Now you can use your Kern Library card to check out a free vehicle day-use pass for 200+ California state parks. Research shows that spending time in the outdoors is associated with better mental and physical health, and that many Californians face barriers to accessing their parks. California has a wealth of state parks, and […]
WELCOME to the Beale Memorial Library. We invite you to view an important collection of fine art placed throughout the building. The selection of these works, by 19th and 20th century California artists, was begun in 1987 and completed in 1995. The collection was made possible through funds raised by the Kern County Library Foundation.* These […]
MissionThe Kern County Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for families and children. To make the Library an enjoyable place and to encourage a love of books, reading, and learning, the Library offers designated children’s and teen areas, programs, and services. PurposeThe Library encourages children and their parents/guardians to use its […]
MissionThe Library recognizes its unique position and responsibility to build community and cultivate opportunities for Kern County residents to participate fully in our society as an informed citizenry, by connecting people, resources, ideas, information, and technology. The goal of the Library is to provide an environment where all visitors are welcome. PurposeCounty residents expect each […]
PurposeIt is the purpose of the Library to maintain a healthy and clean environment appropriate for Library visitors and the protection of Library materials and equipment. With health and cleanliness in mind, the goal is to provide guidelines for visitors to enjoy food and drink responsibly yet maintain Library property and prevent disruption to other […]
Access Veterans Resources
Read Together, Be Together A Literacy Program for Pre-readers The Kern County Library is excited to offer a fun, easy, and FREE program that promotes reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers. We encourage parents to bond with their children through reading. Our goal is to help parents understand the importance of literacy even before children […]
In 1988, with the construction of the new Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield, the local history collection received its own room, named for major benefactor Jack Maguire (1913-1985). Download Local History Room Policy
The Kern County Genealogical Society (KCGS) was formed in 1964 in the southern portion of California’s Central Valley. As of 1981, per an agreement between the Kern County Board of Supervisors, the Library, and the KCGS, the Society integrated its collection into the Kern County Library and is currently housed in the Genealogy Room at […]
