WHO WE ARE
The Ojai Valley (population of nearly 30,000) includes the City of Ojai (population 8,000) and is located 30 miles southeast of Santa Barbara and 75 miles north of Los Angeles. Nestled within geographically unique east-west mountain ranges, the city offers the cultural advantages of a much larger town – musical events, movies, art exhibits, theater, sports and social activities. Among its attractions is the immensely popular Ojai Library; two other community libraries are located in the nearby towns of Meiners Oaks and Oak View. All three libraries constitute the Ojai Valley Libraries and are part of the Ventura County Library System.
MISSION
OVLFF (The Friends) is dedicated to building community support to promote and ensure the three Ojai Valley Libraries' roles as vibrant centers for lifelong learning and enrichment for Ojai Valley residents of all ages and backgrounds. In conjunction with the professional library staff, OVLFF seeks to extend and enhance high-quality library services and education throughout the community. OVLFF is cognizant of its obligation to remain aware of and informed about contemporary issues that may impact public libraries. The Friends further accept the obligation to raise funds during this time of reduced government monetary support to libraries, so that the cost of the efforts, services and necessary materials needed for optimal operation can be met.
VISION
OVLFF believes libraries are most effective as public-access community centers that encourage literacy, promote the joy of reading, and provide the tools for informed decision-making. The Friends ’ role is to foster public awareness and support of the programs, materials and services available through the public libraries. OVLFF actively works to assist these educational centers in providing the broadest public access to print and electronic materials by providing a vehicle through which community members can engage, as both patrons and volunteers, with their local library and through the monetary support of library-based programs.
