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.

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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.

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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.

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WHERE DO THE FUNDS GO?

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• Fund the afterschool enrichment centers in the three public libraries

• Fund the Summer Reading Program in the three libraries

• Fund Preschool Storytime

• Provide discretionary funds to the three public library librarians for program support

• Provide funding for materials support for the library programs

• Provide funding for additional book purchases

 

• We purchased, rebuilt and now provide low-cost books to the Ojai public through our Twice-Sold Tales bookstore

• We constructed and have made available to the Ojai community a meeting room in the downtown area which also provides a space for many library programs and groups

• We act as a book-recycling center through donations to Twice-Sold Tales (receiving about 300 each week!)

• We provide a meaningful volunteer opportunity to seniors and others in our community

 

Previous achievements include:

 

• 1980-1981 The Friends raised funds which contributed to the building of the new Ojai Library wing

• 1987  The Friends provided the funds and built the Secret Garden at the Ojai Library

• 1990 OVLFF was awarded the Award of Merit by the California State Friends of the Library for the creation of the Ojai Valley Trail Map

• 1991 OVLFF was awarded the Award of Merit by the California State Friends of the Library for the Secret Garden

• 2005 OVLFF purchased the historic Libbey Land Office and opened Twice-Sold Tales bookstore

• 2016-2017 OVLFF renovated the building, had it listed as an Ojai Historic Property and added the community meeting room

• 2017 The  Friends brought Little Free Libraries to the Ojai Valley

• 2025 The Friends brought the library statue now on Ojai Avenue to the city​​