California State Library — Attraction in Sacramento

I explored the Library and Courts Building in early December of 2017 and '18 and absolutely love the architecture! Completed in 1928 to accommodate the expanding state library, the building combines Neoclassical architecture with early infusions of Art Deco. The building's Memorial Vestibule is decorated with 16 beautiful black and gold Italian marble columns topped with bronze urns. The murals right above them depicting war through the ages are the work of San Francisco artist Frank Van Sloun. The second floor corridors are beautifully decorated with marble drinking fountains and outstanding murals by Maynard Dixon. The magnificent Gillis Hall, located up on the third floor and spanning the entire north side of the building greets visitors with soaring ceilings, gilded classical columns capped with Roman Ionic capitals, and original bronze chandeliers with the highlight of the room being Maynard Dixon's 1928 masterpiece titled, "A Pageant of Traditions". The woodwork in the courtrooms is absolutely gorgeous. The original courtroom on the fifth floor is constructed of gum eucalyptus wood decorated with a beautiful gilded dome and stately pilasters donned with magnificent Corinthian capitals. Though the court was supposed to meet in the fifth floor chamber, the Chief Justice at the time refused to meet in the building's "attic", so an expensive and stately reproduction chamber was constructed also of gum eucalyptus on the first floor, and functions as the courtroom today. This magnificent building is open to the public and I therefore strongly recommend that you pay a visit to the library so you can savor the sights of the stunning murals...

7/29/24 I headed to my neighborhood public library on a Monday, not realizing public libraries are closed on Sundays & Mondays. I Googled "libraries near me" & found that the California State Library was open (Yay!) This beautiful building is located on N street. There was ongoing construction in the area so finding parking was not easy. But the doors were unlocked & there was a security guard at the front desk (Yay!) I asked for directions to the computer/printer area and was told, "The library is closed today." I told the nice man that I was confused bc my Google search said otherwise. He then told me I could use the building across the street. Again... Confused. The front of the building was not visible so I asked where the entrance was. He directed me and I was happy!

Is this building part of the California State Library? Idk. But it is GORGEOUS! Security Guards and a walk through scanner. Understandable. Restrooms on that first floor, public library/computer area on floor 3. Stairs and old fashioned (antique?) elevators which I both loved and appreciated. Public use requires signing up, receiving a laminated scan card to keep, and acknowledging that the computer usage time is limited to 1 hour (booo!!!) BUT I was told to just let them know if I needed more time. It wasn't busy so I was able to add another hour. Again, very much appreciated!

I definitely want to go back just to look around. The architecture, history, art work......

A terrible experience since I got in. I haven't even been able to read my book yet: British Possessions and Collonies by Atkins', simply because the underlying motif at this particular library is one of retribution and uncomfort. Seems like the policy in house is focused around eviction and pesamism simply so that they might "persuade" the patrons to leave before the building closes and intimidate the readers by aggressively searching their person and bags before you even get in... suggesting they have to leave their vape pens outside so they won't use them regardless of asking. Too much to imagine their discretion ever being present here. Dogma, doctrine or shortsided...