Sacramento Public Library

The Sacramento Public Library traces its origins to 1880, when the Sacramento City Library opened in a single room in the city hall. It became a countywide system in 1911, and the current central library, the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, opened in 1993, named after philanthropist Angela Tsakopoulos. The library is governed by a joint powers authority, the Sacramento Public Library Authority, which oversees operations for the city and county. Over the decades, it has expanded through bond measures and community partnerships, including a major renovation of the central library in 2010 that added the Galleria space and improved accessibility.¹

The library offers traditional lending, e-books, audiobooks, streaming media, and public computers, along with specialized services like homework help, job search assistance, and literacy programs. It operates a popular "Library of Things" collection, lending items such as musical instruments, sewing machines, and Wi-Fi hotspots. The system also runs the "Sacramento Public Library Foundation" to support programming, and hosts author events, storytimes, and technology classes. In recent years, it has expanded digital offerings, including the "Libby" app and online databases for research.²

Beyond the central library, the system operates 27 branches, ranging from historic Carnegie buildings to modern facilities. Notable branches include the McKinley Library, a Carnegie library built in 1908, and the Southgate Library, which features a LEED-certified design. The central library's Galleria is a striking glass-and-steel structure that hosts art exhibitions and community events. The library also operates a bookmobile and a mail-order service for homebound patrons, ensuring access across the county's diverse neighborhoods.³

The library has a notable special collections department, including the Sacramento Room, which houses local history archives, rare books, and photographs. It also runs a "Zine Library" and a "Seed Library" where patrons can borrow seeds for gardening. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the library launched a "Library on Wheels" service to deliver materials to seniors and vulnerable populations. Additionally, the library has a partnership with the Sacramento Food Bank to offer free meals at select branches during summer months, addressing food insecurity alongside literacy.

Tsakopoulos Library Galleria

The central library building, named after Angela Tsakopoulos, featuring a glass galleria.

Library of Things

A collection of non-traditional items, such as tools and instruments, available for borrowing.

Sacramento Room

A special collections area dedicated to local history and genealogy.