Welcome to the California State Library

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For Californians

The California State Library provides a variety of services to all Californians. We are here to serve.

For State Employees

The California State Library empowers the people of the nation’s most diverse and populous state by providing credible information services to all Californians.

For Library Workers

The State Library supports California’s libraries through a variety of programs and services.

For Students and Teachers

The California State Library provides students with a variety of resources to learn about the complicated and dynamic history of The Golden State.

For Researchers

Our librarians have developed a number of resources to help you research just about any topic from the latest science and technology to your personal family history.

For Policymakers

From books and electronic databases related to public policy to information about grants, the State Library is a leading source of impartial information for California policymakers.

In the Spotlight

Library Infrastructure Grant Program

The budget signed by Gov. Newsom for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 contains the single largest investment California has ever made in local libraries. Chief among the investments is $439 million in one-time funds to create an equity-focused grant program administered by the State Library to support life-safety and critical maintenance and facilities projects. A statement from the State Library about the program.

Exterior photo of the California State Library headquarters.

Make An Appointment to Visit Us

We welcome in-person visits by appointment. Make an appointment to come visit us!

California Grants Portal

The California Grants Portal is your one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.

Illustration of two people - one Black, one in a wheelchair - and text: Community Hubs: Libraries support all Californians, including parents with young children, teens, seniors, immigrants and refugees, veterans and people experiencing homelessness or mental illness.

Value of California’s Public Libraries

The California State Library is exploring and demonstrating the value that public libraries provide to their communities and the people who invest in them through a project titled Measuring the Value of California’s Public Libraries. The project began in January 2017 and continues until June 2020.