History of the Santa Ynez Valley Libraries
More Than a Century of Connecting Our Community Through Libraries
Since 1911, libraries have been at the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley—growing alongside our communities and providing free access to knowledge, opportunity, and lifelong learning.
The story of the Santa Ynez Valley libraries is one of community, generosity, and a shared belief that everyone deserves access to books, ideas, and learning.
What began as a small lending collection inside the Solvang Hotel has grown into a vibrant library system serving thousands of residents throughout the Valley.
For more than 100 years, dedicated librarians, volunteers, donors, and community members have helped shape the libraries we enjoy today.
1911 The Beginning
Since 1911, libraries have been at the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley—growing alongside our communities and providing free access to knowledge, opportunity, and lifelong learning.
Professor Peder P. Hornsyld became Solvang's first librarian while also serving as the town's postmaster. The original library occupied a small corner of the Solvang Hotel and consisted of only a modest lending collection available to early settlers.
1911 The town’s first librarian was Professor Peder P. Hornsyld.
1912 The Solvang Branch had 14 borrowers and 75 books.
1912 Becoming a County Library
Just one year later, the Solvang Library officially became part of the Santa Barbara County Free Public Library system.
Solvang was one of the library stations served by stagecoach. Delivery service to these libraries was once per week, with the entire collection being changed every three months.
1913 Professor Hornsyld moved both the library and the post office into the new Solvang Bank building, on the corner of Main (now Copenhagen) and First streets. The building also housed a grocery store.
1913–1936 A Library on the Move
By 1915 there were 46 library card holders and a collection of 303 volumes. In addition patrons could, and did, make special requests.
Solvang Free Library circulated 1076 books and magazines in 1915.
During its early decades, the library occupied several locations throughout downtown Solvang:
• Solvang Hotel
• Solvang Bank Building
• Santa Ynez Valley Clothing Store
• John Frame Real Estate Office
Each move reflected the community's growing need for library services, and in 1922 the branch held 539 volumes and circulated 2470 books.
This photo is taken from a model of the town circa 1920 at Elverhoj Museum of History and Art. Looking west down Main, or Copenhagen, all three locations of the library between 1913 and 1936 are visible.
1964 Building the Library We Know Today
Evald Skytt and crew built the new library.
The present library building was completed in 1964, providing dedicated space for expanding collections, children's programming, and community gatherings.
Mrs. Markgraf and assistant enjoy the new space.
1959 Powered by Volunteers
When the library outgrew its space once again, members of the Santa Ynez Valley Woman's Club literally carried the books across the hall into a larger room.
More space allowed room for events, such as these 1960 and 1961 holiday parties, with Book Trees decorated by children. The library also began holding an annual “Book Faire” and an adult lecture series. With population growth came higher library usage, and almost immediately, the library was cramped again. Library supporters began to lobby for a dedicated library space.
It's one of the earliest examples of the community coming together to strengthen local library services—a tradition that continues through the Friends of the Library today.
1958 Mrs. Katherine (Kit) Franks (second from left, with other branch supervisors at a meeting in Santa Barbara)
1936 A Permanent Community Home
The library moved into Veterans Memorial Hall, where it finally had dedicated public space.
As the community grew, so did library programs, story hours, and circulation.
1959 A grateful Kit Franks, Branch Supervisor (center), thanks Florence Markgraf and Grace Davison for their work in moving the library! It must have been a long day- apparently the library stayed open for business during the move.
1970s–1990s Entering the Digital Age
Changes in the library were dramatic in the 1970’s and 80s.
In a word: Computers!
The library catalog was put on computer. Now patrons could view the holdings for all libraries in the Black Gold Cooperative Library System.The internet brought a new world of information to the branch libraries.
1988 Branch Supervisor, Jeanne Johnston enjoys storytime.
Today...
The Santa Ynez Valley libraries welcome thousands of visitors each year for books, technology, lifelong learning, and community programs.
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.