Goleta is preparing to go to bid for a construction contract later this month for the Goleta Valley Library on Fairview Avenue, after the library closed in late March for the next two years to undergo accessibility improvements.

The project is still in the design phase, but to prepare for construction, the city has done some prep work, according to City Manager Robert Nisbet, including tenting the building for termites.

The city has to complete the project by June 2027, a stipulation of a $4.2 million grant it received. While the timeline is tight, Nisbet said they still intend to meet that deadline.

The Goleta City Council is set to receive an update on the project at its Aug. 19 meeting and authorize city staff to begin the search for a construction contract.

The city won’t know the total cost of construction until it finalizes a deal with a contractor.

In the meantime, library patrons have shared that they want updated furniture, interactive elements and more work areas in the renovated library while still keeping the warm, cozy environment.

City librarian Elizabeth Saucedo shared survey results with the Goleta Library Advisory Commission on Monday in which residents expressed a desire for more work areas, interactive elements for children, and comfortable seating.

The results came from 731 people who were invited to fill out a survey sharing what they wanted to see in the renovated library. The survey was published when the temporary Express Library opened in July.

The majority of users — 290 people — said they visit the library monthly, while 254 people reported going weekly. For 666 users, the No. 1 reason they visit the library is to browse the shelves or pick up holds, according to the survey results. 

Additionally, 233 people said the main reason they go to the library is to attend programs. 

When asked about the top three things they want to see in the library after construction, 355 users indicated the need for interactive elements for children, 351 users indicated that they wanted more modern seating, and 216 users said they wanted tables for laptop work, according to the staff report. 

While few people reported going to the library to access the internet, attend online meetings or study, one of the highest reported needs is for new furniture and work spaces. Saucedo said that suggests that the current Fairview library design isn’t meeting a need people have for comfortable seating and work areas. 

“This was so valuable for us to see as we look at designing those different elements, just to really try to have a responsive and relevant library design,” Saucedo said. 

Patrons also noted a desire for private and outdoor work areas, a drive-through book drop and increased operating hours. 

Going forward, Saucedo said they will be sharing their findings with the architectural interior design team. 

When asked what current aspects of the library they want to see after construction, patrons shared that they want to continue experiencing the warm, nostalgic atmosphere and cautioned against an overly modern and clinical design. 

In 2023, Goleta received a $4.2 million grant from the California State Library to make the improvements with the contingency that construction be completed by June 2027. 

Those funds will go toward restroom upgrades, modernizing and replacing the HVAC system, new lighting and security, new doors and windows, and new exterior paint.

The library staff also is using leftover money from the 2024-25 fiscal year for interior designs such as new furniture and equipment. 

“Essentially what this will allow us to do is that when we open up the doors in 2027, when the project is complete, we will be able to really have a modern and more accessible, comfortable space,” Saucedo said. 

The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library also has contributed funds for the renovation of the children’s restrooms, an upgraded service desk, computer tables, shelving, new exterior book drops and modern bike racks. 

Additionally, Yardi Systems Inc. donated $20,000 toward equipment for the express library, and remaining funds will be used for interior design at the Fairview library.