CSL - Online Exhibits
In 2009, a team of master architects, engineers, and technology experts began renovation and restoration of the exquisite 1928 Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building. The restoration was completed in 2013, bringing the historic building back to its original splendor while equipping it with the latest technological features. This photographic exhibit documents the story of the building's transformation. Be certain to view the amazing 3D slides that accompany this exhibit.
The goal of the exhibit is many fold: provide an overview of the Gold Rush, emphasize the strength of the Library's collection, and incorporate items that will simultaneously delight, surprise, and inform. In creating this exhibit, the varieties and richness of the material proved to be both a joy and challenge.
The Library & Courts Building located at 914 Capitol Mall is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in State Government. Its entrance lobby is unsurpassed and the building features three murals and a variety of attractive decorative features. On May 24, 1984, the Library & Courts Building was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
These beautiful and colorful booster materials were designed to attract tourists and home seekers to the Golden State. Produced by the thousands, these now rare publications touted California as a land of perpetual spring and boundless opportunity.
These images from the State Library's collection reflect the wide range of pioneers, dreamers and schemers who headed west to seek their fortune in the 1849 Gold Rush.
From 1870 to 1990 approximately 4,000 books were printed on California food and wine. This astonishing number fully demonstrates that California leads the nation in the culinary arts and the collections of the California State Library reflect this keen interest. This exhibit introduces you to some of amazing cookbooks in the State Library's collection along with a few excerpts and recipes from the books.
Our state's governors lead the largest state in the union and their political influence reaches beyond the borders of the state. This gallery provides a brief glimpse into the rich political and personal life of each governor.
First Ladies have always played an important role in the service of California citizens, balancing the demanding responsibilities of their prestigious position while enduring hardships, tragedies, and the daily difficulties of life and a family. This gallery provides a small glimpse into the lives of these courageous women.
It's been said that the duty of newspapers is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Arguably, no one does that better than the editorial cartoonist. This exhibit showcases the work of 15 of California's sharpest cartoonists.
See photographs of one of the great engineering feats of the 19th Century! This exhibit highlights the work of Alfred A. Hart, who from 1864-1869, documented the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad Company's railway from Sacramento, over the Sierra Nevada range, across Nevada to Promontory, Utah.
Other Exhibits and Displays
Circulation Room and Gillis Hall at the Library and Courts Building
This exhibit explores the 1967 "Summer of Love" through photos, rock concert poster art, underground newspapers, and memorabilia.
"For the Joy of Doing"
A Selection of Fine Printing from the Collections of the California State Library
State Library Annex First and Second Floor Galleries
This exhibit tells the history of fine printing and book arts in California beginning in the 1860s and includes some of the finest examples of this great art from our collection.
It's weird! It's wacky! It must be California history! Right now we are celebrating California's odder sights in our September-October display.