The Santa Maria Public Library system provides library services to about 170,000 people in northern Santa Barbara County at the Main Library, and separate branches located in Cuyama, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, and Orcutt. Santa Barbara County has contracted with the City of Santa Maria to provide library services to nearby County libraries continuously since 1961.

Contact Us:

General Information: (805) 925-0994

Administration: (805) 925-0994 extension 8561

Bookmobile: (805) 925-0994 extension 8657 or email the Bookmobile Desk

Circulation: (805) 925-0994 extension 8563

Passports: (805) 925-0994 extension 8566

Reference: (805) 925-0994 extension 8562 or email the Reference Desk

Youth Services: (805) 925-0994 extension 8564 or email the Youth Services Desk

Spanish: (805) 925-0994 extension 8565

Dawn Jackson
Library Director
Public Library
421 South McClelland Street
Santa Maria, Ca 93454
City Phone: (805) 925-0994 extension 2319
E-mail: djackson@cityofsantamaria.org

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT: 

• Master of Library and Information Sciences, San Jose State University
• Bachelor of Arts, California State University, Bakersfield
• Library Director, City of Santa Maria
• Interim Library Director, City of Santa Maria
• Librarian III, City of Santa Maria
• Librarian II, City of Santa Maria
• Librarian I, County of Kern
• Library Associate, County of Kern
• Library Serials Supervisor, Walter Stiern Library, California State University Bakersfield

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 

• American Library Association
• California Library Association
• Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services
• Association of Library Services to Children

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Library Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of operations for the Library and its major divisions of Circulation, Reference, Youth, and Outreach Services including contracted service for four County branch library locations in Cuyama, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, and Orcutt.

MISSION STATEMENT

To inspire literacy and lifelong learning, embracing and strengthening our diverse community through free and equitable access to information, knowledge and services.

2023-24 Goals and Objectives

1. Enhance Library program opportunities for children and families by partnering with Children’s Resource and Referral and other community organizations to establish an Early Learning Library Hub and Library programs in alternate community physical locations around the community.

    

2. Support the Smart City, Safe City vision by expanding Bookmobile services in the City and County with Measure U funding by adding three additional stops to the regular route and increasing outreach focusing on underserved populations in the community.

    

3. Continue working with an architectural firm to complete assessment of Main Library layout and begin planning phase for redesign spaces, to meet anticipated patron needs and enhance the Library experience.

    

4. Install updated security camera equipment and software aligning with the Smart City Safe City vision.

    

5. Create an internal professional development series for library personnel to increase technical proficiency and industry knowledge, leading to higher staff engagement and job satisfaction.(Observation: This takes a nearly annual goal to the next level).

    

6. Implement two part-time dedicated Library Security Officers, through Measure U funding, to provide continued safety for Public Library users and staff. (Observation: this is funded by the mid-cycle budget).

    

7. Collaborate with the Finance Department to assess Library patron accounts in collections and develop criteria for resolving same to ensure streamlined operations.

    

8. Evaluate current trends for collection development and circulation to adjust purchasing allocations, maximizing available funding, and increasing operational efficiency.

    

9. Prepare an analysis of Black Gold services to determine the value versus cost of membership and ensure proper expenditure of City funds.

    

10. Establish a working group with CMO to create a document outlining city values and business operational practices for clear communication to staff and the public regarding values and work alignment for the city.

Library Organizational Chart

• How do I get a library tour?

  Youth Services - (805) 925-0994 extension 8564 for patrons up to the age of 18

  Adult Services - (805) 925-0994 extensions 8562

  All other requests - (805)925-0994 extension 8561

• How do I get a library card?

  Apply online at https://sm.blackgold.org/MyAccount/eCARD to get an electronic library card and begin placing holds, using e-books and other electronic content immediately. Visit the Black Gold website to review options or call the library at (805)925-0994 extension 8563 for more information. Parents or guardians must sign the application form for children under the age of 18. For more information, call the Library at (805) 925-0994 extension 8563. 

   

   

• How long can I keep library materials?

  Most materials are checked out for three weeks. If there are no holds by other library patrons, items will automatically renew two days before the due date. There is a 3-renewal limit on all items. Some restrictions apply for items in the Library of Things, laptops, and hot spots.

• How do I place a hold on library materials?

  Visit the library website at sm.blackgold.org, search by author, title, or keyword to find your next favorite read or movie.

• Does the library only have books?

  The library is pleased to offer more than just book. Browse the Library of Things, mobile devices such as laptops and hotspots, and more. See library staff for details.

• How do I use the library?

  The Library is free and open to all community members. Visit the library or one of the branches during regular library hours. Hours vary by branch.

• What are the library’s policies?

  See Library policies (click link).

• What are the current borrowing limits?

  Patrons may borrow up to 50 items from the Library.

• Do you charge fines?

  Fines for most items (books, DVDs/Blu-ray discs are .25 per day, for a maximum of $8.00 per item. 

  Book Club in a Bag fines are $1.00 per day, for a maximum of $8.00 per item. 

• Does the library accept donations?

  Yes, the library accepts donations. Please see library policies for more information.

• How do I get a passport?

  The Santa Maria Public Library is an authorized United States Passport acceptance facility. Appointments are required. We offer the following services:

  • Processing for first-time applicants (if your expired passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you may qualify as a first-time applicant. Visit the State Department website for more information).
  • Expedited processing

  Passport Processing Hours: *

  Monday: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

  Tuesday: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

  Wednesday: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

  Thursday: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

  * Appointments are required

  Call for an appointment: (805) 925-0994 ext. 8566

  Steps for applying for a passport at the Santa Maria Public Library

  • Please come prepared for your appointment. It is important that you read through all of the instructions below.

  1. Make an appointment with the Library.

  2. Bring a completed, unsigned application form DS-11 (download application form as a PDF or complete application form online and print)

  3. Bring proof of United States citizenship. These must be original documents – no copies. Original documents must be submitted, and will be returned to you by the U.S. Department of State. Acceptable evidence of citizenship includes: Certified U.S. Birth Certificate, Naturalization Certificate, previous U.S. Passport (may be expired, must be undamaged).

  Note: The U.S. Birth Certificate must be original and list your full name, date & place of birth, and parent(s) full names. The California Certified Abstract of Birth and the Texas Certified Abstract of Birth are NOT ACCEPTED by the U.S. State Department. You may NOT submit a hospital birth record. See the Passport website for additional requirements.

  If you need your birth certificate, contact the appropriate County Recorder or Registrar of Birth.

  4. Bring a government issued ID.

  Acceptable identification includes valid Driver's License, California ID card, previously issued U.S. Passport or current military ID card.

  5. Bring one 2-inch by 2-inch photograph.

  6. Bring your Social Security Number.

  7. Bring two checks or money orders for fees.

  8. For passports for minors, both parents and the child must appear and there are special additional requirements.

      Please see: Passports for Minors Under 16 years old and Passports for Children Age 16 and 17.

  Fees

  The U.S. Department of State and Santa Maria Public Library accept only checks or money orders at this time. Cash, debit/credit and starter checks are not accepted.

  Costs are determined by the U. S. Department of State.

  Please make Application Fee checks payable to U.S. Department of State and Acceptance/Execution Fee checks payable to the Santa Maria Public Library.

• How do I use Hoopla/Libby/other e-content devices?

  Download e-reader apps from your favorite app store (Apple App Store or Google Play)