Stanislaus County Library

Stanislaus County Library Responds to COVID-19

During times of crisis, it can be daunting to find reliable sources of information. The Stanislaus County Library has compiled a list of links to official sources on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (SCHSA) and other official sources, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Steps Stanislaus County Library is taking

The Stanislaus County Library holds the health and well-being of our users and community as our highest priority. Throughout this rapidly evolving situation, we have closely followed the guidance of public health officials related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

• Stanislaus County Libraries are temporarily closed to the public.
• Stanislaus County Libraries began offering modified services on Monday, March 23, including telephone reference, book recommendations, and no-contact pick-up of library materials (holds). Call (209) 558-7814 in Modesto, or call your local branch. More information about modified services and locations
• Prior to closing libraries, we modified cleaning procedures and cancelled public programs.
• We routinely post health hygiene recommendations for the public and staff to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions about library services.

During Library Closure

Please enjoy access to a variety of digital materials, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming video, available instantly on your home computer or digital device. To access these resources, please select E-Resources from the menu. Please call (209) 558-7814, or your local library, for assistance with digital materials.

Reminder: These everyday preventive actions help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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.

Turlock Library Expansion

The Turlock Library is growing!

The Turlock Library will be closed for expansion and renovation beginning March 16, 2020. Completion of the expanded Turlock Library is expected in Spring 2021. The expansion project will increase the size of the library by 60%, with larger spaces for children’s and teen collections, a community room, a makerspace and outdoor spaces for library programming.

As a preventative measure, and following guidance from organizations such as the CDC and the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, the City of Turlock is suspending all activity at the Turlock Senior Center. This includes planned library services, specifically holds pick-up and weekly Story Times.

During the closure, we invite you to visit and pick up holds from our nearby libraries.

• Denair Library, 4801 Kersey Road, Denair, CA 95316 (5 miles)
• Keyes Library, 4420 Maud Avenue, Keyes, CA 95328 (6 miles)
• Hughson Library, 2412 A Third Street, Hughson, CA 95326 (8 miles)
• Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia Street, Ceres, CA 95307 (10 miles)

You can find a complete list of our locations and hours here.

If you would like to change the pick-up location of hold you have placed that has not yet been filled, please visit our website or Library mobile app to access your account and make the change online.

To change the pick-up location of a hold that has already been filled, please call the Modesto Library Circulation Department at 209-558-7808 for assistance.

Cover to Cover Reading Program Extended

Keep reading - new end date to be determined

Children aged 4 to 12 are invited to participate in In-N-Out Burger’s Cover to Cover program. For every five books a child reads, they will earn a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger from In-N-Out Burger. Pick up a reading log at any Stanislaus County community library. Each participant can receive up to three certificates while supplies last.

Originally scheduled for March 7 - April 18, the Cover to Cover reading program has been extended in light of temporary library closures. A new end date will be determined after the library reopens.

Summer Reading Challenge Bookmark Contest

March 2 - 28, 2020

Open to All Ages

In celebration of Summer Reading, the Stanislaus County Library is having a bookmark design contest. Submit your original artwork by Saturday, March 28 at 5 pm for a chance to have your art turned into a bookmark. Pick up or download contest rules for full details.

March Book Madness

Vote for your favorite books as they go head to head for the chance to become this year's champion.

Each Monday, the books with the most votes will advance to the next round. Vote as many times as you like.

Vote and view this year's contenders

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 2017-2018 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
• InfoPeople Affordable Care Act Resources

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.