Online Collections

Our online collections include Exhibits you can visit through this website, and searchable catalogs of historic California art work, prints, documents, and photographs including some in 3D. The public may access any of our online catalogs by vising the public service locations of the State Library, while state government officials and employees with a State Library Card may access our catalogs remotely.

Poster advertising the Southern Pacific Streamlined Daylight locomotive no. 4410 and passenger cars passing mission bell tower and palm trees on left; mountains in background.

Online Exhibits

We have a range of online exhibits, including on California’s gold rush; artwork from 1870 to 1940 promoting the Golden State; and interactive galleries of each governor and first lady of California.

Digital Collections

Search nearly 3,000 historical images, government documents and publications by topic, title, publication date or creator.

Picture Catalog

Search through the State Library’s rich collection of historical photographs, prints, drawings and even sheet music.

Locomotive with Thomas Kensett lettered on cab at rail yard. Eldora R.R. Iowa

3D Images

View our catalog of 3D images, including photographs of early railroad work in California and trains, and of San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake.