About Us
The California State Library Foundation is the independent philanthropic partner of the California State Library in strengthening information resources which enrich the social and cultural heritage of California and its people.
California State Library assets and programs are at risk.
Annually, 138 million people across the state and beyond rely on artifacts and services available exclusively through the California State Library.
The California State Library offers a massive collection containing millions of items. Each year, nearly 8 million children attend 250,000 programs and more than 138 million people visit public libraries supported by the State Library.
However, funding provided to the California State Library by the state and federal government often is designated to funding the public library system. This leaves very little funding left for the State Library and their needs which includes collection development, preservation and conservation of their existing collections, employee development, educational events, seminars, etc.
The California State Library Foundation was established in 1982 as the independent philanthropic partner of the California State Library in strengthening information resources which enrich the social and cultural heritage of California and its people.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, public charity governed by an independent Board of Directors. Its membership proudly exceeds 500 members, including more than 100 lifetime memberships.
Cultural preservation is an investment in progress for our communities.
Understanding the past helps us understand how our current conditions came to be, how and why people behave the way they do, and what we can expect for the future. The California State Library Foundation raises funds for the programs and acquisitions the Library needs the most to serve its patrons and protect our cultural heritage.
Significant donation-based accomplishments include:
- Braille and Talking Book Library equipment to make collections accessible for vision-impaired users,
- California State Library Foundation Bulletin, which informs hundreds of readers about Library resources each quarter,
- Governor’s Book Fund to purchase books for disadvantaged community school libraries,
- Support for California Research Bureau programs to shape relevant public policy,
- U.S. local history books, directories, and atlases for historical and genealogical research, and
- Library artifact exhibits, displayed at the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Public Library, and State Capitol Museum.
Supporting the California State Library benefits everyone.
Our members are brought together with one common interest: to support one of California’s greatest institutions, the California State Library. Each motivated by diverse personal and professional reasons, our members come from all walks of life, including:
- Authors
- Students
- Historians
- Genealogists
- Designers
- Librarians
- Researchers
- Teachers
- Political leaders
- Community leaders
- Advertising professionals
While cultural artifacts are silent and inanimate, they have so much to contribute to our community. We believe this important historical cause deserves a strong voice to benefit all of us.
Staff & Board Of Directors
Our small, but ambitious staff and dedicated board of directors are united by a passion for keeping the California State Library widely accessible in perpetuity.
Staff
Brittneydawn Cook, Executive Director & Editor
1225 8th Street, Suite 345
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 447-6331
Fax: (916) 447-0125
Gene Kennedy, Administrative Assistant
1225 8th Street, Suite 345
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 447-6331
Fax: (916) 447-0125
Shelley Ford, Bookkeeper
Phone: (916) 447-6331
Board of Directors
Kenneth B. Noack, Jr.
President
Sacramento, California
Marilyn Snider
Vice President
Oakland, California
Joe Peters
Treasurer & Secretary
Sacramento, California
Paul Luscher
Roseville, California
Jennifer Bayse-Sander
Sacramento, California
Andrea Catania -Stephenson
Lincoln, California
Gary Strong
Potlatch, Idaho
Katherine Weedman-Cox
Rancho Cordova, California
Jasmin Hakes
Manhattan Beach, California
Resources
The Braille & Talking Book Library
The Braille and Talking Book Library uses the generous donations given to the Foundation to enhance the library services for Californians unable to read standard print.
- The local recording program uses donated money to cover the cost of print books on California topics not otherwise available. The tapes, recording equipment and supplies are also purchased with Foundation funds.
- The machine repair program receives support for tools, equipment, and supplies needed to keep up the tape players used by BTBL readers.
- The volunteer program recognizes the thousands of hours contributed by loyal volunteers who work in the recording, repair, and book inspection areas. Devoted volunteers enjoy the special celebrations given in their honor and the daily refreshments provided by the Foundation.
- Special needs are also purchased with contributions such as furniture and assistive technology equipment for the public reading room.
Donations received by the Foundation for BTBL will only be used for its programs.
California History Section
The California History Section holds a premier collection from and about California’s rich history. Its vaults house thousands of rare materials and one-of-a-kind photographs, letters, and ephemeral items. It has an abundance of resources for all levels of inquiry, whether for a well vetted researcher, a family member working on genealogy, or a fourth grader working on a school project.
Donations received by the Foundation for the California History Section:
- Help staff preserve, conserve, and maintain their historical collections and resources.
- Enable growth of the collections and resources by allowing it to purchase items to add to its existing collections.
- Provide opportunities to display and discuss its materials through programs and events.
- Provide opportunities for staff to participate in seminars, events to further their knowledge and experience.
Government Publications Section
The Government Publications collection is the only regional depository of federal government information in California, a full depository for California state government publications, and a Patent and Trademark Resource Center.
CSLF memberships and contributions can now be designated to support the Government Publications Section and its staff. Funding could help them purchase basic needs such as library carts, step stools, etc., but could also allow staff to participate in events to display and discuss their collections.
Information Service Section
The Information Services Section provides books and other materials on a wide variety of topics to both state government employees and the general public. This section contains reference and bibliographic materials in all subject fields except Californiana and the law, (served by the California History Section and the Witkin Law Library). Information Services can be visited in Gillis Hall and reference questions can be addressed in the Ask a Librarian service via the California State Library website.
CSLF memberships and contributions can now be designated to support Information Services and its staff. These funds help them purchase supplies as well as collections and can also assist in sponsoring events within Gillis Hall.
Sutro Library
The Sutro Library, the State Library’s San Francisco branch, holds the original collection of Adolph Sutro, prestigious California businessman and former San Francisco mayor. The collection has a large quantity of publications and items dating from the 13th to the 21st century and is home to one of the largest genealogy collections in the United States. The Sutro collection was donated by heirs to the California State Library in 1913, after being moved around for nearly a century, it finally received a permanent home in 2012 at the San Francisco State University campus.
Donations received by the Foundation for the Sutro Library:
- Help staff preserve, conserve, and maintain their historical collections and resources.
- Enable growth of the collections and resources by allowing it to purchase items to add to its existing collections.
- Provides opportunities to display and discuss its materials through programs and events.
- Provide opportunities for staff to participate in seminars, events to further their knowledge and experience.
Witkin State Law Library
The Witkin State Law Library offers an extensive collection of primary and secondary sources with a focus on California Law. Its legal materials and collections aid legal professionals and those representing themselves in court. Its librarians can assist you with your research requests but cannot offer legal advice.
Donations received by the Foundation for the Witkin Law Library:
- Help purchase new law materials and collections that are not provided by the state.
- Allow staff to participate in seminars and events to better their knowledge and service.
Links to the California State Library
Connect to the powerful resources and services of the California State Library:
Become a Member
Support Cultural Education
The California State Library Foundation needs your help to protect the Library’s culturally essential services and vast collection containing millions of artifacts. While the Library does receive funding from the state and federal government, ever-increasing competition for those funds means looking beyond tax revenue to accomplish objectives. You can make a difference!