Rathbun branch Kern County Library

This branch of the Kern County Library has the oddest hours though and is only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 – 7 and Saturdays from 9 – 5. And the posted hours are strict. We arrived early and they would not open the doors for us until 11:02am. (yeah, I was checking on my cell phone!). This was despite seeing we had a toddler and a baby with us in the 90+ degree heat. For this, I’m docking one star.
The parking lot is one directional, and you can only enter from China Grade Loop which requires a U-​turn if coming from the Airport Drive direction. The library itself fairly small which is reflected in the size of the modest parking lot.
Once inside, the library is orderly and clean. The children’s area has a bench and multiple small tables with chairs. We went for Family Storytime on Thursdays, and the director of the library was there. It sounds like they do not get many people there for storytime so sometimes they won’t hold storytime if there isn’t the demand. She was very kind and engaging and did have my son actually counting along with her.
In the summer, check out the Kern County Library website for special events. We went during the Working Wildlife event. A gentleman who trains animals for movies and commercials etc was there and brought a porcupine, capuchin monkey, a baby alligator, a macaw, and a bearcat. It was informative and fun for the kids and adults!