Administrative Office

Mission

The Mission of Monterey County Free Libraries is to bring ideas, inspiration, information and enjoyment to our community.

Vision

Monterey County is a community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and pursue happiness.

Collections

Our collection includes a variety of formats including books, books in large print, books on tape, books on CDs, DVDs, videos, newspapers, magazines and electronic resources. We have books in Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean, and magazines and videos in Spanish and Vietnamese. All materials are selected in accordance with the Collection Development Policy.

Our Californiana collection, located at the Prunedale Branch, consists of books on the history of Monterey County and California. Historical photographs, pamphlets, papers and maps are located at the Library Administrative Office in Marina. The photographs have been digitally reproduced and copies can be purchased for a fee. The collection can be viewed by appointment only Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Appointments are made according to staff availability. Please call 831-883-7567 to make an appointment or view a sample of the images.

Prunedale Library started out as a school library in 1919; it became affiliated with MCFL October 5, 1936.
Square Footage:7,200

History and Organization

Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) was established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on August 6, 1912, under the authority of the County Library Law of 1911. Public services began in 1913 with the appointment of Miss Anne Hadden as the first County Librarian on September 2 of that year. Within six months, she opened five library branches, starting with the first branch in Greenfield. Early branch collections and reading rooms were located in various community spaces, including private residences, schools, stores, and even in Big Sur at the Post Office.

The library system operates under the legislative authority of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and the administrative oversight of the County Administrative Officer. The system is led by a County Librarian who is appointed by the County Administrative Officer. Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) is classified as a "less-than-countywide, dependent special district" because its service area does not encompass the cities of Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Salinas, each of which has its own municipal library.

MCFL operates seventeen branch libraries, two bookmobiles, and a library-by-mail program. Additionally, it offers a variety of special programs, including a literacy program that features a vehicle dedicated to family literacy and kindergarten readiness. Free library services are available to all residents of Monterey County.

Budget

Funding for MCFL comes primarily from a share of the property tax collected within its service area. This share is about one cent per dollar collected (as of 1996). Small amounts of additional funding come from the County General Fund, the State of California, from donations and from library fees and fines.  Information on the Monterey County Budget can be found here.

Additional or enhanced services are provided through funding from the Foundation for MCFL. These enhanced services include adult literacy tutoring, after school homework assistance, enhanced library book and material purchasing, technology services for public use and public access to internet, and youth services program support for library staff training and for direct public service.

California State Library Report Access

Administrative Staff