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 Librarians

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

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom reads to a room full of children.

The First Partner's Summer Book Club

Join California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California State Library for stories this Summer. Summer programs help keep kids engaged and healthy during the summer months, ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to learn. Visit the State Library's map of summer programming to discover local libraries' summer offerings!

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California Library Literacy Services

Created in 1984, this one-on-one, volunteer tutoring program has helped several hundred thousand Californians learn to read and write, transforming their lives and, in many cases, those of the tutors as well.

Closing Opportunity Gaps for California Students

California invests $3 million annually in the “Online Educational Resources Program,” which provides research and homework resources for the state’s 6.2 million public school students. The project is an example of California’s ongoing commitment to making educational opportunities available to all students, families, and residents.

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Protecting California's Cultural Collections

California is home to one of the most diverse and expansive cultural collections, spread across thousands of institutions who serve as the state’s collective memory. In 2020, the California State Library and its cultural heritage partners embarked on the California Cultural Collection Protection Survey to improve the state’s understanding of its collections.