Holdings

The Stanislaus County Library has reference and circulating books for adults and children, videotapes, books-on-tape, instructional foreign language audiotapes, newspapers, magazines, and government documents. In addition, we have California and federal law codes, as well as 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 may be requested at the Magazine Desk; Kelley Blue Books are at the reference desk.

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Reference

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-Saturday during regular library hours.  For online reference see Ask the Library.

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Periodicals

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 and InfoTrac, 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.

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Special Collections

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.

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Books

• 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.

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Audio-visual

• 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 collection also includes a smaller selection of movies and non-fiction titles on VHS.
• The library has audio books on both cd and tape. The library also carries playaways, which are audio books preloaded on a digital player. The library provides the playaway, while the customer provides the headphones and battery. 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 audio or videotapes.

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Home Delivery Service

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.

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Passports

The Modesto Library is now offering Passport Acceptance services on a first-come, first-served basis! The Modesto Library Reference Desk can help answer your passport questions and accept your passport application. For further information please visit our Passport Information page.

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ReadingWorks

Stanislaus Literacy Center has partnered with Stanislaus County Library to provide the ReadingWorks 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 ReadingWorks Location: 
Monday - Thursday     10 - 4
Friday  - Sunday          closed

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Traveling Tales

The Stanislaus County Library circulates storytelling kits to those who serve children aged 0-5 in Stanislaus County. Each kit is based on a theme and contains 6-10 story books, a set of activity cards or flannel board pieces, a puppet, a music CD or tape, fingerplays and instructions. After enrolling in Traveling Tales, these storytelling kits are available for check out from any of the Stanislaus County Library’s 13 branches.

At present, only previously enrolled Traveling Tales participants may borrow the kits. When the library is able to open the program to additional participants, details will be announced here.

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