Library policies
The Library was established in 1910. It operates under the general supervision of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, which appoints the County Librarian and the County Library Advisory Board.
The Library is funded by property taxes, state funds, library fees, and donations. Davis area voters approved a special tax in 1989 for additional services at the Stephens Davis Branch including Sunday hours. The cities of West Sacramento and Winters also contribute additional funds for enhanced library services.
Yolo County Library Collection Development Policy [pdf]
Freedom to Read Statement [pdf] ; Freedom to View Statement [pdf] ; Library Bill of Rights [pdf]
The Yolo County Library Advisory Board, in solidarity with Yolo County Library, is committed to diversity and inclusion of all people, including marginalized groups such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
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- Treat people, materials and furniture with respect.
- Speak and act in a manner that doesn’t disturb others.
- Leave pets, bicycles, and any large objects outside the building.
- Young children must be closely supervised by a responsible adult.
- Honor all library rules and procedures.
- Immediately report suspicious, unsafe, or discourteous behavior to a staff member.
- Consume food and drink outside the library or in designated areas.
Any person who intentionally interferes with the business of the library by obstructing or in intimidating those attempting to carry on business in the library and who refuses to leave the library after being requested to do so by the library management is guilty of a misdemeanor crime under California Penal Code Section 602.1.
Library Cards
When you apply for a Yolo County Library card, you need to present written verification of your present mailing address, preferably your driver’s license. Children under age 18 need the signature of a parent or legal guardian on the application form. The library card gives you borrowing privileges at all Yolo County Library branches. Residents of California are eligible to obtain library cards from most public libraries in this state.
Borrowing Privileges
Patrons may borrow books and audiobooks for three weeks. Most other library materials circulate for one week. Check our fines and checkout limits for updated information.
Renewals and Returns
Most library books and materials may be renewed via our online catalog or in person, except for those items on “hold”.
Requests and Holds
Holds can be placed online or at any branch on any circulating items owned by Yolo County Library. For materials not found in the Yolo County Library catalog, you can search the LINK+ catalog or make a request at any branch for items we don’t own. Learn more about reading programs and services here.
Public Computers
Library branches offers public access computers that are connected to the internet. Call or visit your branch for details.
Yolo County Library Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Yolo County Library offers the Internet to the public in keeping with its mission to provide access for all to books and other media to inform, entertain and inspire. Users of the Internet should be aware that the Internet is a global entity. Yolo County Library specifically disclaims any warranty as to the information’s accuracy, authoritativeness, and timeliness. This library shall have no liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to the use of information. Some Internet sites contain information which one may find controversial or offensive. The library has no control over the information on the Internet, makes no attempt to censor the information and cannot be held responsible for its content. As is the case with other resources in the library’s collection, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
To reduce the risk of unauthorized access to personal accounts and information, all users should log off of any personal accounts properly. The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any unauthorized access to personal accounts or information.
ACCEPTABLE USE:
- The Internet workstation must be used in a responsible manner. Users must respect the rights of others and take care with the use of the equipment. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed. Additional software or files may not be installed or downloaded to any library computer.
- Users are prohibited from using workstations to access the personal accounts and information of prior users. Any use or attempted use of a workstation for such purposes will result in the loss of workstation privileges. The workstation cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, California, or local laws.
- It is the user’s responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Internet and to respect the copyright laws of the United States.
- The County of Yolo is committed to providing an environment free from harassment. Users are not to display on screens and/or printers materials which may be reasonably construed to be obscene or objectionable by community standards.
Meeting Room Policy
The Stephens-Davis, Turner West Sacramento, Winters, Esparto and Yolo branches have meeting rooms that can be reserved for use. The Library Meeting Room Policy [pdf].
Clarksburg Library has a meeting room that is managed by the Friends of the Clarksburg Library.
To use a library meeting room, visit the locations page of your branch, call or visit for details.
