Despite summer being a typically busy season, libraries on the Monterey Peninsula are seeing fewer in-person visitors. During a county briefing on Wednesday, Monterey County Free Libraries Director Hillary Theyer outlined current library services and remote access options for residents unable to visit in person.

“Our

are noticing fewer participants in some of our core programs that we offer, especially during the summer when kids are out of school,” Theyer said.

All California residents are eligible for a Monterey County Free Libraries card. Cards can be requested online at catalog.emcfl.org/myaccount/selfreg and are mailed statewide, typically arriving within two to five business days. For residents in shelters, hospitals, temporary housing, or other non-traditional settings, library staff are available by phone to coordinate delivery options.

“We can serve people who are getting mail at a shelter, who might be in the hospital, a temporary home, a cabin, they might be students or in the foster care system,” Theyer said. “I guarantee we’ve seen it all.”

Physical library materials including books, DVDs and audiobooks, can be mailed for free to county residents with no proof of need or additional registration required. Items are mailed in both directions at no cost.

“People often think they have to come in and place a hold,” Theyer said. “If we can mail it to you, we will mail it to you, for free.”

Electronic materials are available through apps such as Libby, Palace, Tumblebooks and Comics Plus. These platforms offer access to eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels and more options through a phone or computer.

In addition to books and information, The Free Libraries website offers services like homework help, and sites for job assistance and veterans’ resources.

Librarians are available to answer questions by phone or online. Residents can use the Ask A Librarian email at 611-seaside-ref@countyofmonterey.gov or the online form at countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-i-z/library/how-do-i/ask-a-librarian.

The Online Summer Reading Club runs through July 31, and participants can track their reading at emcfl.beanstack.org/reader365. Year-round virtual programs are also available on YouTube at mcflvirtualprograms.

Other services include Dial-A-Story, a toll-free line at (833) 613-2331, which features weekly stories read in English and Spanish.

For more information, visit the Monterey County Free Libraries website at www.emcfl.org.