Lake County Library: 50 Years and Counting
Celebrating Lake County Library Service Excellence
Lake County Library celebrates 50 years of service by inviting everyone to sign up for a library card and enjoy free materials and events at its four locations and bookmobile.
With a library card, residents can access free resources, materials, and events. The Library invites everyone to visit its four branches and bookmobile to explore digital and physical resources and attend various events.
The birth of the Lake County Library. Lake County Library began in 1906 when Lakeport citizens formed a committee to establish a town library. In 1907, 80 volunteers opened the first library in the Board of Trade rooms in the Levy Building. Lakeport Library in Library Park was built with a successful $8,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. Local efforts also established libraries in Middletown, Clearlake, and Upper Lake. In 1974, 65% of voters approved the formation of the county library system. County Librarian Christopher Veach noted, “Our library system began because people united to make it happen.”
The Lake County Library locations. The Library offers free materials, Wi-Fi access, and public computers to meet informational, recreational, and cultural needs. It promotes reading and lifelong learning through various programs, funded mainly by property taxes but also donations from Friends of the Lake County Library, the Friends of Middletown Library, and individual community members. Learn more: https://www.lakecountyca.gov/1347/About-the-Library.
Services and Locations
Lakeport Library: Main branch, 1425 N. High St, Lakeport. Open Tues-Sat.
Redbud Library: Largest branch, 14785 Burns Valley Rd, Clearlake. Open Tues-Sat.
Middletown Library: Newest branch, 21256 Washington St, Middletown. Open Tues-Sat.
Upper Lake Library: Historic branch, 310 Second St, Upper Lake. Open Tues-Sat.
The library proudly hosts the California Indian Library Collections. Contact: 707-263-8817.
The Bookmobile: This 24-foot mobile library features books, DVDs, and Wi-Fi. Request items from Lake, Mendocino, or Sonoma county libraries to pick up from the bookmobile. Learn more about schedules at bookmobile route.
Library Card Benefits: A free library card provides access to digital resources like ebooks, audiobooks, online learning, and more. Apply with ID in person, by phone, or online.
Events: Enjoy various events at all branches, like game days and creative clubs. View the full calendar here. A few highlights:
Sep 27: Walking Group, Lakeport Library.
Sep 28: Happy Trails Hiking Book Club, Redbud Library, Clearlake.
Sep 28: New Spanish Books Party, Middletown Library.
Cherished Memories: Throughout the years, Lake County residents created cherished memories thanks to the Library. According to Stephen C. Klein, the first County Librarian, “It was a real treat to hear from people who had used the bookmobile, or had visited one of the libraries.”
Share your library memories at the anniversary page. The Library may feature your memory at one of our branches, on the Lake County website, or on social media. Access diverse resources and events with your Lake County Library card, fostering lifelong learning and literacy for years to come!