It might not technically be the oldest library in the state, but it is the oldest continuously functioning one that was and is a part of a network or branch of libraries that, among other things, allow patrons to borrow books via inter-library loan – just in case the one you want doesn’t happen to be where you are.
This is an especially appealing idea when your local library is all of 168 square-feet in size and houses around a thousand or so books. It’s a number that’s fluid, and a place where the favorite joke is that should there be more than two people looking for books at the same time, it’s crowded.
But if you like things simple, this is the place. The little gem has no phone, no computer and well, not much of anything fancy. So while you can technically borrow any book in the library system through this tiny branch, it’s much more efficient to do it from a place with a card catalogue and the Internet.
“I used to have this really old model typewriter to write my reports on,” says Teresa McNeil MacLean, a former librarian. She recounts a story when some kids came by and marveled over it. They had never seen a typewriter before, so she stopped and let the kids have a go at it for a while. She laughs, remembering. “They thought it was some sort of new-fangled thing.”
As it approaches its 100th year of continuous use, it’s time for the little lender that could to celebrate and receive much-deserved tender loving care, like maybe a new paint job and a bookcase with adjustable shelves.
So if you are a book lover, history hound, or just interested in enjoying a great day of music and food for a worthy cause, organizers say, you won’t want to miss “The Santa Ynez Library Centennial Celebration” at 5:30 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 25.
“Oh,” sighs McLean upon her first return after retiring. “It doesn’t look different. It doesn’t smell different.” Her eyes take in the small 12-by-14 foot quarters, gazing first at one wall and then another. “Oh, look. The watercolor is still there.”
The image by Rollin Pickford was a gift of Katherine Ströme – just one of many whose care the library once fell to. There is no wholly verifiable history of the place, rather one that is cobbled together from various documents at the Santa Ynez Historical Society, people’s memories and the book “Where the Light Turns Gold,” by Joanne Rife, editor of the SY News for 17 years.
By all means, says Carey McKinnon, Solvang branch manager, bring along your old photographs and stories to the centennial celebration. They are, in fact, hoping that the event will produce not only needed funding, but also information and documentation to supplement and define the little branch’s role in the Valley’s history.
One woman recently bought tickets for herself and her mother, now in her 90s. “Her mom remembers going to the library as a child,” says McKinnon, who plans to record some of those memories for future generations to read.
Word has it that Rife took the supporting documentation with her when she left her role as editor – leaving it hard to verify what is “known.” But a fairly consistent story has emerged nonetheless. It goes something like this:
The library started, in all likelihood, in a corner of the College Hotel. That would be consistent with the origins of other local lending institutions, says McKinnon. At some point, the need came for it to have a home of its own.
By then, the town had already been long in existence and seen its share of changes, including to its name. In 1876, the little hamlet went by the name St. Joseph, which was changed to New Town then Sagunto, before finally settling in 1882 on Santa Ynez.
According to a Jan. 17, 1977, letter authored by Earl Calvert, Chairman of the Santa Barbara County Historical Landmark Advisory Committee, the library was originally built in 1912. The building was paid for with community funds, raised at a dinner dance at the College Hotel.
Built on two logs for a foundation, its home was near where the Red Barn Restaurant is now. At the time, it was the only public library in the area, said Dana Smith in a 1971 memo to Paul Floyd.
Many locals have had the opportunity to serve as librarian over the years. “Mrs. Lewis of the millinery shop was the first librarian,” wrote Rife. Lewis was followed by Edna Craig, who served for 30 years, and who often receives top billing.
In the 1950s, the county suggested use of a bookmobile to serve the community but the citizens resisted, Smith’s memo continues. The town saw the library as “a dear possession” and didn’t want to lose it.
According to an undated, unsigned note written on letterhead of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society, Lloyd Borkman owned the land where the library was originally located and requested in the early 1970s that the building be moved.
So in 1972, with the historical society volunteering the space and the county providing the concrete foundation, volunteers took a forklift to the little library and unceremoniously hauled it down the street. Some have reported that the library was moved once, but that isn’t accurate, says McLean. It was actually moved twice. The second time was from its first spot on the museum grounds to its present location. “This is a much better location for community visibility, but we are set out in the full sun now so it can get hot,” McLean reports.
At the time of the second move, the tiny structure was given a bit of shoring, but has enjoyed little upkeep since, except by loyal patrons, checking out books and a roof repair after a wind storm several years ago. “When the doors first opened, the patrons were talking about the brand-new states of New Mexico and Arizona, the sinking of the Titanic and the Suffragettes march in New York,” Friends of the Library say.
When you stop to think about it, many significant historical events have unfolded as the redwood structure stood by serving our community: World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, Sputnik, John Glenn’s first orbit of earth, the building of the current high school and the administrations of 18 U.S. presidents. And various locally fun events happened at the library’s door over the years as well. There was the historical re-enactment of an old-time Western shootout one Santa Ynez Days and Shania Twain’s “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” filmed in part on the front steps.
Despite the library’s limited hours of 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, it has more than 400 visitors each year, with an average of 30 each week. “It just goes to show that small branch libraries are held in high regard and with great affection,” says McKinnon, hoping they will show that same fondness for the library at this important time.
Seating for the event is limited, with tickets $40 per person. For information and reservations, call or email Barbara Davidge at (805) 688-8477 or barbdavidge@gmail.com. Reservations can also be made at the desk of the Solvang Library and at the Santa Ynez Historical Museum. struax@syvjournal.com