Goleta Valley Library (GVL) Express is open and ready to serve you. You can find GVL Express at its temporary home at 6500 Hollister Avenue Suite 105 while the main library at 500 N. Fairview undergoes construction. The doors opened on July 9, 2025.
Here is an update from our City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo:
Library staff are so happy to get back to some of our beloved duties such as answering reference questions, organizing our shelves, and helping patrons to find their next read.
While the new space is much smaller, staff have received positive feedback that it feels good to be back in the library, with the advantages of being able to browse the stacks and enjoy our same hours of operation to come and visit. We expect to be in this temporary space for the next two years and look forward to making the most of new opportunities to do outreach, pilot unique programs off-site, and develop new partnerships throughout the community.
Library staff heartily thank our teammates on the Bookvan for doing such an incredible job handling the high volume of holds and increased usage while we were closed. We would also like to extend gratitude to our library patrons for their patience, adaptability, and understanding while we made this huge change. We look forward to seeing you soon at GVL Express!
What to Know When Visiting GVL Express
Parking
There is a total of 20 parking spaces designated for Library patrons. These are marked with the word “Library” in each space. There are also two handicapped parking spaces for those with accessibility needs. Additionally, there is ample street parking on Los Carneros Way as well as overflow parking at City Hall right next door. Please note that any cars parked in spaces marked for other tenants may be subject to towing.
Metered Visits
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.
Hours and Returns
The hours at GVL Express remain the same as those at Goleta Valley Library:
- Tuesday through Thursday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00am – 5:30pm
- Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00pm
- Closed Monday
Returns will be 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.
Computers
Four computers are available for public use. 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 are available upon request.
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 will be in place during all computer sessions.
For more information, visit our webpage here: www.goletavalleylibrary.org/about/gvl-express.