Welcome to the California State Library

Photo of a large, well lit reading room with brown leather chairs, wood tables, a marble arch over double doors, and a mural on the wall.

In the Spotlight

From left to right: a woman stands before a large painting and talks to a group of onlookers; four Black dancers in colorful, flowing outfits bow on stage; and a latina woman smiles as she dances, her red skirt flowing.

Cultural Collections Protection Survey

All California archives, libraries, museums, historical societies and tribal nations with cultural collections are invited to take the Cultural Collections Protection Survey. The goal of this survey is to collect data on the nature and condition of California’s culturally significant assets. The results will help educate decision-makers about the value of investing in the state’s arts and cultural heritage.

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COVID-19 Guidance for Re-opening Libraries

Guidance for the re-opening of California libraries for in-person services including currently published library re-opening plans, related public health research, feedback from library directors across the state, and guidance published by the State of California for industries that share like issues.

Governor of the State of California seal

Gavin Newsom

California Governor
Visit Governor's Website
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Greg Lucas

California State Librarian
Biography

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California Public Library Statistics

138M+

library visits

251,481

children's programs

7.9M+

children's program attendance

256M+

total collection use

More Statistics

Featured Online Exhibits

Skaar Collection

Shikishi Haiku

Daguerreotypes: The First Photographs

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Welcome to the California State Library

Find out about the California State Library and the services it offers and its amazing collections.

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