The official service population falling within the jurisdiction of Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) is 230,000 residents. The inland region is largely rural with many remote communities along California’s 101 highway. Agriculture is a major industry in our area and according to the Monterey Farm Bureau, “Monterey County feeds our Nation: crops grown in Monterey County supply large percentages of total national pounds produced each year: 61% of leaf lettuce, 57% of celery, 56% of head lettuce, 48% of broccoli…” The laborers in the field, working the agricultural industry are mainly Hispanic and migrant and the health concerns are abundant.

In addition to the rural inland areas, we serve communities along the coast with a demographic that consists of many elderly and retired individuals as well as a population of individuals experiencing homelessness. With several branches situated at a former US Army post in Fort Ord, MCFL also serves a community of veterans and active duty military families.

MCFL’s plan for using the funds from the Collection Equity Award is to research the most significant health concerns and needs that face out diverse communities by reviewing needs assessments and evaluating selection requests. Casting a broad net with our selections we are hoping to address the health needs of multiple groups.