Inyo County Free Library — Independence
🏢 Inyo County Free Library · Independence, California
Inyo County Free Library — Independence
Housed inside the historic Inyo County Courthouse at the base of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, the Inyo County Free Library's Independence branch serves as the Central Library for a six-branch system stretching 200 miles along U.S. Route 395 — and holds the county's most extensive collection of local history materials.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 12pm–5pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm–5pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–5pm |
| Friday | 12pm–5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 168 N. Edwards St., INDEPENDENCE, CA 93526
Phone: +1760-878-0260
Website: inyocounty.us
Plus Code: 8583RR32+52 (INDEPENDENCE, CA)
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Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Inyo County Free Library — Independence
The Inyo County Free Library was established in 1913 to serve a vast, sparsely populated region of California's Eastern Sierra Nevada. Today the system operates six branches for approximately 18,000 residents spread across one of the largest counties in the contiguous United States. The Central Library in Independence, the county seat, sits inside the Inyo County Courthouse at 168 N. Edwards Street — the same landmark building used as a filming location for *Tremors* (1990) and *Trial and Error* (1997). The collection system-wide exceeds 130,000 items, and the Independence branch houses the county's primary repository of local history materials covering the Owens Valley, the Manzanar War Relocation Center, and the Eastern Sierra. Independence is also a popular resupply stop for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), many of whom visit the library during their journey through the valley. The library's catalog is shared through the Inland Library Network, enabling holds and borrowing across all branches.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Central Library of Inyo County's six-branch system, founded 1913 to serve the Eastern Sierra Nevada
- Housed in the historic Inyo County Courthouse — a filming location for *Tremors* (1990) and *Trial and Error* (1997)
- Largest local-history collection in the county: Owens Valley, Manzanar War Relocation Center, and Eastern Sierra materials
- Shared Inland Library Network catalog — one card accesses holdings at all six Inyo County branches
- Convenient stop for Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers resupplying in Independence along U.S. 395
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Inyo County library card unlocks a growing digital collection including statewide eContent via the Palace Project:
📚 Services
- Local history and genealogy collection focused on the Owens Valley and Eastern Sierra
- Physical collection of 130,000+ items across six branches via the Inland Library Network
- Public internet computers at all branches including Independence
- Free Wi-Fi
- Interlibrary loan through the Inland Library Network
- eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, e-magazines and streaming video
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
🎸 Programs
- Children's and youth programming
- Summer reading program
- Community reading and cultural events
- Digital literacy assistance
📍 Nearby Inyo County Libraries (same system)
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in INDEPENDENCE · Browse all California libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What local history materials does the Independence branch hold?
The Central Library in Independence maintains the richest local-history collection in the Inyo County system, covering the Owens Valley, the Manzanar War Relocation Center (a WWII Japanese American incarceration site 6 miles north of Independence), and broader Eastern Sierra Nevada history. Researchers studying Owens Valley water rights, Eastern California settlement, or the Japanese American experience during WWII will find primary and secondary materials here.
Can Pacific Crest Trail hikers use the Inyo County Free Library in Independence?
Yes. Independence is a recognized PCT resupply town along U.S. Route 395, and hikers are welcome to use the library's public internet computers and Wi-Fi, browse the collection, and pick up information about the area. The branch is open Tuesday through Friday, 12 pm to 5 pm — plan your resupply stop accordingly.
How many branches does the Inyo County Free Library have, and can I return items to any branch?
The system has six branches: Independence (Central Library), Bishop, Big Pine, Lone Pine, Furnace Creek, and Tecopa. All branches share the Inland Library Network catalog, so you can place holds online and borrow or return items at any branch — convenient for the long distances between communities in Inyo County.
How do I get a library card for the Inyo County Free Library?
California residents can visit any branch with a valid photo ID and proof of current address to receive a free library card. An e-card option is also available for remote digital access, letting you borrow eBooks, audiobooks and e-magazines through Libby and the Palace Project without visiting in person. Contact the Independence branch at (760) 878-0260 for details.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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