Merced Adam Blauert Merced Adam Blauert

Pacheco State Park

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Mexican land grant

This park preserves part of a large Mexican land grant given to the Pacheco family in 1843. 28 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Thousands of acres of gently rolling oak woodland produces spectacular wildflower displays in the spring. The ruins of the Pacheco Adobe and a well-preserved line shack from Henry Miller’s ranching operation stand near the picnic area.

Photo by akshay

Photo by akshay

Location

 Accessed from Highway 152. Distance from Merced: 59 miles Distance from Los Banos: 23 miles Size: 6,890 acres

Facilities and Activities

  • Chemical/flush restrooms

  • An equestrian campground is available for special events; other campgrounds are available at the adjacent San Luis State Recreation Area

  • Picnic areas with tables

  • 28 miles of hiking/biking/equestrian trails

  • Wildlife viewing

  • Wildflower viewing

  • Dogs Allowed? In picnic area, but not on trails

  • Horses Allowed? Yes

  • Hunting Allowed? No

  • Fishing or Boating? No

Website information

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/PachecoSP_2011.pdf

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=560

 See for a trail guide

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/PachecoTrailMap2006small.pdf

Photo by akshay

Photo by akshay

Special Events

Ranger-led wildflower hikes in the spring. A kite flying day is also held annually.

Nearby Parks

Camping is available at the adjacent San Luis State Recreation Area


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Mariposa Adam Blauert Mariposa Adam Blauert

Rainbow Pool – A Great Swimming Hole on the South Fork of the Tuolumne

photo by adam blauert

photo by adam blauert

A cool place to cool off

If you’re looking for a place to cool off in the water, many areas will be more dangerous than usual. 

One of the places that you can go for some reliable water recreation on a summer afternoon is the ever-popular Rainbow Pool on the South Fork of the Tuolumne River.

A short waterfall drops into the pool, providing a beautiful backdrop and keeping the water fresh.

The parking area has been repaved, and access has been improved.  Restrooms are provided and you can enjoy a picnic lunch between dips in the water.

Rainbow Pool isn’t the kind of place where you are going to find a lot of solitude, but that’s part of what makes it a great place for families.  There are generally plenty of people around should any kind of emergency occur. 

Your kids are likely to find others to splash and swim with.  It’s lose to Highway 120 and easy to find – no wandering around on confusing dirt roads way back in the forest.

How to find the location

To get to this swimming hole, drive 15 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120.  Watch for signs on the right side of the road. 

Signs for Cherry Lake Road on the left side are another indicator that you are there.  Turn right into the day use area and find a parking spot beneath the trees.  The swimming hole is just a few steps down the hill. 

Traffic is routed through the parking lot in a one-way loop.

Don’t be alarmed when the road takes you under the highway bridge and parallel with the highway on your way out of the lot.  It will connect with the highway at the Cherry Lake Road.

Located so close to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance, it’s a great place to stop on a Yosemite vacation.  You can extend your trip by camping at a nearby campground.  In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy a multi-day trip to Yosemite is to camp outside the park in one of the nearby campgrounds.

While campgrounds inside the park are booked almost the moment that reservations become available and non-reserved sites are hit-or-miss, campgrounds outside the park boundaries are much better bet.

Campgrounds near Rainbow Pool

Lost Claim

Lumsden

Lumsden Bridge

The Pines

South Fork

Sweetwater

Diamond O.  

You can check current conditions by clicking on each campground above.

Or calling (209) 962-7825.

Watch for brown and white signs with tent icons along Highway 120 to find the campgrounds. 

All are operated by the US Forest Service and generally charge less than $25/night.

Diamond O can be reserved in advance through www.recreation.gov, the federal government’s reservation service.

I saw an angler catch a rainbow trout on nearly his first cast into the river above the swimming area.  The Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks this part of the river.

Safety First

Now that I’ve gotten you excited about swimming here, remember that all outdoor recreation carries certain risks with it.  Swimming is safest in protected pools without strong currents.

Currents may not always be visible to the naked eye, so investigate carefully.  Only jump into water if you have carefully ascertained that there is enough depth to do so, and never dive off a rock or cliff.  If you are not a strong swimmer, wear a life vest to help you float.

“Water wings” and other flotation devices for children are also strongly recommended, even if they have strong swimming skills.

Most people enjoy swimming in natural pools without any real danger, but every year a few people die from making bad choices. 

I write all of these warnings because my goal is to help people make fun memories in the great outdoors and to prevent further tragedies.

The outdoors provides millions of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, physical challenges, and bonding among family members and friends.

Get out and have a great time, just don’t forget safety in the process. 

Swimming in developed, popular areas like Rainbow Pool provides an added degree of safety and a bit more peace of mind for Mom!


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Yosemite Adam Blauert Yosemite Adam Blauert

Tuolumne Meadows – The Other Yosemite

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Far fewer visitors

Yosemite Valley is one of the most magnificent places on earth.  It can also be one of the busiest during the summer months.  The good news is that its beauty is matched by the high elevation meadows, lakes, and peaks that surround it. 

These stunning places receive far fewer visitors than the Valley.

Sunset near Tioga Pass - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Sunset near Tioga Pass - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Sunset near Tioga Pass

The most accessible part of this higher region is Tuolumne Meadows.  Connected to the rest of the world by the Tioga  Road (the section of Highway 120 that crosses the park), it is an easy day trip from any other part of Yosemite or a longer day trip from the Central Valley. 

Better yet, it can be enjoyed by overnight camping or backpacking, or by staying in nearby lodging.  The more time you spend, the more you can explore.

Tuolumne Meadows has always been of my favorite places in the world.  From early to mid summer the sub alpine meadow area turns a lush green and produces brilliant wildflowers.  The broad, open meadow is surrounded by pines, granite domes, and striking granite peaks.  The Tuolumne River winds its way through the scene.

Visitor Services

During the summer months,Yosemite National Park and its concessionaire operate a large campground, visitor center, and store.  Tuolumne Meadows Lodge provides accommodation in rustic tent cabins and meals served in a large tent dining room. 

You can get a quick breakfast, lunch, or early dinner at the Tuolumne Meadows Grill.  Gas is available, but far more expensive than if you purchase it in the foothills or in the Central Valley.

Campgrounds

Half of the 304 campsites are reservable; the others are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Because the area is popular, sites are often hard to get. 

Group and equestrian camping areas are provided, but must be reserved in advance. 

Additional campgrounds operated by the US Forest Service are found to the east of Tuolumne Meadows, just outside the park’s boundaries. Tioga Lake and Ellery Lake Campgrounds are located along Highway 120.  Junction, Sawmill,  and Saddlebag Lake are on the Saddlebag Lake Road, a short detour off of 120.

Further east along 120, look for signs to additional campgrounds in Lee Vining Canyon.  These sites are located midway down the canyon before you reach US 395. 

Food is served at Saddlebag Lake Resort (at the end of Saddlebag Lake Road) and at Tioga Pass Resort (just a couple of miles outside the park boundary along Highway 120. 

TPR also has cabins for rent.

Olmstead Point View - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Olmstead Point View - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Olmstead Point View

Places to Stop on the Way to Tuolumne Meadows

As you drive theTioga Road towards Tuolumne Meadows, don’t miss the following stops:

Olmstead Point:  An outstanding roadside viewpoint with vistas encompassing Half  Dome, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Lake, and many striking granite peaks.

Tenaya Lake:  One of the largest natural lakes in the Central Sierra, this 150 acre beauty is surrounded by glacially-sculpted granite peaks and domes.

It’s a great place for a picnic or a chilly swim at the sandy beach at the eastern end.

Tenaya Lake - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Tenaya Lake - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Tenaya Lake

Adjusting to the Elevation

At about 8,600 feet above sea level, Tuolumne Meadows is nearly twice the elevation of Yosemite Valley. 

The air is thinner the higher you go and you will find that you get short of breath faster.  Take it easy if you are not used to the elevation and don’t attempt any of the more difficult hikes on your first day in the area. 

Your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air.  The sun’s rays are more intense at higher elevations, so don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Weather, Clothing, and Safety

The weather can change quickly and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months. 

Bring clothing that you can layer and unlayer as necessary.  A waterproof poncho is invaluable during a thunderstorm if it hits when you aren’t near your vehicle. 

Many of the hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows area take you to high, exposed areas.  Avoid these places during thunderstorms! 

Be especially cautious around the swift, frigid waters of the Tuolumne River and its tributaries.  This year’s exceptional snow melt has made theme more dangerous than usual.

Early Season Cathedral Lakes - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Early Season Cathedral Lakes - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Early Season Cathedral Lakes

When to Visit

  Summer is the season to visit Tuolumne Meadows.  Buried under snow for much of the year, the Tioga Road is only open from the time the snow melts (usually in late May or early June) through the first snowfall (October or early November). 

Many visitor services close by the middle of September, though the road may be open for weeks after that.

Maps and Finding Your Way Around

  Pick up a free map when you enter the park.  The shuttle map is more detailed and will help you locate all of the attractions and services described in this article. 

You can download it at:   http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=222905.

If you plan to hike, get a more detailed map. 

The Tuolumne Meadows map produced by Tom Harrison Maps is excellent and can be obtained directly through Tom Harrison’s website:  http://www.tomharrisonmaps.com/

It is also usually available at the stores inYosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Crane Flat.

Recommended Hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows Area

Tuolumne Meadows, Parsons Lodge, and Soda Springs:  This 1.5 mile loop is a great place to start if you’ve never been to Tuolumne Meadows.

It loops through the heart of the meadow area.  Parsons Memorial Lodge is a great place to stop and rest and the volunteers on duty can answer questions about the area.

This hike involves almost zero elevation gain and loss.

Lyell Fork - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Lyell Fork - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Lyell Fork

Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River

This is one of my top 10 favorite hikes inYosemite, and it is one of the easiest.  You can hike as many as four miles upLyel lCanyon with only a 200 foot elevation gain.  Many people don’t go that far and the beautiful river can be enjoyed by only hiking part of the route and returning when you start to feel tired.

Elizabeth Lake

More challenging, the hike from the campground to Elizabeth Lake is a 4.8 mile round trip.  Hikers climb about 1,000 feet to reach the destination.

Lembert Dome

The round trip hike to the top of this prominent dome is only 2.4 miles round trip, but involves a steep 850 foot elevation gain.  Unless you are in excellent physical condition, you’ll need to stop and rest from time to time.  The views from the top encompass the entire Tuolumne Meadows region and are truly astounding.

Cathedral Lakes

The elevation gain involved in hiking to these two beautiful lakes is about the same as the climb toElizabeth, but is 2.2 miles longer.  This is my favorite shorter lake hike in the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Glen Aulin

The trail to this historic tent camp (reservable through an annual lottery system) follows the Tuolumne River downhill 800 feet.  Hikers must climb back up on the way out.  This is a stunning section of the river with many cascades, but requires more work than the Lyell Fork trail.

Glen Aulin is one of five backcountry tent camps that hikers can stay at if they don’t wish to pack all of their own gear.  Tents and meals are provided, but must be reserved in advance through a lottery system due to their extreme popularity.

Gaylor Lakes

Starting at the summit of Tioga Pass, a one-mile climb of 500 feet takes you to a saddle above Gaylor Lakes.  This is absolutely stunning country with a grand views all over theYosemite region.

The steep hike is challenging, but rewarding.  Depending how many lakes you explore, the round trip hike is at least two miles in length.

Detailed information about the above listed hikes can be found at:  http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tmhikes.htm

20 Lakes Basin

Just outside the park, a series of small but very pretty lakes spread out beyond Saddlebag Lake.  Saddlebag Lake Resort provides daily water taxi service transporting visitors across the lake to the start of the trail. 

Round trip cost is $11/adults, $10/seniors, $6/children 12 and under, $5/dogs.  Taking the water taxi saves 3 miles of hiking around the lake.  Dogs are welcome on this trail, but not on any of the trails within the park. 

Fishing in these lakes can be excellent for small brook trout; larger fish can be found in SaddlebagLake. 

20 Lakes Basin- Photo by adam blauert

20 Lakes Basin- Photo by adam blauert

20 Lakes Basin

For more information on hiking the 20 Lakes Basin, the water taxi service, and renting your own fishing boat at Saddlebag Lake Resort, go to: http://www.saddlebaglakeresort.com/index.html

Tuolumne Meadows is a popular starting place for rock climbing and overnight backpacking trips. 

More information about wilderness permits and planning an overnight trip can be found at:  http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm

Guided backpacking trips can be arranged if you are interested in learning how to backpack:  http://www.yosemitepark.com/Activities

HikingCamping_OvernightBackpackingTrips.aspx

Exploring Further East of Tuolumne Meadows

Beyond Tuolumne Meadows, Highway 120 continues to climb to the summit of  Tioga Pass at an elevation of 9, 946 feet.  Although the park’s boundary ends here, the spectacular scenery does not.  Worthy stops include:

Tioga Pass

A small parking area at the summit allows you to enjoy views of some of the park’s highest peaks and summits.

Tioga and Ellery Lakes

These manmade lakes on Lee Vining Creek are scenic and provide excellent fishing.

Saddlebag Lake

At an elevation of 10,087 – higher than any point you can drive to in the park – this large, beautiful lake provides the gateway to alpine regions that are covered with snow much of the year.

The water taxi service provides quick access to the 20 Lakes Basin Trail and the resort serves delicious hot food.  Fishing boat rentals are available.  Saddlebag Lake Road is unpaved, but passable for all cars if driven carefully.

More information can be found at:  http://www.saddlebaglakeresort.com/

Tioga Pass Resort

With hot meals and cozy cabins, TPR provides the greatest level of comfort and services close to Tioga Pass.

If camping isn’t your thing, this is the place to stay.

Go to http://www.tiogapassresort.com/ for more information.

Horseback Riding

Guided horseback rides are available in Tuolumne Meadows – more information can be found at http://www.yosemitepark.com/activities_mulehorsebackrides.aspx.

Fishing

Fish are no longer stocked in Yosemite National Park. 

Natural reproduction is limited and anglers usually have the best luck just outside the park at  Tioga, Ellery, and Saddlebag Lakes and among the lakes of the 20 Lakes Basin.

Transportation

You can easily access Tuolumne Meadows in your own car on theTioga Pass Road (Highway 120), however, several options are available if you would prefer not to drive or would like to leave your car in one place once you get there.

A free shuttle bus operated by the National Park Service runs between all of the destinations in Tuolumne Meadows during the summer months from 7AM to 7PM daily (Olmstead Point to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge with ten stops).  It also makes stops at the MonoPasstrailhead and the TiogaPassentrance station twice a day

For more information go to:  http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tmbus.htm.

YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) provides regular transportation from Yosemite Valley over Highway 120 to Mammoth Lakes with 12 stops along the way.  For more information, go to: http://www.yarts.com/schedule

YARTS also provides transportation fromMerced to Yosemite Valley along Highway 140 with stops at Catheys Valley, Mariposa, Midpines, and El Portal.

Yosemite entrance fees are included in the ticket prices.

Tour busses operated by the park’s concessionaire provide transportation between Yosemite Valley, White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows, and several stops along the Tioga Road.

Call (209) 372-1240 for more information.

Parsons Lodge - photo by adam blauert

Parsons Lodge - photo by adam blauert

 

Links – For More Information

General National Park Service Information about Tuolumne Meadows

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campground.htm

TuolumneMeadows Lodge

http://www.yosemitepark.com/accommodations_tuolumnemeadowslodge.aspx

Campground Reservations:  http://www.recreation.gov/

Tuolumne Meadows Free Shuttle Bus Information and Map:  http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tmbus.htm

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=222905

High Sierra Camps Lottery:  http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accomodations_HighSierraCamps.aspx

Tuolumne Meadows – Tioga Pass Hikes.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tmhikes.htm

Saddlebag LakeResort– meals and water taxi service to 20 Lakes Basin:  http://www.saddlebaglakeresort.com/

Tioga Pass Resort:  http://www.tiogapassresort.com/

Guided Horseback Rides:  http://www.yosemitepark.com/activities_mulehorsebackrides.aspx

Guided Backpacking Trips.

http://www.yosemitepark.com/Activities_HikingCamping_OvernightBackpackingTrips.aspx

Backpacking and Wilderness Permits:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm

Tom Harrison Maps:  http://www.tomharrisonmaps.com/

Road Conditions

Yosemite National Park  Daily Traffic Forecast :  http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/traffic.htm


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Stanislaus County Adam Blauert Stanislaus County Adam Blauert

Modesto Reservoir Regional Park

Screen Shot 2018-05-10 at 7.10.49 PM.png

Modesto Reservoir Regional Park

Popular with residents of Modesto and Turlock, this park is surprisingly close to Merced and offers a lot of recreational opportunities and facilities.

Location

Reservoir Road (accessed from Highway 132) between Waterford and La Grange.

Distance from Merced: 37 miles

Distance from Los Banos: 51 miles

Operating authority: Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation

Surface area of lake: 2,800 acres

Facilities and activities

  • Boat ramp, marina

  • Concessions booth

  • Flush restrooms

  • Drinking fountains

  • Campgrounds with BBQ grills/fire rings, RV hookups

  • Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills

  • Group picnic areas and shelters

  • Swimming area

  • Wildlife viewing area

  • Archery range

  • Radio-control airplane flying

  • Dogs allowed? No

  • Horses allowed? No

  • Hunting allowed? Yes

  • Fish species: Bass, trout

  • Boat rentals: No

Website:  http://www.co.stanislaus.ca.us/er/parks/

Recreation organizations

The Mid-Valley Water Ski Club holds events throughout the year for people of all ages and abilities. http://www.midvalleywaterskiclub.com/ for more information.

The Yahi Bowmen Archery Club operates the reservoir’s archery range. Guests are welcome and regularly-scheduled activities are offered for people of all ages and abilities. https://www.facebook.com/YahiBowmenModesto   for more information.


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Merced Adam Blauert Merced Adam Blauert

McConnell State Recreation Area

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

McConnell State Recreation Area

Like the other Merced River Parks, McConnell has a lot of shade. It’s also a bit more developed than Hatfield and further from the highway.

If I were to pick a Merced River park in the Valley to camp at, this would be it.

Location

8800 McConnell Road, Ballico, CA

Distance from Merced: 22 miles

Distance from Los Banos: 35 miles

Size: 74 acres

Facilities and activities

  • Flush restrooms

  • Drinking fountainsCampgrounds/group campground with BBQ grills/fire rings, hot showers

  • Picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills

  • Group picnic area

  • Swimming area

  • Dogs allowed? Yes

  • Horses allowed? No

  • Hunting allowed? No

Fishing or boating?

Fishing can be good at McConnell Recreation Area.

Rainbow trout and bass can be caught in the spring; catfish and perch throughout the year.

No boating ramp is provided, but it is possible to swim in the river or to launch a float tube or hand-carried boat.

Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=554

and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/554/files/McConnellHatfield.pdf

Nearby parks

Undeveloped Great Valley Grasslands State Park has a six mile hiking trail.





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Merced Merced County Events Merced Merced County Events

"Only What you can Carry"

“Only What You Can Carry”

bring only what you can carry

bring only what you can carry

The orders came down in 1942, striking fear into the hearts of Japanese-Americans of Merced County and Northern California. The children were unsure of their futures and their parents secreted the harsh realities from them. The families were told to abandon their homes and bring only what they could carry and report to the Merced Assembly Center at the County Fairgrounds.

By Executive Order 9066, signed on February 19, 1942, Japanese-Americans would be interned against their will. After suffering through the heat of the summer, the families were relocated to Amache, Colorado- some incarcerated for the duration of WWII.

concertration camp

concertration camp

History of Merced Assembly Center Commemorative Committee (MACCC)

In the spring of 2008, Congressman Dennis Cardoza, (D-18th District) requested the Livingston-Merced and Cortez chapters of the Japanese-American Citizens League (JACL) to work on a monument to commemorate the 4,669 Americans of Japanese ancestry detained at the Merced Assembly Center located in the Merced County fairgrounds. The Commemorative Committee and its Advisors with the support and help of many people have worked 2 years on making the Memorial a reality.

Unveiling and Dedication of the Merced Assembly Center Memorial

japanese wall

japanese wall

The Memorial was unveiled and dedicated on February 20th, 2010. The event was a huge success thanks to the support of many individuals, the Merced County Fair Board, Merced Country Supervisors, Civic Groups, and the Community. Around 1,500 people attended the Dedication and 875 people attended the Dinner.The Committee continues seeking grants and donations to help finance this $300,000 project. Future endeavors will involve educating the public about the significance of this incarceration in America’s history.

Come visit the Merced Assembly Center Memorial

Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced, CA 95341.

assembly center

assembly center

For more information about the Memorial or information on guided classroom or group field trips

Merced Assembly Center is on facebook (click here)

please contact: Bob Taniguchi (209) 631-5645 Taniguchi.r@mccd.edu

or Patti Kishi (209) 769-7543 pkishi@vtlnet.com

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Merced Merced County Events Merced Merced County Events

The Merced County Library

library

library

Merced County Library

Amy Taylor, County Librarian

2100 O Street Merced

For more information call:(209) 385-7478

See our website at: - - - -www.mercedcountylibrary.org

The Merced County Public Library, rural and small, seeks to be an integral part of its community by providing all residents with a balanced range of resources and activities, meeting educational, cultural, and recreational needs.

The Library serves as the center for lifetime learning and enjoyment.


A knowledgeable Library staff provides high-quality reader's guidance and research and assistance using local resources and interlibrary materials and services.

The friendly environment of the facility promotes maximum resource utilization.

Serving you with over three million...Books, DVDs, audio books, downloadable books, music CDs, software and video games available!

Three million items

Valley Cat is the online catalog used by all the libraries which are members of the San Joaquin Valley Library System.

Valley Libraries

These libraries include Merced County Library, Fresno County Library, Coalinga Huron Library District, Kings County Library, Kern County Library, Madera County Library, Mariposa County Library, Porterville Public Library and Tulare County Library.

When you have a library card at one the San Joaquin Valley libraries, you are entitled to borrow materials from any of the libraries in the San Joaquin Valley Library System, or SJVLS.  Merced County Library card holders may check out up to 25 items on their cards and request up to 30 items from the libraries in the SJVLS.

This means access to over 3 million total items.

valley cat front page

valley cat front page

The Valley Cat online catalog

Borrowers may access their library card accounts from Valley Cat and see the titles and number of items checked out, view the status of their requests, see if they owe any fines and renew their items, using their library card numbers, which are found on the front of their cards.

Each borrower also has a four digit personal identification number, or PIN which is needed to access an account.  Borrowers are encouraged to select a PIN that is easy to remember.

The same PIN may be used by all members of a household if desired. The PIN is chosen by the borrower at the time of creating the account.  PINS may not be changed online.

Order from your home...online

The Valley Cat online catalog can be accessed from your own computer by going to http://www.mercedcountylibrary.org and then scrolling down and clicking on Online Catalog.

You may search Valley Cat without logging into your account, but if you log in, you are ready to automatically request items and create a list of titles for future reference, sort of like a wish list.

Books, DVDs, audio books, downloadable books, music CDs, playaways, software and video games are available through Valley Cat.

Seven databases

There are seven databases available for use as well as a newspaper index through Valley Cat.  The databases are:  Ancestry, Chilton’s, Infotrac, Learning Express, Newsbank and Reference USA. If you are accessing these databases from home, you will be asked to log in with your library card and PIN number.

library-spot

library-spot

Sometimes a borrower searches Valley Cat from home and finds what seems to be the perfect item needed for his or her project, sees that it is checked in, writes down the title, call number or letters and rushes to the library to pick it up, only to discover that it does not belong to a Merced County library, but perhaps to a library in Fresno County.

There is a way to isolate your search so that you only find items in Valley Cat that belong to a certain library.  Once you are on Valley Cat’s site, click on Search, then Keywords with Limits.

Enter your search term, then select your choice of location in the box below.

More questions?  Please contact the library at 209-385-7643. We are here to help!

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Atwater Merced County Events Atwater Merced County Events

The Atwater Historical Society was formed in 1972 in response to the challenge of keeping the Bloss Home for the community.

bloss-house-e1307329486654.jpg

Bloss Home

The Atwater Historical Society was formed in 1972 in response to the challenge of keeping the Bloss Home for the community.

The house was willed to the City of Atwater by George Bloss, Jr. with the provision that his wife Christine reside in the home until her death. When this occured in December of 1971 the city was at a loss as to what to do with this property.

Several older citizens of Atwater banned together to form the society and go to bat (so to speak) with the city to make sure the house was not sold or razed.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The society incorporated in December of 1972 and the specific purposes of the corporation are to collect, maintain, protect, preserve, and research items of historical significance to the City of Atwater and the surrounding area.

The main Purpose

The main focus for many years by the membership has been to restore the house and keep the historical records maintained. The restoration should be complete in another two to three years.

The society also hopes to be able to landmark other historic buildings and homes in Atwater. We have an active and lively membership who help with docent tours of the museum on the first and third Sunday of each month as well as being involved with the community.

We welcome all who wish to join us in these efforts as new perspectives and fresh ideas are always important.

Information on becoming a member is available by either calling the museum at:

357-6309 (please leave a message) or e-mailing us at blosshome@gmail.com.

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