Tulare County Improves Book Access for Residents

October 29, 2010

Residents in northern Tulare County now have access to library books any time of the day.

Tulare County Library officials invite the community to attend the unveiling of the Cutler Lending Library, an automatic book machine in Cutler which will make hundreds of books available to residents who choose to use library services. The unveiling is set for 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 at the Cutler Public Utilities District office, 40526 Orosi Dr. Cutler, CA 93615.

“This is a pilot project that the Tulare County Library system is extremely proud of,” said Brian Lewis, Tulare County Librarian. “If successful, this project will serve as a model the library can use for other underserved, unincorporated communities that do not have access to a public library.”

Lewis said the cost of the Cutler Lending Library is $100,000. Half of the funding is provided through a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant. The other half of the funding is provided through a match by the Tulare County Library and donations solicited by the Tulare County Library Foundation.

“USDA Rural Development recognizes the important role libraries fill in expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life in rural areas,” said Mike Carnes, USDA Area Director. “We applaud the efforts of Tulare County to use innovative methods like this to expand service in these difficult economic times and welcome the opportunity to be of assistance in this project.”

The Cutler Lending Library is simple to use. Residents can come to the machine day or night, scan their library card, and select the book they would like. For example, if they see a children’s book that they like, they can simply select the letter number combination to retrieve the book.

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Steve Worthley, who represents Cutler and Orosi, said providing library book access to unincorporated communities is a good step to improving Tulare County’s adult functional illiteracy rate, which stands at 41 percent.

“Providing library book access to all residents, including young children, is the key to preventing illiteracy,” Supervisor Worthley said. “This machine is a great example of the library providing a program to meet their local community’s needs.”

Residents who do not have a library card can visit the Orosi Branch Library, 12646 Ave. 416 Orosi, CA 93647. On Monday, Tulare County’s bookmobile will be issuing cards at the event to interested residents.