About The Friends

Learn MoreAbout Our Mission

The Friends of the Montecito Library (FOML) consists of dues paying members and a Board of Directors. Its mission continues to be the raising of funds to support the library by improving its collection, services and setting. The Friends played an important role in computerizing the library filing system and patron registration. FOML is active is funding supplementing staff salaries, acquisition of new books, office machinery, summer programs and much more. In the last year the decrease in library funds from the state and county would have resulted in severely reduced hours. FOML contributes funds for part-time staff to allow the library to continue to be open Tuesday through Saturday.

A Brief History of the Library

In 1910 a free library was established in one room of the building that currently houses the library. There was a beginning list of only 28 cardholders. The library operated on private contributions and a resident of the community acted as librarian. At that time the building was used as a community center where, in addition to the library, there were plays, movies and other events. Over time the building gradually deteriorated and the library moved to a storefront across the street.

In 1941 the current library building was deeded to S.B. County and added to the park system. In 1959 the County Board of Supervisors announced their plan to sell the property to the highest bidder. This startled the local residents and discussion about raising funds to keep the building and renovate the library began.

In 1975 the Friends of the Montecito Library was the major player in acquiring the building that now houses the library and renovating it. The County would not release $160,000 earmarked for the Montecito Library unless an additional $100,000 was raised by local residents. FOML entered into an agreement with the County to raise this amount and did so in a little over four months. The County’s funds were released and a year later the renovation was completed and the building opened in October 1980. The building also houses the Montecito Association offices.

In 1980Georgia Young was hired as the first librarian. One of her first jobs was to supervise the movement of the library collection from the storefront across the street to the newly renovated quarters. This was done by hand with the help of many generous volunteers who made numerous trips back and forth across the street. Georgia was much beloved as our community librarian and she stayed with the library until she retired 17 years later. Current staff includes Librarians Kim, Janet, and Carissa.

See HowYou Can Help

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New Programs Every Day

Story time, technology and language classes, knitting groups, and poetry clubs, are just some of the programs we are expanding upon every single day.

Meet our Board Members

Carole MacElhenny
Jason Siemens
Joan Rocco
Kendra Epley, Treasurer
      Kelly Hatchett, Secretary
Leah Watson
Louise Kelly
       Patty Marshall, VP
Pat Saley, President
    Sharon Byrne

We need your help

With your support, we can keep the library open longer hours and offer more material for the community.
Your donation is 100% Tax Deducible.

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