Upcoming Events

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 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.