Library Services


  • DVDs are shelved near the front of the library. The library does not carry new releases, but does carry feature film titles that are two years or older. Selections include classics, hard to find films, and films that are based on novels or won awards. The library also carries a wide selection of non-fiction titles.
  • The library has audio books on CD. Selections include popular fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as foreign language instruction.

The library does not have equipment for in-library use of audiotapes, CDs, or DVDs.

  • Fiction books are shelved according to the last name of the author.
  • Non-fiction items are shelved according to the Dewey classification.
  • Other book areas include large print, test books, biographies, teens' books, paperback fiction and foreign-language.

Stanislaus County Libraries offer a variety of services for adults and children that we host at the library. We also offer many of these same services in the community. Services include Story Times, crafts, workshops, and more.

The Stanislaus County Library has reference and circulating books for adults and children, books-on-CD, instructional foreign language CDs, newspapers, magazines, and government documents. In addition, we have California and federal law codes, college catalogs for all colleges in California and some out-of-state institutions, topographic maps, telephone books from around the world, and pamphlets. Special areas are set aside for genealogy and Californiana. Chilton's automobile repair manuals and Kelley Blue Books may be requested at the Reference Desk.

Home delivery service is available for customers who are unable to come to the library due to advanced age, injury or illness. It is a once a month service with materials delivered by volunteers. Call (209) 558-7817 for more information.

Stanislaus Literacy Center has partnered with Stanislaus County Library to provide the LearningQuest Adult Literacy program which offers free educational services to adults. For more information on the program, such as how to volunteer as a tutor, or how to receive tutoring services, please see Program and volunteer information.

Modesto Library LearningQuest Location Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 4 pm
Friday - Sunday: closed

The Modesto and Salida Libraries offer Passport Acceptance services by appointment only. The Modesto Library Reference Desk and the Salida Library can help answer your passport questions and accept your passport application. For further information please visit our Passport Information page.

The library subscribes to many newspapers and hundreds of magazines. The library carries several indexes for use within the library. Access to online magazine indexes, such as Gale's OneFile, is also provided within the library, as well as through the library website. Current issues of magazines and issues older than 6 months do not circulate.

Reference materials in the Stanislaus County Free Library cannot be checked out, with the exception of older encyclopedias. There are separate business and law reference sections.

Stanislaus County residents may call in with reference questions. The telephone number is (209) 558-7814. Telephone reference service is available Monday-Thursday and Saturday during regular library hours. For online reference see Ask the Library.

The Special Collections room at the Modesto Library includes works on genealogy, sections on California and local history, and older high school yearbooks. This area also includes non-current editions of local telephone and city directories. None of these items may be checked out. The Special Collections room is maintained as a "quiet area" of the library.

The Stanislaus County Library circulates storytelling kits to any adult with a current Stanislaus County Library Card. Each theme kit contains 4-8 books (most include at least 1 Spanish book), 1 puppet, 1-2 music CDs, and a packet with fingerplays and instructions. These storytelling kits are available for check out from any of the Stanislaus County Library’s 13 branches. A printable list of themes is available here.

Military personnel, veterans and their families will find information regarding benefits, housing, education, employment, and healthcare at the Modesto Library Veterans Resource Center. Visit the Reference Desk Monday - Thursday, 12:00 - 5:00 pm, for assistance. For a list of resources, please visit Veterans Resource Center on our website.

To connect to the library's Wi-Fi network:

  • Choose "Stanislaus_Library" in your devices's Wi-Fi settings.
  • A browser will open and display the Wireless Internet Policy.
  • Click “Accept” on the Wireless Internet Policy to begin your Wi-Fi session.