Mission Statement

The vision of the library is to be a model of excellence for small, rural county libraries by striving to provide to all, with pride and integrity, life-long learning opportunities, social interactions, cultural enrichment, information and recreational reading in affordable and accessible formats. Libraries within Mono County attempt to be a hub of community information, to provide technology access to all, and to maintain outstanding staff, volunteer, and library facilities to best meet the needs of each community.   

The Mono County Free Library was established in 1965 as a joint school-community library system. This library is operated by the Mono County Office of Education under the direction of the Mono County Superintendent of Schools.

The County Librarian, Administrative Assistant and a Volunteer Coordinator administrate the library system. The Administrative office is located in the Mammoth Lakes Branch at 960 Forest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Policies

The Mono County Library System upholds the principals of intellectual freedom and the public’s right to know by providing people of all ages with access to material that reflects a diversity of points of view. This library system affirms its support of the basic library policies defined in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Libraries: an American value.

Confidentiality of Patron Information

In accordance with California State Law (Gov. code section 6267), all registration and circulation records shall remain confidential. The Library’s computerized circulation system shall not keep historical records of materials borrowed by individuals. Once an item is returned and any fine due on it is paid, the item shall be immediately removed from the patron record. Records shall be maintained on fines that are unpaid; records shall also be retained for information on the number of times fines or other charges have been excused.

Library records are maintained solely for administrative purposes. They are not to be used to identify the types of materials borrowed by an individual, and library staff will not provide information to a third party about what a patron of the library has borrowed. The library will provide circulation information (printed or verbal) to the concerned library card holder or person authorized in writing by the library card holder. Information regarding overdue items will be made available to the financially responsible person.

Selection Responsibility

The County Librarian evaluates materials purchased or donated to the library system. With the assistance of branch librarians and other designated individuals, the County Librarian selects materials for branch libraries and the bookmobile. Ultimate responsibility for the contents of the library’s collection resides with the Mono County Library Authority Board, who approve all additions to the collection.

Selection Criteria

Selection of items by the library is based upon, but not limited to, the following:
bullet Present and potential relevance to community needs.
bullet Suitability of subject, style and reading level for the intended audience.
bullet Timeliness of the subject and/or format.
bullet Reputation and/or significance of author, illustrator, publisher, or producer.
bullet Review by one or more appropriate professional journals.
bullet Critics’ and staff members’ reviews.
bullet Relationship to existing materials in the collection, including special collections.
bullet Cost in relationship to funds available.
bullet Format, reliability, and accuracy of subject matter.
bullet Popularity and public demand.

Gifts

All gifts are subject to evaluation by the same criteria as purchased materials. Specific guidelines for donated materials are outlined in Mono County policy 1138A.

Internet Use

Internet service is available at all Mono County Libraries (except the Bookmobile), according to established rules and guidelines.

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