About the Friends of the Library

Supporting Our Valley's Libraries, One Chapter at a Time.

The Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to enriching our community by supporting the Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez Libraries.

The City of Goleta took over direct management of the Goleta Valley Library on July 1, 2018. With the success of that, the City is now also managing the libraries in the Santa Ynez Valley as of July 1, 2019. The Friends work alongside library staff to help provide opportunities that may not be possible through public funding alone.

Two women standing behind a table wrapped with a banner that reads "Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley." The women are smiling and posing for the photo, with one woman wearing a gray sweater and the other wearing a black and white top. The table has papers, a laptop, and folders on it, and there are chairs and other people in the background.

What We Do

Funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support:

  • Book icon to show that funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support New books and library collections.

    New books and library collections

  • Blue family icon to show that funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support Children's and family programs

    Children's and family programs

  • Book and sub icon showing funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support Summer reading activities.

    Summer reading activities

  • Icon of a presenter showing funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support Educational workshops and guest speakers

    Educational workshops and guest speakers

  • Blue computer icon showing funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support Technology and equipment

    Technology and equipment

  • Blue icon of people and a calendar showing funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support Community events

    Community events

  • Icon of an library showing funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support Special projects and library enhancements

    Special projects and library enhancements

  • Icon of an open book and alphabet showing funds raised by the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley help support Early Literacy Initiatives

    Early Literacy Initiatives

Our Story

For more than a century, the libraries of the Santa Ynez Valley have been places where curiosity, learning, and community come together. From the first lending library established in Solvang in 1911 to today's three thriving public libraries, generations of residents have found inspiration, connection, and opportunity within these walls.

Learn About Our History →

Board of Directors

  • Valerie Kissell

    PRESIDENT

  • Barbara Breza

    VICE-PRESIDENT

  • Kathleen Donahue

    SECRETARY

  • Kate Maclean

    TREASURER

  • Ling Claytor

    DIRECTOR

  • David Goldstien

    DIRECTOR

  • Melinda Hall

    DIRECTOR

  • Leslie Kirkby

    DIRECTOR

  • Carey McKinnon

    DIRECTOR

  • Kristan Morrison

    DIRECTOR

  • Ed Skytt

    DIRECTOR

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community EVENTS

Connecting our community through book sales, memberships, volunteer opportunities, and special events, the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley brings people together in support of lifelong learning.

Upcoming Events →
Events Gallery →
A man with a beard leaning down to talk to a girl with long dark hair and a white hairclip in a children's bookstore or library. The girl is wearing a blue shirt. Other children are visible, sitting at a table with books in a colorful, well-stocked environment.

The Friends of the Library are powered by people who believe in the value of free access to books, learning, and community.

Whether you become a member, volunteer at an event, or make a donation, your support helps strengthen our libraries and enrich the lives of readers throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.

Get Involved →