Tours of the Historic State Library Building
Welcome to the California State Library in the historic Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building.
The State Library, older than the state itself, began with several books donated on December 22, 1849 by Colonel J.D. Stevenson. Colonel Stevenson presented the books to the State Legislature in San José to establish a state library. California was admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850, becoming the 31st state in the nation.
The State Library’s location changed several times before it found a permanent home in the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building, which was completed in 1928. Recent renovations of the building have brought it back to its original splendor.
Tours
Docent-led Tours
The State Library is not conducting tours at this time. All State Library locations are closed to the public in response to recommendations made by the California Department of Public Health and as a precaution to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Self-guided Tours
All State Library locations are currently closed to the public in response to recommendations made by the California Department of Public Health and as a precaution to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Please enjoy our brochure, which provides a history of the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building and its architectural features (PDF).
Virtual Tours
Experience the State Library in 360°. View every part of this architectural gem, from its ornate ceilings and marble columns to the paintings and murals.
You can also check out the Historic Library and Courts Building: An Architectural Treasure, which focuses on historical photographs and contemporary images of the library and its architectural features.
