Kern County Library
Library function; provider and jurisdiction must be verified.[1]
Source checked October 26, 2026[1]kerncountylibrary.org
Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.
Contact details & office locations ↓Online services & information
Use the links below for official services and provider information. Check each service’s instructions and service area.
Official public library system associated with Kern County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Read this library system’s own card instructions. Online registration, physical-card activation, residence and youth requirements may differ; use the quoted local conditions below where provided.
Before you start
- Eligibility & access · California-resident free-card category
- All California Residents are eligible for a FREE Kern County Library card. Open the door to your imagination, gain access to resources, and discover what’s available to your community through the Kern County Library. [4]
- Information & documents · Full activation, youth17-and-under guardian, and county-resident online age13+ conditions
- Finalizing your application requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and a signed paper application which may be printed online or picked up at the Library (ENGLISH/SPANISH), and transforms your Kern County Library card into a full-access card, granting you access to physical material checkout. For minors 17 and under, a guardian must be present to finalize the application and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and signed acknowledgement of financial responsibility. Kern County residents, ages 13 and over, apply online to begin the process of obtaining your Kern County Library card and to begin accessing materials online. [5]
- Eligibility & access · Non-California category: in-person identification and annual fee
- All Non-Residents are required to visit a Kern County Library location with proof of identity to receive a library card. Non-residents of California can get a library card to check out materials for an annual fee of $25. For non-residents looking to apply for a card, you must use the additional application option to begin the process. [6]
- Eligibility & access · Computer-use only card has its own application/photo-ID rule
- If you wish to use the computers, and you are unable to get a full-access Kern County Library card, you can apply for a computer-use only card. A completed library card application and a photo ID (with your First and Last name) are required. [7]
- Availability · SJVLS member-library use remains distinct from each provider’s issuance rules
- The Kern County Library is a member of the San Joaquin Valley Library System. Your library card can be used at all of the member libraries: Coalinga-Huron District, Fresno County, Kings County, Madera County, Mariposa County, Merced County, Porterville Public, Tulare County, & Tulare Public. [8]
Use the named provider’s official branch directory and confirm special opening, access or closure arrangements before travelling. A listed location does not establish library-card eligibility.
Fees
Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.
| Service | Amount | Conditions & source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial California-resident library card | $0.00initial card | California residents; full activation still needs documents and youth guardian conditions.[9] |
| Non-California resident library card | $25.00annual card | Non-California category, in-person identity verification; not every person outside Kern County pays this fee.[10] |
These are individual fee items, not a quote for your total. Other charges or exemptions may apply; confirm the total with the office.
Forms & documents
Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.
Sources & last checked4 source pages · 11 citations
Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.
- [1] KERN COUNTY LIBRARY — library services (opens in a new tab)
KERN COUNTY LIBRARY · Official library page — provider identity and services
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Kern County Library
- [2] Public Library Administrative Headquarters Directory — live 2025 report (opens in a new tab)
California State Library · Live 2025–26 administrative headquarters report — KERN COUNTY LIBRARY
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
KERN COUNTY LIBRARY701 TRUXTUN AVE.BAKERSFIELD933014816(661) 868-0700(661) 868-0701N/Ainfo@kernlibrary.orghttps://kernlibrary.orgAndieSullivanDirector of Libraries
- [3] KERN COUNTY LIBRARY — library services (opens in a new tab)
KERN COUNTY LIBRARY · Official library services page — exact library-card instructions link
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Get a Library Card
- [4] Kern County Library — Get a Library Card (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Get a Library Card — 06029 p1
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
All California Residents are eligible for a FREE Kern County Library card. Open the door to your imagination, gain access to resources, and discover what’s available to your community through the Kern County Library.
- [5] Kern County Library — Get a Library Card (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Get a Library Card — 06029 p3
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Finalizing your application requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and a signed paper application which may be printed online or picked up at the Library (ENGLISH/SPANISH), and transforms your Kern County Library card into a full-access card, granting you access to physical material checkout. For minors 17 and under, a guardian must be present to finalize the application and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and signed acknowledgement of financial responsibility. Kern County residents, ages 13 and over, apply online to begin the process of obtaining your Kern County Library card and to begin accessing materials online.
- [6] Kern County Library — Get a Library Card (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Get a Library Card — 06029 p4
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
All Non-Residents are required to visit a Kern County Library location with proof of identity to receive a library card. Non-residents of California can get a library card to check out materials for an annual fee of $25. For non-residents looking to apply for a card, you must use the additional application option to begin the process.
- [7] Kern County Library — Get a Library Card (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Get a Library Card — 06029 p6
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you wish to use the computers, and you are unable to get a full-access Kern County Library card, you can apply for a computer-use only card. A completed library card application and a photo ID (with your First and Last name) are required.
- [8] Kern County Library — Get a Library Card (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Get a Library Card — 06029 p9
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The Kern County Library is a member of the San Joaquin Valley Library System. Your library card can be used at all of the member libraries: Coalinga-Huron District, Fresno County, Kings County, Madera County, Mariposa County, Merced County, Porterville Public, Tulare County, & Tulare Public.
- [9] Kern County Library — Get a Library Card (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Get a Library Card — 06029 fee 1 initial california resident library card
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
All California Residents are eligible for a FREE Kern County Library card. Open the door to your imagination, gain access to resources, and discover what’s available to your community through the Kern County Library.
- [10] Kern County Library — Get a Library Card (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Get a Library Card — 06029 fee 4 non california resident library card
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
All Non-Residents are required to visit a Kern County Library location with proof of identity to receive a library card. Non-residents of California can get a library card to check out materials for an annual fee of $25. For non-residents looking to apply for a card, you must use the additional application option to begin the process.
- [11] Kern County Library — Hours & Locations (opens in a new tab)
Kern County Library · Kern County Library — Hours & Locations — 06029 branch directory
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The Library serves the Kern County community through 22 physical locations, one bookmobile, and a vast eLibrary collection, providing access to resources, services, and programs both in person and online.