Purchasing Books for the State Library in 1853
By Gary F. Kurutz
When California State Government was in its infancy, high level officials became involved in routine activities such as the purchase of books for the State Library. Recently, the Foundation acquired on behalf of the Library a beautifully printed warrant from the Comptroller’s Office for $260 dated March 14, 1853.… Read more >>
New Acquisition: The Ozcot Photograph Album
“Ozcot” was the name of the Hollywood residence at Magnolia and Rose streets, in which L. Frank Baum, author of the children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), lived from 1911 – 1919. The book was later transformed into the now-iconic film The Wizard of Oz, released by MGM in 1939.… Read more >>
The Dr. Kevin Starr Memorial Issue of The Bulletin
Members of the Foundation automatically receive a copy of the Bulletin. Hard copies can be ordered here for $7.50 each, plus shipping. If you would like to become a member of the Foundation, click here to join online, or mail in the form provided.
The following is Mr. Kurutz’s introduction to this very special issue:
This special memorial issue of the Bulletin is devoted to the considerable
contributions of Dr.… Read more >>
For the Joy of Doing
(Press Release reprinted with permission from the California State Library, June 15, 2017):
“For the Joy of Doing,”
A Selection of Fine Printing from the Collections of the California State Library
On display now at the State Library Branch at 900 N Street is an exhibit devoted to the history of fine printing and book arts in California.… Read more >>
New Acquisitions for California History
A Propeller-driven Snow Mobile
Among the many items acquired by the Foundation on behalf of the Library’s California History Section is an album of 62 original photographs documenting the construction of the Rush Creek Hydroelectric Project in Mono County, 1913––1923. Found in the album is a group of four images of a power “snow sled” built by Billy Young at Rush Creek in 1918.… Read more >>
Board Member Gary Noy Publishes Newest Book on the Gold Rush
Gary Noy, an esteemed member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, has just released his latest book, Gold Rush Stories: 49 Tales of Seekers, Scoundrels, Loss and Luck (Heyday Books and Sierra College Press, 2017). At the most recent Night at the State Library event, Mr. Noy gave a fascinating talk that was well-attended and enthusiastically received.… Read more >>
New Bulletin Hot Off the Press
The latest edition of the Bulletin is out in print, and the full color version is available on our website.
In this issue CSUS Professor Emeritus Mark Riley details the treasure trove of “minor arts” found on the edifice and interior of the State Library’s Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building at 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento. … Read more >>
Celebrating The Beauty and Artistry of “The Golden Age of Book Illustration”
Note: The exhibit closed May 19, 2017, but the items remain in the permanent collection of the California State Library and may be viewed on request. Contact the California State Library Special Collections for more information: 916-654-0176.
“The Golden Age of Book Illustration from John James Audubon to Thomas Moran” will be on display in the California State University, Sacramento, University Library Gallery until May 19, 2017.… Read more >>
Announcing The Kevin Starr California Literacy Fund
The Kevin Starr California Literacy Fund
California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) is a state-funded program that was first implemented in 1984 and is administered by the California State Library. Many of our CLLS programs want to either add a Family Literacy Service program to their existing services, or expand an existing program. … Read more >>
The Passing of Dr. Kevin Starr
The California State Library Foundation is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Dr. Kevin Starr on Saturday. Dr. Starr was California’s premier historian and advocate, as well as the State Librarian under three administrations. Tributes are pouring in over Facebook and Twitter. Stay tuned as the State Library and the Foundation plan to honor this larger-than-life librarian and lover of history.… Read more >>