Mount Shasta Library
515 East Alma Street, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067, (530) 926-2031
Open 12 Noon – 6 pm, Tuesday-Saturday (closed holidays)
News
- California Young Readers Medal
Welcome to CYRM Season: the Oscars of children’s books! We have a fabulous collection of contenders this year for every age range.
Here’s how it works: teachers & librarians choose the titles that make up the “short list” and young people all across California get to vote on the winners! The more books you read, the more votes you enter, the better the winners will reflect what young people actually like!
Come on in to the Mt. Shasta Library (or place a hold from your home library) and read all the books in your age range, then pick your favorites! Ballots are due by March 28th. Below are the books on the list for each age range.
Remember: Audiobooks are totally allowed! And if you are too young to read all by yourself, then someone can read with (or to) you and it still counts.
Happy Reading, and Have Fun – Let’s get that “Winner” sticker on only the very best books!
Primary Picture Books
Picture Books for Older Readers
Intermediate (3rd-5th grade)
Middle School/Junior High
Young Adult
- Puppet Show & Playtime
We were delighted to welcome a new team of puppeteers to Songs & Stories on Wednesday; I was so delighted, I forgot to take any pictures of the puppets! Kim Nile & Laurie Story Vela brought silly and heart-warming puppet stories and jokes to please our audience of young patrons, and then came out from behind the curtain (*gasp*) to sing and play games celebrating the season. Everyone had a great time, and we are so pleased that they will be back in November.
The puppet team will be joining us every third Wednesday of the month. Come check them out!
Next puppet show: Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 @ 10:30am
And the following one: Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 @ 10:30am
- All-Ages LEGO Club
Kids who love to build, grown-ups who used to love Legos, teens who secretly still love to play or anyone who just needs to turn their busy brains off for a couple of hours and let their hands tinker…
Remember: no matter how old you are, you don’t need permission to PLAY!
Come RELAX and let your creativity shine, REST your brain after a long week, and INSPIRE each other to great builds of all kinds!
Every Friday from 3:00 – 5:00pm
We will bring out a giant tub of Legos for completely unstructured play-time for anyone who wishes to join. (Legos must be left in the library at the end of the day, but you can come back next week for more!)
Many thanks to our Lego loving patrons for allowing me to take their picture (and letting me come build with them)!
(header photo credit: Askolldsb)
- Featured Artist: Larry Sassarini
We are pleased to welcome our newest artist, Larry Sassarini, who has filled the library with beautiful oil landscapes of Siskiyou County and other Northern California views.
The colors are warm and full of life, and (at least for me) his works evoke fond memories of wandering alone through the fields and forests here as a child – not another human in sight, just the flora and fauna that endlessly fascinate me. A shady tree leaning over a creek as the summer sun bakes the fields nearby… a sanctuary for me to sit and read in the silence that is never still, cooling my feet in clear water and watching tadpoles scatter… Time seems to stop, hold its breath through the long afternoon heat, until suddenly the shadows are lengthening and the light begins to purple into dusk.
However you engage with our landscape, whatever memories or pleasures you have found here in this beautiful place, you will see some of that feeling reflected in Mr. Sassarini’s gentle paintings. Do come by the library some time and give them a long, quiet look. You will be glad you did.
This exhibit runs until January 31st, 2026.
- Book Clubs
We have launched two new book clubs here at the library, with very different structures and focus. Check them out!
The “Buy Nothing, Get Everything” book club centers around the book of the same name and will tackle others on related topics as the season unfolds. “Discover the Joy of Spending Less, Sharing More, and Living Generously” The group is committed to reading and discussing books related to the Buy Nothing Project, and creating a collaborative community of action in the Mt. Shasta area. If this intrigues you, please come join us! Lori Crockett is leading this group, and they will be meeting every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm.
Next meeting: December 17th, 2025
The “Open Book Club” celebrates reading for its own sake. We read any books we like, and once a month we come together and talk about them. We talk about what we read, what we liked or didn’t like, how we felt; we talk about life and reading in general, and get to know each other as readers. The group is quite diverse in terms of tastes. This month we had one non-fiction story, two historical fiction novels, and three very different mystery novels . The discussion was marvelous and I am enjoying dipping my toes into a variety of genres and spending time with these great readers! Si Clare and Cheryl Bauer are leading this group, and we will be meeting the first Thursday of each month at 6:00pm – EXCEPT in January we will meet on the first Wednesday, because of the holiday. Come join us!
Next meeting: January 7th, 2026
Each month after our meeting, I will create a handy bookmark with all the titles we chose. Our “December Picks” bookmark is at the desk, so please help yourself! There are so many books in the world, it can be tricky picking something new. Come see the selection we chose, and maybe something will appeal to you! I already have several of the November books in my TBR pile. I love the variety of books & genres members bring – thanks, Open Book Club!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I borrow books?
Just visit our library and sign up for a free library card. You can borrow books, audio books and DVDs for specific periods.
What do I need to get a library card?
You will need a photo ID. If you have proof of a local address (PO Box is fine) then bring that in. If you do not, you can get a “Temporary Card” which allows you to use all the library services and check out five items at a time.
Can I renew a book?
Books are renewed automatically if no one else has put a hold on it.
What is your privacy policy?
Any personal information we collect is strictly confidential and will only be used for the purpose of providing library services.
What if a book I want is not on the shelf?
If you are looking for a book that is not available at our branch, you can request a hold and it will be delivered to our branch for you to pick up.
How do I access digital collections?
The Siskiyou County Library website gives access to digital materials.
Can I use my library card at other branches?
Yes, our library cards can be used at all Siskiyou County library branches.
Services
Books and Audio Books
Books for all ages and interests, audio books on CD, and more. Come find something by your favorite authors or discover something new! We have great new releases in fiction and non-fiction, and we share the collection with all the Siskiyou County branches, so if you don’t find what you are looking for on our shelves, you can put it on hold and it will wing its way here to await pick-up. We will notify you that it has arrived, and you will have two weeks to collect it. We also have paperback honor books for all ages – no card needed and no due dates!
Free Computer Use and WiFi
We have computers and WiFi available to use for free. Patrons can print from our desktop computer terminals, or (if the device allows it) Direct Print from their own phone, laptop, or tablet. We have Chromebooks that can be checked out for use in the library, as well as headphones, charging cubes, thumb drives, and other helpful accessories. We have the ability to scan documents, but do not have the ability to fax.
Kid’s Corner
Books for kids, from pre-readers on up, including Graphic Novels, new releases, audio books on CD (great for long car trips!), and a play area for youngsters. Wooden puzzles and stuffed toys for our littlest patrons, learning games, Legos and board games for ages 3+. We have an Art Cart for those who love to color and doodle, and two computer terminals dedicated for children to use for research, entertainment, or gaming. Because this is a shared space, we only allow games that are rated for All Ages. Children are also allowed to check out Chromebooks for use in the library.
Teen Corner
We have an extensive collection of young adult books of every kind, from Graphic Novels (including manga) and novels written in verse, to fantasy, dystopian fiction, romance, science fiction, and classic adventure tales. There is a computer station for teens to use, and comfy ottomans and a sofa for relaxation as well as tables for homework or collaboration. A lovely space to come and chill after school or on a rainy Saturday!
Used Books for Sale
The community donates books of all kinds, CDs, DVDs, and educational materials to support the library. Income from sales is used to support and enhance the library experience. The first Wednesday of every month is Half Price Day, and books for children and young adults are always free! We also use this room for meetings, tutoring, and the Kids’ Art Club.
And Much More
Come in and browse to find out everything we have to offer, including our extensive collection of DVDs – everything from children’s cartoons to documentary films, westerns and classics to television favorites. Our friendly staff will happily help you with questions, tax forms, and of course – book recommendations!
