Library and Courts Building
914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento
Upcoming Events
Night at the State Library:
The Influence of Gold Mining on the Development of California
A talk by John Clinkenbeard, Supervising Engineering Geologist, California Geological Survey
California’s rich heritage has been greatly influenced by its history of gold mining. While gold was known to occur in California prior to 1848, it was James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Coloma in that year that sent a rush of gold seekers from around the world to California. No other single event in the history of California has had such a profound influence on the state’s development. This presentation provides an overview of the history of gold mining in California and its impact on the physical, economic, and cultural development of the state since 1848.
Ongoing Exhibits:
"For the Joy of Doing"
On display now at the State Library Branch at 900 N Street is an exhibit devoted to the history of fine printing and book arts in California. The exhibit, For the Joy of Doing, is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
California, perhaps because of its remoteness from large publishing and printing firms, has enjoyed a remarkable history in the fine and private press movement surpassing virtually every other state and region in the country. Beginning with Edward Bosqui in the 1860s, the State Library has amassed a large collection of fine printing. Represented in the exhibit are examples from fine pressman John Henry Nash as well as Edward and Robert Grabhorn from the early 20th century.
"The Art of Haiku"
The California State Library kicks off the new year with an exhibit of haiku poem cards, known as shikishi. Created by some of Japan’s most prominent haiku poets of the 20th century, the shishiki combine poetry and artful calligraphy on fine handmade paper. Shikishi are typically given as gifts to mark a special occasion, and the exhibit features works that were a gift from the Museum of Haiku Literature in Tokyo to the Haiku Society of America, whose archives are housed at the State Library.
The exhibit runs through April 2018 and is free and open to the public weekdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is on the 3rdfloor of the Library and Courts Building at 914 Capitol Mall in Sacramento.
"Maritime Law: The Law of the Sea"
The Witkin State Law Library currently has on display various historic materials from the 17th and 18th century pertaining to maritime law, the branch of law which regulates commerce and navigation on the seas or on navigable waters. The establishment of ancient maritime codes was heavily influenced by commerce and customs at sea of the early Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks.
Today, modern national and international maritime law covers a wide range of legal matters including the carriage of goods and people, maritime pollution, piracy, criminal activity, hazardous material spills, and more. The Witkin State Law Library houses several resources relevant to maritime law including maritime warfare, international law, navigation laws, maritime cases, and laws specific to the transport of people or goods by water.
The Witkin State Law Library is open to the public weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is on the 3rd floor of the Library and Courts Building at 914 Capitol Mall in Sacramento.
