California State Library

California State Library. Founded in 1850, the same year California achieved statehood, it is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating public libraries. It serves as the central reference and research library for the California State Legislature and the executive branch, while also providing critical services to the public. Its mission encompasses preserving the state's history, supporting public libraries statewide, and providing access to government information.

History

The library was established by the California State Legislature's first act, signed by Governor Peter Hardeman Burnett. Its initial collection was housed in various locations in the state capital, including the State Capitol building. A significant early figure was Lorenzo Sawyer, who served as both a California Supreme Court Justice and the State Librarian. The collection grew substantially through the late 19th century, aided by federal documents obtained via the Library of Congress and materials from the Smithsonian Institution. A major milestone was the 1928 completion of its dedicated Beaux-Arts building, designed by the firm Weeks and Day. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its role, taking on the administration of federal library aid programs like the Library Services and Construction Act and pioneering early Braille and talking book services.

Collections and services

The library's vast holdings exceed five million items, including an extensive collection of California history materials, such as newspapers, photographs, and manuscripts from the California Gold Rush era. It houses the official publications of the State of California and is a depository for U.S. Government documents. Special collections include the California History Section, the Government Publications Section, and the Braille and Talking Book Library. It provides direct research assistance to state government and the public, operates the California Research Bureau, and administers grants to local libraries through programs like the California Library Services Act. The library also maintains the California State Archives in a cooperative arrangement.

Governance and funding

The library is a division of the California Government Operations Agency. It is headed by the State Librarian of California, who is appointed by the Governor of California and confirmed by the California State Senate. The current State Librarian is Greg Lucas. Primary funding is allocated through the annual State Budget passed by the legislature. Additional support comes from federal grants administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, private donations, and specific funds like the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Service program. Advisory bodies include the California Library Services Board.

Facilities

The main library is located in the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building at 914 Capitol Mall in Sacramento, directly across from the California State Capitol. This historic building, named for former Chief Justice Stanley Mosk, underwent a major seismic retrofit and renovation completed in the 2010s. The library also operates the Braille and Talking Book Library facility in Fremont. Its collections are supplemented by an off-site storage facility, and it provides digital access to many resources through its online catalog and the Calisphere digital collection portal.

Role in state government

As the central library for state government, it provides indispensable, nonpartisan research and reference services to the California State Legislature, the Governor's office, and all state agencies. The California Research Bureau produces confidential briefings and reports for legislators and their staff on a wide range of policy issues. The library is the official archive for state publications, ensuring permanent public access to government information. Furthermore, it plays a key leadership role in the development of statewide library policy and coordinates major collaborative initiatives like the Public Library Internet Access program.

Category:State libraries of the United States Category:California State Library Category:Government of California Category:Libraries established in 1850 Category:1850 establishments in California