Capital Campaign Gift Opportunities are Available Now

The excitement is building—Goleta Valley Library’s first‑ever capital campaign is underway! Together, we’re working to raise the remaining $835,000 to complete our $1.7 million vision for fresh, accessible, patron‑ready spaces that will welcome and delight our community for decades to come.

The main Goleta Valley Library location at 500 N. Fairview is temporarily closed for construction related to the Building Forward infrastructure improvements that will bring the facility up to current standards and regulations. The interior design team is seizing the opportunity while the library is closed and vacant to 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 – take a look at the latest renderings on our capital campaign webpage.

The campaign, which is fiscally sponsored by The Santa Barbara Foundation, goes through December 2026 and launched with $764,105 of this goal already secured through two milestone gifts from the John C. Mithun Foundation and the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library. In addition to much-appreciated donations from community members, the Library also recently received a new commitment of $100,000 from a generous local organization, bringing the total raised above 50% of the goal.

There are four convenient options for library supporters to help support our 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 continue to be incredibly supportive partners during our campaign. They have agreed to 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.

Thank you to each of the wonderfully generous donors who have already contributed gifts toward this special project! To share the campaign with others and to see the latest updates, visit us at goletavalleylibrary.org/writingthenextchapter.

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.

Pictured above: Lobby Rendering

Interior Library Rendering

Children’s Area of the Library Rendering

Exterior Rendering