Strategic Plan–Technology Access

The Stanislaus County Library’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan identifies key roles of the Library, including its role in supporting TECHNOLOGY ACCESS. This means ensuring that all community members have access to up-to-date technology and digital tools and providing computer and internet access, as well as resources, to bridge the digital divide. Check out these recent annual stats and learn more here.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Take a minute to think of the many reasons we love our library. And check out what some authors and celebs had to say, too!

Books, lots of books. That’s what people expect to find at the library. Visitors to the Modesto Library also know they have access to magazines, movies on DVDs, computers with internet access and more.

Most people don’t know that at our Modesto library, you can also borrow:
 A free pass to state parks.
 A blood pressure kit.
 A chance to check out a high-demand book, even if the hold list is long.
 Even a ukelele!

Many of these items have become available in recent years through partnerships with other government entities and local nonprofits. Modesto Library director Chris Moreno explains that the state parks passes have been available for almost four years through the state parks system and the state library.

There are 192 parks passes and they have been checked out 3,820 times. A more elaborate Park Pass Backpack kit includes binoculars, walking sticks, a pocket microscope, emergency horn, flashlight and plant and wildlife field guides. The library has 36 of those kits. If all the kits or passes are out then cardholders can place a hold, just like they can do for a regular book or ebook.

The ukelele kits, an idea borrowed from the Los Angeles library, Chris said, were funded through a state library grant. They’ve been checked out 260 times since 2021.

The library also offers Story into Song kids (through a partnership with Opera Modesto), Reading Pathways kids and board games. The heart monitoring kits are available three weeks at a time through a partnership with the American Heart Association.

A program called Discover and Go offers free or discounted admissions to museums and other cultural venues around the state. Chris suggested that many people also may not know about the library of auto manuals for those who want to do car repair.

Another recent addition – mobile printing. A person can send the page or pages they want printed to the library branch of their choice and pick copies up there. The price is only 10 cents for black & white and 25 cents for color.

Home delivery of books also is available and now has three dedicated staff members, who can offer book suggestions.

How to learn about what’s available? Spend some time exploring the Stanislaus County Library website, or ask a staff member when you visit the library. You can also call the reference desk: 209-558-7814.

Our library is not just a library of books but of many things. Check it out.