To view restricted-use and rare materials you must:

• Make an appointment at least 3 business days in advance
• On the Booking Details page, provide the list of materials you would like to view. This list must include: item titles, call numbers, and catalog permalinks.
• Paging will be limited to what can be viewed during your appointment:
  • Books - 20
  • Periodicals - 5 boxes or bound sets (time covered will vary)
  • Manuscript boxes - 5
  • Maps - 10
  • Ephemera and photographs - 5 folders

How to schedule an appointment:

Step 1: Go to the bottom of the page to select your desired appointment date and time

Step 2: Complete the booking form and submit

• You must include a list of materials to be viewed when you fill out the Booking Details form.
• Appointments will be tentative until approved by staff. You will receive one email acknowledging your request and a second email will follow if/when your appointment is approved.

Need Help?

Contact us for staff assistance:

• 916-654-0176
• Ask-a-Librarian
• cslcal@library.ca.gov

Please note:

• Staff are unable to fill same-day requests for these materials. All requests must be finalized with library staff at least 1 business day in advance of the appointment.  
• Outside books, spiral bound notebooks, legal pads, and three-ring binders are NOT allowed inside the Rare Materials Reading Room. Please bring single sheets of paper only.

If you have any questions about this process, please email us at cslcal@library.ca.gov. We are happy to help.