The Goleta Valley Library is starting its newest program, Special Guest Storytime. The library has collaborated with community members to record themselves reading a favorite picture book for the library’s young patrons.
New readings will be available every Friday beginning May 22, on the Goleta Valley Library website www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org and via Facebook (@GoletaValleyLibrary).
Listeners will hear stories from such readers as Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, members of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and graduate students in UCSB’s Classics Department.
To view Perotte reading “Silly Sally,” visit https://youtu.be/3-nHH8Q7LuI.
“I absolutely love the library and was thrilled that they would ask me to launch their Special Guest Storytime program,” Perotte said. “ I chose one of my favorite books, ‘Silly Sally,’ by Audrey Wood. I read this book regularly to my daughters growing up, and now to my grandchildren. I am honored to now be able to read it to all of you.”
Allison Gray, Goleta Valley Library director, said, “It’s been so much fun bringing these stories to life with members of the community. It’s hard not seeing all the smiling faces in the library, but I’m glad we can stay connected in other ways as we continue following the governor’s stay-at-home guidelines.
“My staff and I hope these readings will lift spirits through literacy and serve as a reminder that we are all in this together.”
While the Goleta Valley Library is closed due to COVID-19, library staff have been finding ways to continue to virtually serve the community.
Storytime is one of the library’s favorite programs, and while people are staying at home, staff have been offering live and recorded readings to the community on Facebook (@GoletaValleyLibrary) to provide literacy support for area families during these challenging times.
In addition to Storytime, there are other ways to stay connected with the Goleta Valley Library during this time. The library recently launched Check-In with a Librarian, where patrons who live alone, are feeling lonely, or just need someone new to talk to, can sign up to receive a phone call from a Goleta Valley Library staff member.
The library is also offering Live Tech Tutoring that enables patrons to receive personalized one-on-one help with their laptop, tablet, cell phone, or smart TV. Patrons of the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries can also sign up to receive free craft kits for kids that will be mailed to your home up to two times per month.
Stay busy as well with the library’s Ideas to Keep Busy at Home for all Ages webpage. The page is categorized to make it easy to find what you are looking for, and has numerous resources. Categories include nature and animal live streams, brain games, writer’s workshops, teen corner, and children’s authors and stories.
To learn more, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.