The Modoc County Library system consists of a Main Library in Alturas, California, and three library branches located in Adin, Cedarville, and Lookout. The Modoc County Library collection offers over 67,000 items, including books, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, and magazines. An extensive local history section preserves our regional past through historical books, microfilm, newspaper archives, high school yearbooks, and more.
As a proud member of the NorthNet Library System, we provide our patrons access to Library-to-Go (Libby), a digital network featuring over 100,000 digital titles (e-books, audiobooks, and magazines). In addition to physical and digital materials, the library provides print and electronic reference resources, public computer access, and high-speed wireless internet for mobile devices. Library visitors of all ages are welcome to attend our regular programming, including children's story times, the annual Summer Reading Program, and various special presentations.
Our Mission:
"Open to all, the Modoc County Library is dedicated to building a thriving, educated, and enlightened community through literacy and lifelong learning."
The primary responsibility of the Modoc County Library is to provide a broad and diverse choice of materials to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of our community.
Core Goals:
- Provide popular, engaging materials for all age groups.
- Promote lifelong learning, exploration, discovery, and enrichment.
- Support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Provide a welcoming physical space for community gatherings.
Our History:
1906: The Women’s Improvement Club establishes a local Reading Room.
1908: Ms. Anna Williams applies for a Carnegie Grant to build a formal library.
1915: The Modoc County Free Library is officially established by the Board of Supervisors.
1916: The Carnegie Library is constructed at the corner of Court and E. North Street.
1936: Ms. Anna Williams retires as County Librarian.
1947: October 25: The Carnegie Library building is declared structurally unsafe. The library is
"temporarily" relocated to 212 W. Third Street, Alturas.
1988: Aug 1: Formation of the Mello-Roos Community Facility Library District.
Nov: Voters pass ballot measure to save the Modoc County Library from closure.
Dec: A dedicated Library Tax Levy is approved by the Board of Supervisors.
1997: October 25: The community observes the 50th anniversary of the library in its "temporary" Third Street quarters.
2016: May 19: The community gathers for a celebration of the Modoc County Library Centennial.