Google Arts & Culture Collection
Explore more of the California State Library’s collection at Google Arts & Culture.
Exhibits
In-Person Exhibits
California, a Winter Wonderland — California History Room
January 2024 through March 2024
Does the thought of snow bring a smile to your face? Yearning either to play outside or to cozy up with a big, steaming mug and a book? Whatever your winter fancy, come to see the California History Section’s latest display, featuring a wide range of books, from a history of skiing to poetry and picture books to winter-themed journals, pamphlets, ads, photos, and more. We’re open Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, and hope to see you there!
Headlines of History at Sutro Library
January 2023 through April 2023
Come explore history through the lens of Sutro Library‘s broadsides and newspapers. Open on 5th floor of Sutro Library. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Featured Online Exhibit
Additional Online Exhibits
The Ghost File
Rumors of paranormal occurrences at the California State Library have circulated and persisted for decades. To evaluate the rumors and legends surrounding the library, staff researched the construction of the library, the pivotal people who fought to create it, and its unique collections. The result of this exploration is The Ghost File.
Shikishi Haiku
The California State Library, in partnership with Google Arts & Culture, presents “Shikishi Haiku,” an exhibit of the works of several leading Japanese haiku poets, whose works artfully blend poetry and colorful calligraphy on shikishi, or square poem cards. The works are part of the American Haiku Archives, which are housed at the State Library.
Daguerreotypes: The First Photographs
The California State Library, in partnership with Google Arts & Culture, presents an exhibit of one-of-a-kind images of some of the state’s pioneering families from the Gold Rush era. The daguerreotype, developed in 1837, was the first publicly available photographic process.
Juneteenth Exhibit: Celebrating Emancipation
The California State Library partners with Sacramento Juneteenth, Inc. each year by hosting a reception in our Fragrance Garden. This year we have added this online exhibit featuring images from past Juneteenth events held at the State Library, historic photos from the Library’s history collection, along with information and photos of our community leaders.
Elected Women: 100 Years in California Legislature
The California State Library in partnership with Women in California Politics (WICP) presents an exhibit celebrating 100 years of women serving in the California Legislature. In November 1918 the first four women were elected to office, since that time 157 women have served in the state’s legislature. Today we celebrate and honor these women, both past and present, for their service and dedication to the people of California.
Breaking Up California: A History of Many Attempts
A look at the people and efforts to split up California into smaller states, with historical maps and documents, legislative attempts, an interactive timeline, books, journal and news articles, and videos chronicling some of the more than 220 attempts to redraw California.
50 Years Ago at Folsom Prison
2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Johnny Cash’s historic live performance at Folsom Prison. See items from the State Library collection about Folsom Prison, Cash, and his advocacy for improved conditions for prison inmates.
California as We Saw It: Exploring the California Gold Rush
The goal of the exhibit is many fold: provide an overview of the Gold Rush, emphasize the strength of the Library’s collection, and incorporate items that will simultaneously delight, surprise, and inform. In creating this exhibit, the varieties and richness of the material proved to be both a joy and challenge.
The Historic Library & Courts Building: An Architectural Treasure
The Library & Courts Building located at 914 Capitol Mall is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in State Government. Its entrance lobby is unsurpassed and the building features three murals and a variety of attractive decorative features. On May 24, 1984, the Library & Courts Building was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Governors’ Gallery
Our state’s governors lead the largest state in the union and their political influence reaches beyond the borders of the state. This gallery provides a brief glimpse into the rich political and personal life of each governor.
First Ladies Gallery
First Ladies have always played an important role in the service of California citizens, balancing the demanding responsibilities of their prestigious position while enduring hardships, tragedies, and the daily difficulties of life and a family. This gallery provides a small glimpse into the lives of these courageous women.
