The Law Library Collections in the Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport public libraries contain materials for use by the public, for free, to assist in researching common legal questions or issues.  Many of the materials are available to check out with your Mono County library card.   Library staff can help you locate and navigate materials and refer you to additional legal resources and experts.  Library staff cannot provide legal advice or comments on specific scenarios or laws.    

USEFUL LOCAL ONLINE LEGAL RESOURCES AND WEBSITES:

The Superior Court of Mono County website contains information about the county court system, as well as numerous resources including:

 

Local ordinances can be found at these links:

 

The nearest California Tribal Court is the Bishop Paiute Tribal Court.

NEW! Eastern Sierra residents facing eviction or homelessness can get free legal assistance under the Remote Housing Assistance Program coordinated by the local California Indian Legal Services team.  This assistance is not limited to tribal members and is available to residents of Mono, Inyo and Alpine Counties via their office in Bishop or via any of their remote video link workstations.  Mono County stations can be found at Bridgeport and Walker Social Services Offices, Lee Vining Library,  and the Mammoth Lakes Housing office in Mammoth Lakes. Watch this 3 minute video to learn more or follow this link for specific contact details: https://www.calindian.org/rest/.

Findlaw's directory of lawyers serving Mono County.

NEW!  EBSCO's Legal Information Reference Center contains full-text e-books to help you navigate everyday legal issues from home/work/school.  All you need is a valid Mono County Library card to use these books for free!  Many of the titles are the digital versions of the same Nolo Press books we have in our print Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport collections.  Please contact your local Mono County Library branch location to get a library card.

 

ADDITIONAL CALIFORNIA STATE AND FEDERAL ONLINE LEGAL RESOURCES:

Additional information about common legal topics, the California court system, and programs administered by the California Judicial Branch can be found on the California Courts website, including additional Self-Help categories in English and Spanish, and free online legal forms, many available in Spanish.

The State Bar of California provides many resources for the public, including lawyer referral services, legal resources relating to immigration, and information for finding free legal help.

California's county public law libraries have created an online service that lets you chat live with a law librarian. The librarian can suggest or guide you to free online legal resources, recommend books and research techniques, and answer factual questions. Law librarians CANNOT interpret the law or give legal advice. Use the online Ask a Law Librarian service for research advice.   

Online video tutorials on basic legal research issues are available for viewing for free from these resources:

 

The Council of California County Law Libraries has created a 'mini-research guide' designed to step an individual through the basics of legal research.

TheLawDictionary.org features Black's Law Dictionary Free Online Legal Dictionary 2nd Edition.  Black's Law Dictionary is the leading law dictionary in the United States.

FindLaw has a number of basic legal resources free for the public to use.

STATE AND FEDERAL CODES, REGULATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND JUDICIAL OPINIONS CAN BE FOUND IN THESE ONLINE RESOURCES:

 

The Mono County Library System upholds the principals of intellectual freedom and the public’s right to know by providing people of all ages with access to material that reflects a diversity of points of view. This library system affirms its support of the basic library policies defined in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Libraries: an American Value.

Confidentiality of Patron Information

In accordance with California State Law (Gov. code section 6267), all registration and circulation records shall remain confidential.  Records shall be maintained on fines that are unpaid; records shall also be retained for information on the number of times fines or other charges have been excused.

Library records are maintained solely for administrative purposes. They are not to be used to identify the types of materials borrowed by an individual, and library staff will not provide information to a third party about what a patron of the library has borrowed. The library will provide circulation information (printed or verbal) to the concerned library card holder or person authorized in writing by the library card-holder. Information regarding overdue items will be made available to the financially responsible person.

Collection Development Policy

The Mono County Library enhances lives and strengthens our communities by providing free access to information, technology, life-long learning opportunities, social interactions, and cultural enrichment. The Library’s collections strive to support this mission by providing current, relevant, interesting and enduring works of general interest in a variety of formats to the communities served by each of our 7 locations.

Read Full Policy and Request for Reconsideration Form

Donations of Materials

All donations are subject to evaluation by the same criteria as purchased materials. Specific guidelines for donated materials are outlined in Mono County policy 1138A.

Internet Use

Internet service is available at all Mono County Libraries according to established rules and guidelines.

Library Conduct

All patrons have the right to use the library undisturbed and library employees have the right to work without undue interference. Read full policy.

Child Safety

The safety and welfare of children at the Mono County Library System is of up most importance. Read full policy.

Security Cameras

Security Cameras are used to enhance the safety and security of Mono County Library System patrons, staff and property.  Read full policy.

ESP BannerUse this section to find library programs and volunteer opportunities for teens and Young Adults, as well as additional resources and links to external websites and recommended reading lists. Click here for Chidren.

New at the Library

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  • Still stuck at home?  Connect with others through #BooksLikeUs, or books with characters you can relate to.  Books can be mirrors that help us reflect on who we are as well as windows into the realities of others -- even when we have to #StayHomeToStaySafe.  Join Mono County Libraries for the #WinterRead2021 and log your reading on Beanstack.  Sign up for free at monocolibraries.beanstack.org, log the time you spend reading, and be entered into local drawings for prizes! Need some help finding a book you can relate to?  Check out this short tutorial on how to search for books in our online catalogue by the issues the deal with.  Wanna share your reading adventures?  Don't forget to add #MonoReads to any posts you share! 

 

 

  • Also, the Mammoth Lakes Library has separated our Young Adult titles from our Youth collection!  Let's face it -- as older teens, you're simply on a different level than tweens, and it's about time you get your own section at the library.  Pass by and check out the many new title that have been added to the YA collection (a huge THANK YOU to the Mammoth Lakes Friends of the Library for their generous contribution!)

 

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Programs

Evolution of Storytelling Project

Mono County Libraries is proud to launch the Evolution of Storytelling Project.  This project is funded through the Shared Vision Grant, sponsored by the CA State Library, and it will run from September 2020 - August 2022.  In a nutshell -- join peers and Teaching Artists througout Mono County to learn about the history and art of storytelling.  Not only will you walk away with a greater understanding and appreciation for storytelling, but you'll also learn specific techniques for how to craft and shape your own stories.  #TellYourStory #OwnVoices 

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Program Opportunities

Did you know that you have your very own Youth Librarian at the Mono County Libraries?  You might know her as "that lady from the library," but she also goes by Carissa, and she's here to help you make the most out of your public library!  Yes, we have books and DVDs for you to check out and computers to use, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.  The public library is public space, which means it's also your space!  So if you have an interest or a hobby that you'd like to expand and share with others, reach out and start a conversation.  Carissa is always happy to chat with you about how we might bring your idea to life. 

Contact Information:

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Carissa Devine - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 760.965.6679; stay in touch via IG - @monolibraries395

Volunteer Opportunities

The public library is a great place to volunteer -- the possibilities are endless!  Contact your Youth Librarian (contact info above) for more detailed information.

  • Help create a Teen Advisory Board.  Meet once a month to help recommend books for our collection, create displays for your peers, create online content for website or social media, not to mention consider how to improve and promote other programs. 
  • Tutor younger students in a subject of your choice through the Virtual Homework Zone.
  • Share your passion by creating a club that younger kids can join.  

Book Sites for Young Adults

Reading Lists for Young Adults 

 

Award Winners

 

Young Adult Podcasts:

 

Mono County Library Booklists by Subjects

 

  

 

Current Issues

2020 is a year in which a lot of important topics are discussed and decisions made.   The Library encourages you to look beyond television and social media feeds for information on current issues.  Below are book lists with a handful of titles each to spark interest.   Titles are from reputable sources and are by no means exhaustive of the range of materials available.   If you have suggestions for books or topics, please share with your local library!

 

Staff Recommendations

 

 

 

 

 

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  2. English as a Second Language Resources
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