The Goleta Valley Library has started its new service, Check-In with a Librarian. Library patrons who live alone, are feeling lonely, or just need someone new to talk to, can sign up to receive a phone call from one of the friendly Goleta Valley Library staff members.

Suggested topics for discussion include book or movie recommendations, information on online library services, reference questions, or just a general check in to chat. To schedule a Check-In with a Librarian, complete an online form at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library/i-want-to/check-in-with-a-librarian or call 805-964-7878.

“The Goleta Valley Library wants the community to continue to explore, study and read, while the library’s doors are closed,” said library director Allison Gray. “We know how important it is to stay connected during these isolating times, so we are doing as much as we can to continue serving our patrons’ needs and to stay close to our community members.”

The library is also offering a live Tech Tutoring program, and free craft kits for kids.

During this time, it is vital for people to be able to stay in touch using technology, so the Goleta Valley Library has transitioned its in-person tech tutoring to live video chat or over-the-phone tutoring. Library patrons can receive personalized one-on-one help with their laptop, tablet, cell phone, or smart TV.

Assistance is available for general use, as well as how to access the library’s numerous downloadable options providing patrons with free e-books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, graphic novels, and magazines.

The live one-on-one Tech Tutoring is available with a trained library staff member 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday by appointment. Sessions are 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on the help needed.

Complete the library’s live Tech Tutoring request form at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library/i-want-to/live-tech-tutoring-request and a staff member will confirm a date and time; or call 805-964-7878 to schedule an appointment.

Spanish language support is also available; complete the form in Spanish by visiting https://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library/i-want-to/asistencia-de-tecnolog-a-en-l-nea.

Patrons of the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries can sign up to receive free craft kits for kids. Fill out the online form at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library/i-want-to/craft-kit-request and the library will send craft kits to your home. Each month you may request up to two craft kits for each of child in the family. The kits do not need to be returned.

Residents of the Goleta Valley or Santa Ynez Valley can get a library card that allows access to downloadable services by visiting the Black Gold eCard Registration webpage, https://www.blackgold.org/polaris/custom/ecardreg.aspx.

For access to all of the library’s free electronic resources, programs and activities, go to GoletaValleyLibrary.org.