Now more than ever, people are relying on technology for work, staying in touch with friends, and general entertainment. The Goleta Valley Library knows this and is moving its in-person tech tutoring to live video chat or over the phone in order to continue to support the community during the COVID-19 crisis and stay at home order. Library patrons can receive personalized one-on-one help with their laptop, tablet, cell phone, smart TV, etc… Assistance is available for general usage as well as how to access the library’s numerous downloadable options providing free e-books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, graphic novels, and magazines to patrons.
Library Director Allison Gray said, “I am very excited to be able to offer this new service to the community. We want to make sure everyone feels connected at this time and is able to take advantage of the library’s different online offerings. We encourage anyone who needs help with their technology to take advantage of this new program.”
Live one-on-one Tech Tutoring is available with a trained library staff member Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. by appointment. Sessions are 30 or 60 minutes depending on the help needed. Fill out the Library’s Live Tech Tutoring Request Form on the library website and a staff member will confirm your date and time. You can also call (805) 964-7878 to schedule an appointment. Spanish language support is also available; complete the form in Spanish here.
If you don’t have a Goleta Valley or Santa Ynez Valley Library card, and live in those areas, you can still get one that allows you access to downloadable services by going to the Black Gold eCard Registration webpage.
For access to all of the library’s FREE electronic resources, programs, and activities please visit GoletaValleyLibrary.org. Remember to “like” us on Facebook (@GoletaValleyLibrary) and follow us on Instagram (@goletavalleylibrary) for more updates and to view live programming.
The libraries will also continue to offer personalized reading lists. Fill out this form, providing information on the type of books you like and don’t like, and a staff member will put together a reading list for you. Patrons can also order books or audiobooks not owned by the library for home delivery by filling out a Zip Books request form.
Like almost everyone, library staff are now working from home. They are still available to answer questions via email at goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org.
Coming soon, the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley libraries will be offering a phone check-in service to keep connected with the community. A friendly library staff member will reach out with a phone call to those who are interested. Stay tuned for more information!