CSL – Services

Everyone is welcome to visit the public service locations of California State Library to access our collections and resources. With a State Library Card, California state government officials and employees may also borrow most State Library books, magazines and journals as well as remotely access the Library’s online resources. Members of the general public may inquire about borrowing materials from the State Library through their local public library. Rare and fragile materials are not loaned and must be viewed in the State Library.

The California State Library provides the following services and products to its patrons to help connect them to California's past, present and future:

Braille and Talking Book Library

Learn about the free services and vast, searchable catalog available to eligible readers through our online directory of services and information about the Braille and Talking Book Library.

Borrowing

Find information on borrowing materials from the California State Library, for state government employee and officials, as well as for the general public.

Statistics

Find the California State Library's annual compilation of statistical data from California public libraries, including survey instructions and forms for public libraries to fill out.

For State Government Officials and Employees

With a State Library Card, California state government officials and employees may remotely access California State Library catalogs and online resources as well as borrow books, magazines, journals and training videos from the State Library. Members and staff of the Legislature and Governor’s Office enjoy access to the California Research Bureau, which provides research and expedited reference help.

For California Public Libraries

Get information on and apply for Library Services and Technology Act grants, access our public library statistical portal, and learn about Interlibrary Lending and other resources through our online directory of Services for Libraries

Online Resources

The State Library’s online resources are available to all state government officials and employees at their worksite or remotely with a State Library Card, as well as to members of the general public who visit the California State Library' reading rooms.

For The General Public

All visitors to the California State Library – including those contacting us via phone, email or TDD – may use the Library's reference services. Learn how to request State Library materials through interlibrary lending via your local public library.

Research

Find research resources and help, as well as information on the California Research Bureau, which provides independent, nonpartisan, timely and confidential policy research or analysis to our clients: the Legislature, the Governor's Office and other Constitutional Officers.