Libraries, like print journalism, are said to be dying relics of paper-based industries; they dwindle but refuse to go away. Goleta’s library is a much loved and well-used example of resilience, with service numbers that rival those of Santa Barbara’s Central Library, and for a city that's about a third the size. A funding crisis, however, might change that equation, despite the library’s added computers, WiFi, education programs, meeting room rentals, and school visits to its book circulation services.
The red ink is so bad that when the children’s librarian left to take another job, Goleta decided to save the approximately $100,000 salary-and-benefits cost by leaving the position empty. Goleta Valley Library, like all libraries in the Santa Barbara Public Library System, ran at a deficit this fiscal year, and has for several years due to state funding cuts and the inability of revenue to keep up with expense increases. Fundraising by “Friends” and cities of the individual libraries have been making up the difference; the City of Santa Barbara paid about $5 million out of its General Fund toward the two libraries within its borders this year.
Goleta has been making up the shortfall with a reserve fund, but the number-crunchers say that will be exhausted soon. Citing passionately how important books were to him as a kid and the importance of reading at a young age, Goleta City Councilmember Tony Vallejo pleaded with his cohorts at their June 7 meeting to find a way to bring back the children’s librarian. Library System director Jennifer Cadiente bolstered Vallejo’s plea, stating in an interview that the children’s librarian works closely with the community devising education and programs that fit their needs.