California Library Hours
Complete guide to library hours across California. From world-renowned UC and CSU libraries to extensive public library systems in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, discover library resources throughout the Golden State.
California Library Hours by City
Los Angeles
200+ libraries including LAPL Central, UCLA, USC, and community branches
San Francisco
SFPL system, UCSF, Stanford, and Silicon Valley libraries
San Diego
San Diego Public Library, UCSD, SDSU, and county branches
Sacramento
State Library of California, UC Davis, and Sacramento Public Library
University of California Library Hours
The UC system operates one of the world's largest academic library systems with over 40 million items across 10 campuses. Most UC libraries offer extended hours during the academic year with 24/7 study spaces.
UC Berkeley
Doe Memorial Library and 20+ specialized libraries
UCLA
Research Library and specialized collections
UC San Diego
Iconic brutalist architecture library
UC Davis
Agricultural and life sciences collections
UC Irvine
Modern research facilities
UC Santa Barbara
Beachside campus library
California State University Libraries
The 23-campus CSU system serves over 485,000 students with comprehensive library services, extended hours, and modern facilities supporting undergraduate and graduate education.
Northern California CSU
- San Francisco State: Mon-Thu 7 AM - 11 PM
- San Jose State: Mon-Thu 7 AM - 10 PM
- Sacramento State: Mon-Thu 8 AM - 11 PM
- Chico State: Mon-Thu 7 AM - 10 PM
Central California CSU
- Fresno State: Mon-Thu 7 AM - 12 AM
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: 24/7 study areas
- CSU Monterey Bay: Mon-Thu 8 AM - 10 PM
- CSU Stanislaus: Mon-Thu 8 AM - 10 PM
Southern California CSU
- Cal Poly Pomona: Mon-Thu 7 AM - 12 AM
- Long Beach State: 24/7 study areas
- San Diego State: Mon-Thu 7 AM - 2 AM
- Fullerton State: Mon-Thu 7 AM - 11 PM
Major Public Library Systems
Los Angeles Public Library
Branches: Vary by location, typically 10 AM - 8 PM weekdays
San Francisco Public Library
Branches: Most open 10 AM - 6 PM with extended weekday hours
San Diego Public Library
Branches: Typically 10 AM - 6 PM with some extended hours
Orange County Public Libraries
Community: Typically 10 AM - 6 PM weekdays, limited weekends
24-Hour Libraries in California
California leads the nation in 24-hour library access, with over 50 locations offering round-the-clock study spaces, particularly on university campuses during academic periods.
🎓 University 24/7
- UCLA Powell Library
- UC Berkeley Doe Library
- UCSD Geisel Library
- Stanford Green Library
- USC Leavey Library
- Cal Poly SLO Kennedy
🏛️ Public 24/7
- LAPL Central (limited areas)
- San Jose MLK Jr. Library
- San Diego Central (study areas)
- Fresno Main Library
🔬 Research 24/7
- California Institute of Technology
- UCSF Parnassus Library
- UC Irvine Science Library
- Scripps Research Institute
California Library Regions
Northern California
Key Cities: San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento
Major Systems: SFPL, Santa Clara County, Sacramento Public
Universities: UC Berkeley, Stanford, SJSU, UC Davis
Central Valley
Key Cities: Fresno, Stockton, Modesto, Bakersfield
Major Systems: Fresno County, San Joaquin County
Universities: UC Merced, Fresno State, CSU Stanislaus
Southern California
Key Cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, Long Beach
Major Systems: LAPL, San Diego Public, Orange County
Universities: UCLA, USC, UCSD, Cal Tech
California Library Tips
🎫 Library Cards
Most California public libraries participate in reciprocal borrowing agreements. Your card may work throughout the state.
🌞 Summer Hours
Many libraries reduce hours during summer. University libraries often close or have limited weekend hours between semesters.
🔥 Wildfire Closures
During wildfire season, libraries may close due to air quality or evacuations. Check local emergency alerts.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Urban libraries often have limited parking. Consider public transit or arrive early, especially near universities.