Public Libraries in CA
United States
Public Libraries in California
Find public libraries across California — hours, addresses, digital resources and free programs near you.
15
Cities Covered
18
Libraries Listed
Free
Library Cards
California's public libraries are supported by the California State Library and serve communities across the state. This directory covers 18 cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Cerritos, Carlsbad, American Canyon, Beaumont — with hours, addresses, phone numbers, and the free digital services available to California residents.
Browse Libraries by City
More California Libraries
COALINGA
Coalinga-Huron Library District
⭐ Featured Library
East San Jose Carnegie Library
One of the leading public libraries in California, serving the local community with books, digital resources, programs and free Wi-Fi.
About Public Libraries in California
California has a strong network of public libraries serving communities of all sizes, from busy city systems to small rural reading rooms. Supported by the California State Library, these libraries provide free access to books, digital resources, broadband internet, educational programs, and community gathering spaces for all residents.
Most California public libraries offer free library cards to state residents and participate in statewide digital library programs, giving cardholders access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming films from home using apps like Libby (OverDrive).
Use the city directory above to find your nearest public library in California, including current hours, contact information, and details on available services and programs.
📚 What California Libraries Offer
- 📖 Books, DVDs, audiobooks & magazines
- 💻 Digital eBooks & audiobooks (Libby / OverDrive)
- 🎬 Streaming films (Kanopy or Hoopla)
- 📡 Free Wi-Fi & public computers
- 👶 Children’s storytimes & programs
- 🎓 Adult learning & literacy programs
- 📚 Interlibrary loan network
🗺️ Quick Facts
| Cities covered | 15 |
| Libraries listed | 18 |
| Digital platform | Libby / OverDrive |
| Streaming | Kanopy / Hoopla |
| Library card cost | Free for residents |
Free Digital Resources
📚 SFPL Digital Collection (Libby, Kanopy & Discover & Go) — Free for California Residents
California has no single statewide public-library database portal, so SFPL provides its own free digital collection to cardholders: eBooks and audiobooks through Libby / OverDrive, Kanopy for film and documentary streaming, and free museum and cultural passes through Discover & Go. All of it is available online with a San Francisco Public Library card.
🎫 New to the library in CA? See our step-by-step guide on how to get a library card — what you need, applying online, non-resident options and cards for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Special services at California libraries
Beyond books, many California public libraries offer these services — browse the verified, up-to-date list for each:
🎨 Bay Area libraries offer Discover & Go. Reserve free passes to San Francisco Bay Area museums, zoos and science centers with your library card — see the Bay Area Discover & Go guide.
Explore More Library Resources
From Los Angeles to San Francisco, every Californian can get a free library card and borrow eBooks, use interlibrary loan and reach statewide databases. Start with these guides and major city directories.
Major California cities
Browse by county
Library how-to guides
Borrow eBooks Free (Libby, hoopla, Kanopy)
Interlibrary Loan Explained
Non-Resident Library Cards
How to Renew Library Books
Library data & research