California State Library

The 160-year old 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. It houses the Braille and Talking Book Library which loans braille, cassette and talking books, magazines and playback equipment to northern Californians unable to read conventional print.