Shasta Public Libraries

What Shasta Public Libraries does

Shasta Public Libraries is a publicly funded, government-operated library system serving Shasta County in Northern California. Established by voter ballot measure in 1948 with service beginning August 1, 1949, and tracing its lineage to the 1903 Redding Carnegie Library, the system operates three branches in Redding (headquarters, 1100 Parkview Avenue), Anderson (3200 West Center St.), and Burney (37116 Main St.). It serves approximately 180,000 residents across 3,847 square miles of rural Northern California. Core offerings include physical and digital collections (books, large print, audiobooks, DVDs, eBooks, eAudiobooks, online databases), specialized holdings such as the California Indian Library Collection, and programs spanning literacy services, the Summer Reading Adventure (run June 1 to July 31), Prescription Pets reading therapy, and the Teen Action Board.

The technology backbone is a conventional library automation stack: the Polaris integrated library system (ILS) provides catalog management, circulation, and patron services via an online public access catalog (shasta.librarycatalog.info, originally branded WebCat/iBistro); Beanstack powers reading challenges; and Brainfuse provides online tutoring. A Google Forms-based intake handles Zip Books requests, a distinctive direct-to-patron mail delivery service that orders and ships books not in the collection to patrons' homes. The Create It! makerspace at Redding Library, Turtle Bay Museum Pass program, State Parks Pass, and mobile printing round out the service catalog. Architecturally notable, the 2007 Redding facility includes a vegetated green roof, thermal energy storage, and photovoltaic solar system.

Shasta Public Libraries does not operate as a commercial enterprise. Library cards are free to Shasta County residents, and the system has moved to a fine-free model for overdue books to remove access barriers. Funding flows from municipal (City of Redding) and county (Shasta County) appropriations, supplemented by donations through three nonprofit partners: the Shasta Library Foundation (Tax ID 68-0246035), Friends of Shasta County Libraries/FOSCL (Tax ID 68-0010796, operating 40+ years), and Friends of the Intermountain Libraries/FOIL (supporting Burney). Limited fee revenue comes from specialty services (e.g., $105 replacement fee for Turtle Bay passes, $5/day overdue fine on pass loans capped at $35). Distribution is multi-channel: three physical branches, the online Polaris catalog, direct mail delivery (Zip Books), museum pass checkouts, and community partnership programs through First 5 Shasta, local schools, and the Shasta Genealogical Society.

Name

Shasta Public Libraries

Legal name

Shasta Public Libraries

Website

https://shastalibraries.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1949

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Shasta Public Libraries is a publicly funded, government-operated library system serving approximately 180,000 residents of Shasta County, California through three branches (Redding, Anderson, Burney). It provides free physical and digital collections, literacy programs, makerspace access, and community services across 3,847 square miles of rural Northern California.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community literacy programs
• Children's reading programs
• Digital library collections
• Library educational resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Redding

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Library Services: Shasta Public Libraries operates as a publicly funded library system serving Shasta County residents. Services are primarily funded through public funding (city and county budgets), with supplementary support from nonprofit organizations including the Shasta Library Foundation, Friends of Shasta County Libraries (FOSCL), and Friends of the Intermountain Libraries (FOIL). Library cards are free to residents.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The library system receives donations through three supporting nonprofit organizations: Shasta Library Foundation (Tax ID 68-0246035), Friends of Shasta County Libraries (Tax ID 68-0010796), and Friends of the Intermountain Libraries. These organizations fund programs, materials, capital improvements, and special initiatives through donations, membership fees, book sales, and events.
3. Fines and Fees: Library charges fines for overdue materials and lost item replacement. The system is now 'fine free' for overdue books, encouraging library use. Fees apply to Turtle Bay museum pass replacements ($105) and daily overdue fines ($5/day up to $35).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Shasta Public Libraries operates a three-branch public library system providing free access to physical and digital collections (books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, DVDs), educational and literacy programming for all ages, makerspace and meeting room access, computer and Wi-Fi services, direct-to-patron book delivery (Zip Books), and museum/parks pass lending. The system serves Shasta County residents across 3,847 square miles through the Redding, Anderson, and Burney branches, supported by the Polaris integrated library system and online catalog.

Product overview

Shasta Public Libraries operates as a three-branch public library system (Redding, Anderson, and Burney) serving Shasta County, California. The library offers physical and digital collections including books, audiobooks, DVDs, and specialized materials, along with services like Zip Books (direct-to-patron book delivery), the Create It! makerspace, and the Summer Reading Adventure program. Digital services include access toBeanstack for reading tracking, online catalog systems, and specialized collections such as the California Indian Library Collection. The system also provides community programs including literacy services, teen volunteer opportunities, Prescription Pets reading therapy, museum passes, and meeting room reservations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Physical Library Materials Physical collection of books, large-print books, audiobooks on CD, DVDs, and Blu-rays available for checkout by Shasta County library cardholders across the Redding, Anderson, and Burney branches.
• Zip Books Direct-to-patron mail delivery service that orders and ships books not held in the local collection directly to the requesting patron, with return to the library upon completion. Patrons may request up to three items at a time via Google Form.
• Turtle Bay Museum Pass Loanable digital library pass providing free family admission (2 adults plus 4 children) to Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Paul Bunyan Forest Camp, and featured programming for one week; checkable through the Polaris catalog with $5/day overdue fine up to $35 and $105 replacement fee for lost passes.
• State Parks Pass Library pass program providing cardholders access to California State Parks for outdoor recreation and exploration.
• Create It! Makerspace Technology-driven makerspace at the Redding Library providing equipment and resources for patron creative, educational, and hands-on learning projects.
• Summer Reading Adventure Annual reading incentive program running June 1 to July 31 for all ages, using Beanstack to track reading minutes and earn badges/prizes.
• Shasta Literacy Department / Literacy Learning Center Literacy services and programs supporting adult literacy, reading development, and family literacy across the Shasta County community.
• Meeting Rooms Meeting and community rooms reservable by the public at library branches for group use, gatherings, and community activities.
• Mobile Printing Printing service that allows library cardholders to send print jobs from mobile devices to library printers for pickup.
• Prescription Pets Reading therapy program allowing reluctant or emerging young readers to practice reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a supportive setting.
• California Indian Library Collection Specialized collection focused on the Achomawi, Atsugewi, Klamath, Nomlaki, Shasta, Wintu, and Yana tribes native to Shasta County, supporting local history, cultural research, and tribal documentation.
• Teen Action Board (TAB) Teen volunteer and advisory council providing leadership opportunities, program input, and volunteer experience for teenagers (up to age 18 in high school) across all library locations.
• DIY Home Energy Saving Toolkit Check-out toolkit containing supplies and measuring devices that help patrons identify and reduce home energy costs.
• Online Catalog (WebCat/iBistro / Polaris) Web-based library catalog providing remote patron access to search, reserve, and manage library materials, accounts, and holds across the three branches.
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (Shasta County affiliate) Free monthly book mailing program for Shasta County children from birth through age 5, operated in partnership with First 5 Shasta and Shasta Library Foundation as a local affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,800 children enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library within first month of launch
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• First 5 ShastacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025First 5 Shasta partners with Shasta Public Libraries on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program, which mails free books monthly to children from birth to age 5. The program launched with over 1,800 children enrolled. First 5 Shasta also sponsors the Rev, Rumble & Roar event for Week of the Young Child, bringing emergency, construction, and military vehicles to the library for family engagement.
• Dolly Parton's Imagination LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational early literacy program in partnership with First 5 Shasta and Shasta Library Foundation, providing free monthly books to children from birth to age 5. Over 1,800 Shasta County children enrolled within first month of October 2025 launch.
• Shasta Library FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization (Tax ID 68-0246035) dedicated to supporting and enhancing Shasta Public Libraries through long-term fundraising and philanthropic investment. Supports capital improvement projects, facility and technology enhancements, major equipment needs, endowment efforts, and future-focused initiatives. Hosts the annual 'A Novel Affair' Gala to raise funds for library programs.
• Friends of Shasta County Libraries (FOSCL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID 68-0010796) supporting Shasta Public Libraries for over 40 years. Raises funds through the Friends Bookstore inside Redding Library, monthly book sales, memberships, and donations. Funds children's and family programming, Summer Reading programs, books, supplies, equipment, and community events. Seeking board members including President, Vice President, CFO, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity, and Member at Large positions.
• Friends of the Intermountain Libraries (FOIL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization supporting the Burney Library through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and community partnerships. Funds library programs, events, Summer Reading activities, supplies, materials, community engagement initiatives, and enhancements specific to Burney Library.
• Turtle Bay Exploration ParkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMuseum partnership providing free family passes to patrons. Library cards can check out passes for free admission for 2 adults plus 4 children for one week to the museum, Paul Bunyan Forest Camp, and featured programming. Additional passes available at museum for reduced price. Passes loanable through Polaris catalog with 7-day loan period, no renewals, and $5/day overdue fine up to $35.
• Burney Elementary SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal school partnership for community outreach. Burney Library collaborated with BES Community Connect Coordinator Amber Estes to host Angel Tree Gift Drive, fulfilling wish lists for 120 children through community donations from local businesses hosting Angel Trees.
• Shasta Genealogical SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership at Redding Library to house the local history book collection. Society maintains genealogical resources supporting family history research for patrons at the library's 2nd floor location.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• San Diego County Library: San Diego County Library is a California county-wide public library system with a comparable branch network, Polaris-style catalog, community programs, and rural/urban service mix. It is a direct operational peer for benchmarking service delivery and partnership strategies.
• Contra Costa County Library: Contra Costa County Library operates a multi-branch public library system in Northern California serving a comparable population with similar programs (Summer Reading, makerspaces, museum passes). It is highly comparable in operating model and rural/mixed suburban geography.
• Sacramento Public Library: Sacramento Public Library is a California county-level public library system serving a similarly regional geography with comparable branches, digital catalogs, literacy programs, and community partnerships. It is the closest comparable in terms of scale, governance structure, and service mix to Shasta Public Libraries.
• Alameda County Library: Alameda County Library operates a Northern California multi-branch public library system offering similar services (early literacy, makerspaces, digital resources, community partnerships). It is comparable in scale, governance, and breadth of programming to Shasta Public Libraries.
• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is a multi-branch Carnegie-affiliated public library system serving a similar urban/city population. It is highly comparable given the shared Carnegie heritage and Carnegie Corporation recognition, making it directly relevant for benchmarking programs and philanthropy strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Brooklyn Public Library: Brooklyn Public Library is a large US public library system with comparable programming (Summer Reading, makerspaces, special collections, community outreach). It is a broader incumbent useful for understanding scaled library operations and partnership ecosystems.
• San Francisco Public Library: San Francisco Public Library is a large California urban public library system offering overlapping capabilities (literacy, makerspaces, special collections, digital services) but at significantly greater scale. It is a broader incumbent useful for understanding programming models rather than direct competition.
• LA County Library: LA County Library is one of the largest public library systems in the US, operating dozens of branches across a vast geography with comparable literacy, digital, and community programs. It serves as a broader incumbent reference point for service breadth and partnership scale.

Emerging players

• Library Systems & Services (LS&S): Library Systems & Services is a private contractor that manages public library systems on behalf of municipalities. It represents an emerging alternative operating model relevant to understanding privatization trends that could affect traditional government-operated libraries like Shasta.

Others

• First 5 California (First 5 Association): First 5 California is a statewide children and families commission that funds Dolly Parton's Imagination Library affiliates, including the Shasta partnership with First 5 Shasta. It is an ecosystem enabler and funding partner rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shasta-county-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shasta Public Libraries