Welcome to the Library Reading Corner for

January 2026

A Note from City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo:

Like the excitement of opening a new book, the start of a fresh year holds promise for great things to come. You are invited to make 2026 the year of your library: find your nearest branch, attend a fun program, enjoy savings by using your library card, and discover free downloads and streaming. Library services are ever evolving - visit us online to learn more about our programs, projects, and more. We can't wait to help you fill your year with library discoveries!

In Our Newsletter:

Programs

Storytime

Buellton Library

Solvang Library

Bookvan

Make 2026 the Year of Your Library!

GVL Express

6500 Hollister Ave, Suite 105

Solvang Library

Updates

Are you looking for a book that you can't find in our catalog? Call or visit any of our locations to request a Zip Book in regular print, large print, or audiobook on CD. We have spent about 30% of our Zip Books funds for this 2025-2026 grant cycle. For more details about what materials qualify, read more about Zip Books here.

Winter Reading Challenge

December 20-January 31

Grab a warm beverage, find a good book, and join our Winter Reading Program: Read with Benny! For every book completed, you'll earn an entry into our weekly prize drawings. The more you read, the better your chances of winning. Visit any of our libraries to pick up your entry forms or log onto Beanstack to register.

Program Highlights

Cómo utilizar los servicios de

tu biblioteca

(How to use the services at

your library)

Miércoles (Wednesdays)

4:00-6:00pm

@ GVL Express

El personal bilingüe de la biblioteca estará disponible para ayudar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad aprender a utilizar los servicios gratuitos que ofrece la biblioteca. ¡Bienvenidos a nuestra comunidad hispanohablante!

Bilingual library staff will be available to help our community members learn how to use the free services offered at the library. Welcome to our Spanish speaking community!

Poetry Club

Sunday, January 18

2:00-3:00pm

@ Goleta Community Center

5679 Hollister Ave, Goleta

Whether you want to read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others, Poetry Club is a welcoming space where we come together to celebrate the art of poetry. Everyone can discover new poets, explore different styles, and deepen their appreciation for the beauty and power of poetry.

See our online calendar for more programs:

Senior Happy Hour - Thursday, January 8

Film Club - Thursday, January 15

Mystery Book Club - Tuesday, January 27

Storytime

Storytime at Your Library

Goleta: Fridays

Baby & Me

10:00-10:30am,

Wiggly

10:30-11:00am

(check our calendar for locations)

Buellton: Mondays

10:30-11:00am

Solvang: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30-11:00am

Join in the fun at Storytime! We'll share stories, songs, and activities. After Storytime, feel free to stay and play with others! Best for ages 6 months-5 years old.

Buellton Library

Buellton Library Bookworms

Friday, January 16

1:00-2:00pm

Join the Buellton Bookworms book club for a lively discussion of this month's bring-your-own-book theme. The January theme is “Beginnings" – feel free to come to the service desk if you need help finding a title. For adults and teens.

January Craft Day

Saturday, January 31

1:00-3:00pm

Drop in anytime to make pencil toppers, bell shakers, and firework rings! All supplies provided. Best for ages 6 months-5 years old.

Buellton January Craft Day - Saturday Jan. 31st 1 to 3pm

Solvang Library

Fiber Arts Club

Thursday, January 15

4:30-7:00pm

Are you looking for a place to work on your fiber art projects with a fun and supportive group of people? Crochet, embroidery, or knitting, our Fiber Arts Club is just the place for you! Please bring your own supplies and materials. For adults and teens.

Magpie Book Club

Saturday, January 24

1:30-2:30pm

Our theme for the month of January is "Self Care" and our recommended book is The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim. You are welcome to choose another one of his books to discuss or anything along the lines of our theme. For adults and teens.

Solvang Magpie Book Club - Saturday January 24th at 1:30pm

Bookvan

Roll into the New Year with a New Bookvan Schedule!

Patrons throughout Isla Vista and beyond are encouraged to bookmark the updated Goleta Valley Library Bookvan schedule, available online at GoletaValleyLibrary.org/Bookvan which will take effect on Tuesday, January 6.

We can’t wait to see you on our new route!

Goleta Valley Library is a member of the Black Gold Library Cooperative System. Patrons can use their library cards at other Black Gold libraries and request to borrow their titles. Black Gold libraries include Blanchard Community Library, Carpinteria Community Library, Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, Lompoc Public Library, Santa Maria Public Library, and Paso Robles City Library.

Visit www.goletavalleylibrary.org for the latest information on all our programs and services. If you received this e-newsletter from a friend and would like to subscribe, click here.

Thank you for your interest and support in our libraries. Happy reading!

Goleta Valley Library

2026 Reading Corner Newsletter

The Library Reading Corner - January 2026