Library Services

The City of Ventura has two public libraries: E.P. Foster Library and The Avenue Library. The libraries are administered and staffed by the Ventura County Library System. For more information on the Ventura County Library System click here.

Resources & Information:

• View the Feb. 20 City Library Commission PowerPoint Presentation
• View the Feb. 20 Commission Meeting Notes
• View the Ventura County Library System Factsheet on Wright/Foster Consolidation
  

Library Hours

Public Art in the Libraries

The City of Ventura Public Art Program has commissioned art at two of the libraries. "Matrix", a digital glass installation by Sally Weber, can be seen at the E.P. Foster Library. At the Avenue Library Catherine Day's artwork depicts the history of Ventura Avenue.

Library Advisory Commission

The City of Ventura has a Library Advisory Commission - not related to the County Library Commission. The City Library Advisory Commission's purpose is to make recommendations to the Ventura City Council on issues related to libraries and library services. The LAC meets on the 4th Wednesday of each odd month at 6:00pm at the E.P. Foster Elizabeth Topping Room.

City of Ventura Library Advisory Commission

Chairman - Marianne Coffey
Vice Chairperson Kathleen Contreras
Commissioner Cynthia Hansen
Commissioner (position currently vacant}
Commissioner (position currently vacant)
Contact 805.658.4706 for the current  staff liaison to the Library Advisory Commission.

Library Vision for Ventura

The residents and businesses of the City of San Buenaventura envision the public library as a "symbol of civic pride", serving as both central information resource and community center, and offering the following amenities and/or services:

Improved Access to Library Services

Service hours would compare favorably with the average of other similarly
 sized California communities

A strong central facility would be provided, along with satellite branches
 (including the Avenue Library)

Enhanced Library Services
Current collections in all formats and media

Consumer, business and educational resources

New technology, and assistance in the use of such technology

Programming for all ages
 (literacy programs, homework centers, film reviews, public readings, etc.)

Special place for children and youth

Business and copy center

Volunteer opportunities

Stable Resources
A reasonable likelihood that adequate revenue could be generated for
 operations

A reasonable likelihood that one-time funding for capital costs could be
 identified

Cost-effective delivery of services would be tracked and maintained


Responsive to Community Needs
Library staff and administration would be readily accessible to users
Changes could be made in hours, services, facilities and programs
 as community needs change
Knowledgeable and customer service-oriented staffing and administration
 would be provided

Accountable

• Increased City input would be provided into decisions about allocation of resources
• Increased community input would be provided into hours, facilities, programs, services and materials

Flexible

• The library would incorporate flexible, creative approaches into its governing and administrative systems, to ensure the continuous improvement of access to and/ordelivery of services

Adopted by the San Buenaventura City Council
January 27, 1997
I/libcamp/301-500

The County Library System

The County Library System consists of fourteen libraries in seven cities, plus unincorporated county areas. The System is governed by the Ventura County Library Commission. The Commissioners are City Councilpersons from the Ventura County Cities that participate in the County System, and a County Supervisor who represents the unincorporated County areas. Mayor Bill Fulton is the City's representative on that Commission. The mission of the Ventura County Library is to meet the general reading, lifelong learning and informational needs of the people of Ventura County, with special focus on children, youth and families.  Jackie Griffin is the Director of the Ventura County Library System.

Ventura County Library
646 County Square Drive
Suite 150
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 477-7331
Ventura County Library website