The John C. Mithun Foundation, which expressed interest through its partnership with the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library in supporting the children’s area interior design renovation, has committed to funding the entire $550,000 needed for the project.

In a presentation, the library interior design project team outlined the proposed layout, furnishings, and associated funding needs, which came to about $550,000. Following the talk, the Mithun Foundation said it would pay for the full amount.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredibly generous support of the John C. Mithun Foundation,” said Elizabeth Saucedo, city librarian. “This gift will support generations of children and families who visit the library and will lay the groundwork for lifelong readers to thrive in our community and beyond.”

The donation will pay for several new and reimagined elements of the children’s area, including:

Comfortable and modern seating for all ages and bodies.

  • Activity stations and interactive spaces to support early literacy skill development.
  • Designated Teen Area with collaborative seating for reading and gathering.
  • Performance space for year-round shows that educate and inspire.
  • Upgraded technology for safe and responsible use.
  • Updated shelving to foster browsing and promote reading.

“The children’s area design strives to make this portion of the library a place where all feel welcome to discover the joys of reading in a safe, accessible community atmosphere,” the library said.
 
The library will be launching a capital campaign in the coming weeks to raise the additional funds needed for improvements to the adult portion of the library, community room, lobby, common spaces, service desk area, and staff work spaces.
 
The library, at 500 N. Fairview Ave. will soon be undergoing construction for infrastructure upgrades as part of the Goleta Valley Library Americans with Disabilities Act, Safety, and Building Improvement Project.

Learn more about the planned interior design and infrastructure improvements, visit GoletaValleyLibrary.org/BuildingForward.