Stanislaus County Library

Stanislaus County Libraries are open without capacity restrictions

Stanislaus County Libraries are open to the public! In keeping with the current public health order, face coverings must be worn while inside library facilities, regardless of vaccine status. All public computers are available for use, with a maximum of three hours (180 minutes) per person per day, in 60 minute sessions.

Most locations are open Monday through Friday; Modesto and Salida Libraries are open Monday through Thursday and Saturday; Empire Library is open Tuesday through Saturday; see the complete list of hours here.

Libraries in Denair and Keyes continue to offer holds pick-up only at this time. The Turlock Library remains closed for expansion and renovation. It is expected to reopen in August.

Book returns reopened on March 22 and there is no longer a quarantine period on returned materials. Libraries have also resumed accepting book donations.

Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up month. Let's celebrate with an all ages, community reading challenge hosted on Beanstack. Log the time you spend reading, or reading to someone, to help reach our community goal of 100,000 minutes read for the month of September. All reading in any format counts. Did you know a Stanislaus County Library card gives you access to more than just books? It's true! A library card gives everyone a chance to create, learn, and discover through databases, computer access, and more. More information about getting a library card is available here. And don’t forget to register for the reading challenge!

Turlock Library Expansion Project

The renovated and expanded Turlock Library reopened on August 10. Visit the Turlock Library Expansion & Renovation page for additional information, construction photos, and more.

A video of the dedication ceremony held on August 9 is available here.

Extreme Heat

With hot summer weather upon us, remember to drink plenty of water and avoid outdoor activity during the heat of the day. Seek air conditioned spaces. During periods of extreme high temperatures, libraries and other community locations are Cooling Zones. For more information and heat safety tips, please visit StanEmergency.

eMagazine update

Effective July 1, 2021, the digital magazines previously enjoyed from OverDrive and the Libby app will no longer be available. We are transitioning to Flipster for eMagazines, which is available now.

Flipster offers an easy, browse-able reading experience. Magazines can be read on a computer or downloaded to Android™ phones and tablets, Apple® phones and tables, and Kindle Fire tablets for offline reading anytime, anywhere.

For more information about eMagazines and Flipster, please visit our eMagazine Information page.

Empire Library Building Project

The new Empire Library located at 98 I Street, next to the Regional Water Safety Center/Empire Pool and park, opened for operation beginning June 9. Visit the Empire Library Building Project page for details.

A video of the celebration of the completion of the Empire Community Library on Tuesday, June 8 is available here.

La nueva Biblioteca de Empire está ubicada en el 98 de la calle I al lado del Centro Regional de Seguridad Hídrica/la Piscina de Empire y Parque, la biblioteca abrió para proveer servicio al público el 9 de junio. Visite nuestra página acerca del Proyecto de Construcción de la Biblioteca de Empire para obtener más información.

Aquí se encuentra un video de la celebración del martes, 8 de junio, de la clausura del proyecto de construcción de la Biblioteca Comunitaria de Empire.

Teen Book Box Information

Register today for a Teen Book Box! Each box in this FREE teen subscription program will contain a handpicked reading recommendation based on your preferences, treats, and swag. Return the book and box by their due date but keep the treats and swag. Teens can register each month for another exciting box, to be picked up at the Stanislaus County Library location of their choosing. Register here. Is the list full? Mark your calendars, a new list opens the first of every month.

Brainfuse JobNow & VetNow

The library is now offering JobNow and VetNow, which features live online assistance, resume lab help, and wide range of academic tools to help job seekers and veterans reach their goals. Users have access to live help from tutors and job coaches. Log in with your library card number to access the many online tools available. This service is provided through the California State Library.

Library Virtual Escape Rooms

Join us for some virtual escape rooms, also known as Panic or Breakout Rooms. In these fun activities, you'll discover clues and solve puzzles to unlock the answers. Take a walk down the yellow brick road and test your knowledge in the Wizard of Oz Escape Room.

Reading Recommendations

Need help finding your next great read? Fill out the Book Recommendations form and we will provide personalized recommendations for you.

Apply for a Digital Services Library Card here.

Language Learning

Transparent Language Online - a language-learning program is no longer available as of July 1. Please visit the language learning page for more information and to learn about other free language learning resources.

Library Wi-Fi

Free library Wi-Fi is now available outside the Modesto Library. Daily access is available 8 am to 8 pm in the library parking lot 7 days a week.

Online Payments

You can pay your library fines and fees online through our secure site.

Access the online payment site here, or select "Make a Payment" from the "Useful Sites" menu on the right, or from the "About Us" drop down menu above. Log in with your library card number and PIN. You will be able to select which fines or fees you would like to pay. There is a minimum payment of $1.00 required for online payments.

Didn't find what you were looking for in our catalog? Try Zip Books! Zip Books is a service for customers to request books and audiobooks that are not in the Stanislaus County Library's catalog. The item is delivered to your home for a three-week checkout, free of charge, using Amazon Prime. More information and request form.

Free online access to the New York Times from 1851 to present, including newspaper content, multimedia, videos, Spanish and Mandarin versions of nytimes.com, and more. To activate your subscription, register with the nytimes.com or log in with an existing account. Detailed access instructions here.

Sign up to receive news about library programs and services delivered straight to your inbox!

You can now subscribe to the library's monthly calendar of events, as well as periodic email blasts from your local library. These emails come in an engaging format that are easily accessible from a computer or mobile device.

Sign up here

Stanislaus Memory Project

You can be a part of preserving history! The purpose of the Stanislaus Memory Project is to collect, digitize and preserve photos, videos, audio, documents, and objects of historical significance, in order to preserve the unique history of Stanislaus County. The project was initiated by collecting materials related to Graffiti, cruising, and the local car culture. In the future, materials related to other aspects of the county's history will be added. The public is invited to submit photos or other materials for possible inclusion in this collection of Stanislaus County history. Please contact the Library if you wish to contribute to the Memory Project or have an idea for a future collection.

Access your "my Social Security" account, view and apply for benefits, access forms, and more.

Learn about happenings at Stanislaus County Libraries in the 2019-2020 Annual Report available here .

Not sure where to start your family history research?

Visit the Modesto Library. Members of the Genealogical Society of Stanislaus County offer free, personalized assistance in the Special Collections Room every Monday from 10 am - 3 pm. Also available by appointment. For more information, please call (209) 558-7814.

Affordable Care Act Information

Want to learn more about the Affordable Care Act? Here are some useful resources:

• Covered California

Toll free help line:

• 800-300-1506 (English)
• 800-300-0213 (Spanish)

Help is also available in 200 other languages

The California Report Card

Here's your opportunity to grade California on various issues facing our state. Anyone can participate by taking a few minutes to assign grades to the state of California on timely issues including healthcare, education, and immigrant rights. Participants are then invited to enter an online "Cafe" to propose issues for future versions of the platform.

The California Report Card works on all screens and is designed for mobile phones held vertically. To participate, please visit California Report Card

About Us

Who We Are

We are a system of 13 libraries located in communities throughout Stanislaus County. Stanislaus County Library engages all members of the community and offers access to information, knowledge, and the tools for innovation and personal development.

What We Do

• We provide information and reading material in print and electronic formats.
• We provide special programs for children and teens, designed to enhance learning and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
• We provide presentations on various topics of interest for adults.
• We offer a passport application acceptance service.
• We offer language learning materials.

What We Offer

The Stanislaus County Library provides books, books on CD, magazines, newspapers, premium content databases, and a mobile app, as well as downloadable digital content such as movies, music, TV shows, magazines, audiobooks, and language learning software. The library also offers a robust line-up of programs and presentations that enhance learning at all levels.