Goleta council approves $175,000 Friends donation, authorizes capital campaign for library furnishings

The Goleta City Council on Sept. 16 authorized staff to launch a capital campaign to fund interior furnishings for the Goleta Valley Library and accepted a $175,000 committed donation from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

City Librarian Elizabeth Salcedo told council the library was awarded $4 million from the California State Library’s Building Forward program for infrastructure work (ADA restrooms, HVAC, lighting, doors/windows and exterior repairs) but that the state grant does not cover furnishings or fixtures. Salcedo said a community survey of nearly 750 respondents showed strong interest in modern, accessible furnishings, private study areas and interactive children’s spaces while retaining the library’s neighborhood identity.

The council approved a motion to accept the Friends’ $175,000 commitment and to appropriate corresponding donation revenue for the Goleta Valley Library Americans with Disability Act Safety and Building Improvement Project. Staff said the total estimated cost for furnishings would exceed $1.15 million, and the capital campaign would seek roughly $710,000; the Friends’ contribution and previously secured gifts represent about 38 percent of that target at campaign launch.

Library and neighborhood services staff described outreach already under way: interior-design work, consultation with community groups and a July visioning survey; the project team plans to align furniture purchases with construction schedules so power, outlets and carpet installation occur in proper sequence. Staff also said they will explore campaign delivery options (staff-led campaign, fiscal sponsor or professional counsel) and would coordinate grants, corporate sponsorships and small public donations.

Friends of the Goleta Valley Library have already contributed amounts the staff described as more than $400,000 toward the project, including $250,000 for restroom renovation and the newly committed $175,000 for furnishings such as an ADA-compliant service desk, computer tables, mobile shelving and exterior book drops.

Council members praised the Friends and the campaign approach; the council voted unanimously to accept the donation and approve the related budget appropriation.

The library remains closed for construction work; staff said temporary service continues at the Goleta Valley Library Express location and that construction is expected to allow re-opening following building upgrades. The capital campaign timeline proposed by staff would run about 12–14 months to conclude in December 2026 to align with construction and year-end giving cycles.

Staff will return with specific campaign materials, a proposed fundraising structure and any required contract actions to hire outside campaign counsel or a fiscal sponsor.