by Stacey Zwald Costello, County Librarian
The California State Library is the central library and research institution for the State of California, serving as both a steward of the state’s documentary heritage and a vital support system for California’s public libraries. Founded in 1850, the same year California became a state, it is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the West and has grown alongside California itself.
At its core, the California State Library preserves and provides access to materials that document California’s history, government, and people. Its extensive collections include historical newspapers, maps, photographs, government publications, rare books, and original documents that chronicle everything from early statehood to modern public policy. These resources are used by legislators, state agencies, researchers, students, journalists, and members of the public seeking reliable information about California.
A central function of the State Library is its service to state government. It provides nonpartisan research and reference assistance to the Legislature and state agencies, helping inform decision making with accurate, timely information. This behind-the-scenes work supports transparent and effective governance.
Equally important is the State Library’s role in strengthening public libraries, including the Colusa County Free Library. Through funding, training, and statewide initiatives, the California State Library helps ensure that rural and small libraries can provide robust, responsive services to their communities. For example, the Zip Books Program, funded through the California State Library, allows Colusa County patrons to request books that are not in our local collection and have them shipped directly to their homes. In addition, a partnership between the State Library and California State Parks has brought free vehicle day use parking passes to all seven of our branches. These passes open the door to outdoor exploration, learning, and recreation, making California’s natural resources more accessible to local families.
State Library support also sustains our Adult and Family Literacy Program, which provides one on one tutoring and family learning opportunities. These services do more than improve reading skills. They build confidence, strengthen families, and create new pathways for employment, education, and civic participation. Through these investments, the California State Library ensures that even small, rural systems like ours can offer innovative programs and meaningful opportunities that enrich the entire community.
In many ways, the California State Library is both a guardian of the past and a partner in our future. By preserving California’s story and investing in local libraries like ours, it helps ensure that knowledge remains accessible, trusted, and available to all Californians for generations to come.