County Library services began in Carmel Valley in 1913. Today, visitors from all over the world come into the Carmel Valley Branch of the Monterey County Free Libraries to be delighted by the adobe walls, dark beams, fireplaces, shelves of books, the circulation desk that was once the bar of the Buckeye Restaurant, and a friendly and welcoming staff assisted by volunteers. Everyone is welcome at the Library. It is an integral part of the Carmel Valley community and a testament to the community’s commitment to excellent library service.

The Carmel Valley Branch is part of the Monterey County Free Libraries’ system of seventeen branches. Funding comes primarily from a share of the property tax collected within the service area, small amounts of state funding, and generous donations. Additional support comes from the Friends of the Carmel Valley Library and the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries. These two organizations fund services such as adult literacy tutoring, after school homework assistance, additional library books and materials, technology services, special programming, furniture and equipment.