Goleta Valley, Buellton and Solvang libraries report the first week of Sidewalk Service was a success, with numerous library patrons dropping off and picking up books at all three branches. Sidewalk Service is open 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday in front of each library site.
Sidewalk Service is putting out the following reminders:
» It is time to return any books or DVDs that were checked out pre-COVID-19 by placing them in the book drops. If you notice items already returned to the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley libraries are still on your record, don’t worry. For everyone’s safety, all returns are being quarantined for four days before checking them in. It can take up to a week before returned items are removed from your account.
» Items being placed on hold for Sidewalk Service pick-up must be owned by the Goleta, Buellton or Solvang libraries.
» Those who have signed up for the Craft Kit for Kids program can come to the libraries to pick up the kits. With Sidewalk Service available, the Children’s Craft Kits will no longer be mailed. The free kits are only available for patrons of the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries. Each month children can receive two craft kits.
» Once a craft kid is requested online, two will automatically be prepared for you each month, for each child registered. Sign-up at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library/i-want-to/craft-kit-request. The kits for June are now available and future kits will be available after the 5th of each month.
» To request books and other items, log on to your account with Black Gold and select your home library branch to see which items are available from any of the three branches, Goleta Valley, Buellton or Solvang library. Black Gold service, which ships books between library locations throughout seven tri-county jurisdictions, will not resume until later this year.
For a tutorial on how to place a hold, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AFz8b78w-PCuw1XpuQdaA. Be sure to select your home library once logged into Black Gold, as books not owned by the Goleta Valley, Buellton or Solvang libraries are not available to check out.
When your items are ready, you will receive a notice by email, text, or automated voice message. When you arrive at your local branch, you have three options to let the library staff know you are there:
Goleta Valley Library
Text CHECKIN to 805-902-1020
Go to Goleta Sidewalk Service
Call 805-964-7878
Buellton Library
Text CHECKIN to 805-902-1022
Go to Buellton Sidewalk Service
Call 805-688-3115
Solvang Library
Text CHECKIN to 805-902-1021
Go to Solvang Sidewalk Service
Call 805-688-4214
All visitors must comply with social distancing rules. To receive service, everyone must wear a face covering and line up six feet apart on the sidewalk leading up to the library’s front walkway. After you have notified the library you have arrived, a library staff member will make sure everything is ready for you, and then send you to the front door of the library to pick-up your items.
Library staff will be following public health safety guidelines as well, wearing face coverings and gloves, and an apron if they are emptying the book drops. Please be respectful of other patrons and do not come if you are feeling ill.
Library staff will be available via phone during Sidewalk Service hours to answer questions about a library card account and library services. Keep up with programming from the Goleta Valley, Buellton and Solvang libraries at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org and on their social media channels: Facebook (@GoletaValleyLibrary), Instagram (@GoletaValleyLibrary), and YouTube.