The California State Library serves the people of California in several ways:
- It is the central reference and research library for state government and the Legislature.
- It provides non-partisan research to the Legislature and the Governor.
- It collects, preserves, generates and disseminates information ranging from California's priceless historical items to today's online texts.
- It advises, consults with, and provides technical assistance to California's public libraries, and it directs state and federal funds to support local public libraries and statewide library programs, and services.