Services
Everyone is welcome to visit the public service locations of the California State Library to access our collections and resources. With a State Library card, California state government officials and employees may also borrow most State Library books, magazines and journals as well as remotely access the Library’s online resources. Members of the general public may request some materials from the State Library through interlibrary lending at their local public library. Rare and fragile materials are not loaned and must be viewed in the State Library.
The California State Library provides the following services and products to its patrons to help connect them to California’s past, present and future:
Braille and Talking Book Library
Learn about the rich and extensive collection of audio and braille books available at no cost to eligible readers through about the Braille and Talking Book Library.
Borrowing
Find information on borrowing materials from the California State Library, for state government employees and officials, as well as for the general public.
California Public Library Statistics
Find the California State Library’s annual compilation of statistical data from California public libraries, including survey instructions and forms for public libraries to fill out.
Digital Concierge Program
A digitization center dedicated to preserving and sharing collections hidden throughout California state government.
For State Government Officials and Employees
With a State Library card, California state government officials and employees may remotely access State Library catalogs and online resources as well as borrow books, magazines, journals and training videos from the State Library. Members and staff of the Legislature and Governor’s Office enjoy access to the California Research Bureau, which provides research and expedited reference help.
For California Public Libraries
Get information on and apply for Library Services and Technology Act grants, access our public library statistical portal, and learn about Interlibrary Lending and other resources through our online directory of Services for Libraries.
Online Resources
The State Library’s online resources are available to all state government officials and employees at their worksite or remotely with a State Library card, as well as to members of the general public who visit the California State Library reading rooms.
For The General Public
All visitors to the California State Library — including those contacting us via phone, email or TDD — may use the Library’s reference services. Learn how to request State Library materials through interlibrary lending via your local public library.
Research
Find research resources and help, as well as information on the California Research Bureau, which provides independent, nonpartisan, timely and confidential policy research and analysis to its clients: the Governor’s Office and the State Legislature.