The Goleta Valley Library officially marked the start of a long-anticipated renovation project with a groundbreaking ceremony on February 12, celebrating what city leaders called a transformational moment for the community.
Hosted by the City of Goleta, the event brought together the Goleta City Council, project partners, state representatives and longtime community supporters. The upgrade represents the first major overhaul of the facility since it opened more than 50 years ago.
City officials described the project as both an infrastructure investment and a reinvestment in community life, as libraries increasingly serve as hubs for learning, digital access, civic engagement and gathering space.
The ceremony was emceed by Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer and featured remarks from elected officials and library leadership, all emphasizing the lasting impact of the improvements.
“This project will do so much more than upgrade a building: it will strengthen our Library so that is positioned to provide exemplary service to our community for the next fifty years and beyond,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “The modern and accessible space will ensure that every member of our community can benefit from the countless resources the Library has to offer and will continue to inspire generations of library patrons to come.”
Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) echoed that sentiment.
“What an exciting day for the Goodland, but really for the entire Goleta Valley that loves this space,” she said. “These [interior] enhancements and structural improvements are going to help transform this library into a vibrant, flexible, 21st century learning environment. These improvements are going to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of age, ability, or background can use this space safely and comfortably, and more than anything, be warmly welcomed every time.”
City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo closed out the speaker lineup by focusing on the broader purpose of public libraries.
“At its heart, this project underscores the incredible importance of public libraries. With today’s groundbreaking, each day brings us closer to reopening our doors to the next chapter at Goleta Valley Library. We look forward to continuing to write our story together!”
Construction is expected to continue through 2027, with a projected reopening in summer of that year.
The renovation is primarily funded through a $4.2 million grant from the California State Library Building Forward Facilities Improvement Program. The City of Goleta is contributing $2.7 million from its General Fund.
An additional $250,000 donation from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library will fund renovations to the children’s area restrooms — a space city leaders say is heavily used by local families.
Separately, an interior design campaign titled Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter is being fiscally sponsored by the Santa Barbara Foundation. The capital campaign aims to raise $1.7 million to fund modern furnishings and interior upgrades, with approximately 45% of the goal already secured. The campaign is seeking to raise the remaining $935,000 with help from community donors.
The renovation will bring the building up to current code standards while significantly improving safety, accessibility and energy efficiency.
Planned upgrades include:
City officials say the upgrades will not only improve the visitor experience but also reduce long-term maintenance costs and energy use, making the facility more sustainable for decades to come.
Beyond physical improvements, the redesigned interior aims to create flexible spaces for study, community programming, technology access and children’s services — aligning the library with evolving public needs.
As shovels hit the ground, city leaders emphasized that the renovation is about more than bricks and mortar. It represents a renewed commitment to literacy, lifelong learning and inclusive public space in the heart of Goleta.
When the doors reopen in 2027, officials say the upgraded library will stand as both a modern civic landmark and a reflection of the community that helped bring it to life.
Originally reported by City Of Goleta in Edhat.
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