California State Library

The California State Library system is more than just a collection of books available for the public to borrow. It is a research institution and it offers current information that helps citizens complete school, work, and personal projects quickly, easily, efficiently, and with the confidence that their research is credible and correct. The library offers a team of librarians, consultants, and researchers, all available to help visitors with their needs. The library system is over 150 years old and offers a central reference and research library for the state government, a collection of non-partisan research materials for the Governor and state Legislature, technical assistance, a system of preservation for the state's historical items, and direction of state and federal funds for local public libraries throughout the state. As times change, the library's online system has grown in popularity and it is the first destination many now go for research and information. The system contains access to research reports, grant information, circulation services, statistics, photos, digitized books, and links to other credible sources. The library system happily takes suggestions from citizens and government officials who use the materials on the regular basis and are familiar with how the experience could be improved. Their goal is to perfect the research experience and offer the most complete collection of research to anyone who needs it.