The Chumash Indians considered the Valley of the Ojai as a sacred place. Chumash for
"The Moon" the valley was visited by these early people for the mineral hot springs
and the quiet vibrations sent out by the sacred mountain Topa Topa. The mountain
is still there, part of the 6000 foot Coastal Range that surrounds the valley.
Ojai is a small California city of 8,000 people but with all of the cultural activities of a much
larger town - musical events, art exhibits, theater, sports and social activities. There is an
excellent, community-owned hospital and, of course, the very active Ojai Library. Two other
community ibraries are located in the smaller, nearby towns of Meiner's Oaks and Oak View.
All of the valley's libraries are part of the larger
Ventura County Library.
Ojai is an hour and a half north of Los Angeles (75 miles up the Pacific coast), and about
35 miles from Santa Barbara. The Ojai Valley is 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean (at the
City of Ventura). The City of Ojai presents the Misson Style of architecture and reflects the
Spanish heritage of California.
The Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation (OVLFF) is a volunteer organization
dedicated to building community support to advance and ensure the public library's
unique role as a vibrant center for lifelong learning and enrichment within and for the Ojai Valley.