, there is a designated room for holds pickup, located just past the Friends of the Library book sale shelves.

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.

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.

The following options are available for returning your library materials:

• Returns are 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.

Yes, there are four computers available for public use. 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 are in place during all computer sessions.

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 will be available upon request.

Yes, a portion of every collection at the main Goleta Valley Library has been relocated to GVL Express and is available for browsing. 

Yes, new books for all ages and genres will continue to be added regularly to our collection, in both print and electronic formats.

Yes, the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library will maintain a book sale at GVL Express. Their sale shelves are located in the hallway next to the self check machines. This is a great way to build your home library and support your local public library, as all revenues go to the Friends to support library programs and services.

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.

Currently, the GVL volunteer program is on pause as we transition into our new space. Please check back for more information. Thank you for your interest in supporting library services!