California State Library

The California State Library is a research library in Sacramento that holds several million books, documents, maps, and digital materials for public use and study. The collection includes specialized sections covering legal resources, historical documents, and materials supporting both everyday research and academic work.

California's Legislature established this institution in 1850 as a central library to support state government research and operations. Over time it grew into a major repository preserving materials that document the state's legal history and broader development.

The California History Room displays the state's development through manuscripts, photographs, and newspapers that show visitors how people and events shaped the region. Walking through these collections gives a sense of the stories that define California today.

You can access most materials directly on-site during your visit, while California residents can also borrow items through their local libraries using the interlibrary loan system. Planning ahead about which collections you need helps make the most of your time there.

The Bernard E. Witkin State Law Library section holds a complete archive of California court decisions dating back to statehood, making it invaluable for anyone researching the state's legal evolution. Few people realize this collection captures nearly two centuries of judicial history in one place.

Location: Sacramento

Inception: 1850

Website: http://library.ca.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.57629,-121.49607

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:56