Kern County Library System in Bakersfield, California

I love the library, our family travels a lot so every city we move to we find the closest library and obtain our laminated cards and start checking out books, CDs and DVDs. Each library has something new to offer our family, whether it's a special appearance by a known author or story time for younger children, the library is a place where you can still remember the joys of checking out a book as a child and help to create those memories for your kids too.

When we moved to Bakersfield, California we found the closest library to us and gathered up the kids and went for a visit. Kern County has 8 branches within Bakersfield and 18 branches outside of the Bakersfield area. They also have two book mobiles that stop in selected locations. You can have materials delivered to the closest branch to you regardless of where they are being housed.

Baker Branch

This branch is located at 1400 Baker Street in Bakersfield, California. This branch was built in 1915; since this location is smaller than the others their hours are limited. They are closed on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. They are open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. A printable events calendar link is available for each month and branch on Adobe PDF.

Beale Memorial Branch

This branch is located at 701 Truxtun Ave in Bakersfield, California. This branch has a lot of history behind it. The original library was dedicated on June 2, 1900, it was destroyed by the 1952 earthquake, and a second library was completed and moved to the new location in 1988. This branch is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. government documents. The Beale branch also has a genealogy room and volunteers are available Monday through Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Other features include Preschool Storytime on Mondays at 10:30am and Twilight Tales Storytime on Thursdays at 7:00pm. They also have a computer lab that will teach classes on Word, basic internet and beginning surfing for those who want to learn, all classes are free. They also have meeting rooms if you need one. They are open Monday through Saturday. Monday and Tuesday, 10:00am - 9:00am. Wednesday and Thursday, 12:00pm - 9:00pm and Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm.

Bryce C. Rathbun Branch

Located at 200 West China Grade Loop in Bakersfield, California, this branch is open on Monday 12:00pm - 8:00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00am - 6:00pm, Thursday 12:00pm - 8:00pm and Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm. This branch is located near a grade school and a high school so many parents and children take advantage of its excellent location. After school many teenagers visit this library and surf the web or just hang out reading.

Depending on which library you visit there are always family events happening. I recommend downloading their events calendar to see what is available since things are always changing. There are several links on their main page that include Staff Suggests..., Just for Kids and Teen Scene. Getting a library card is free and a valid photo ID with proof of residence in Kern County is all you need, for those less than 18 years of age a parent signature is required. You can search for items and reserve them and be notified by e-mail and you can renew items on line as well. Fines vary so make sure to keep your receipt regarding due dates. Most items are checked out for three weeks.

I encourage everybody to visit their local library and see what is available to them or their family. Get a card and meet some new friends.