Ready Reference Files

California State Librarians

According to California State Library, State Information and Reference Center, the California State Librarians for the years 1861 to the present were as follows:

• William Crapo Stratton (1861-1870)
• William Neely Johnson (Jan.24-Apr.6 1870)
• Robert Oscar Cravens (Apr.6 1870 - 1882)
• Talbot H. Wallis (1882-1890)
• William Dana Perkins (1890-1896)
• William Pierce Mathews (1896-1897)
• Edward Dennis McCabe (1897-1898)
• Frank L. Coombs (1898-1899)
• James L. Gillis (1899-1917)
• Milton J. Ferguson (1917-1930)
• Mabel R. Gillis (1930-1951)
• Carma Leigh (1951-1972)
• Ethel Crockett (1972-1980)
• Gary E. Strong (1980-1994)
• Dr. Kevin Starr (1994---)

Prior to 1861 the Secretary of State was the ex officio State Librarian. By an act approved March 8, 1861, the position of State Librarian became a separate office. The California State Library Foundation Bulletin, number 43, April 1993 includes a photograph and office years for the California State Librarian from 1899-1980.

Source: California State Library, State Information and Reference Center.California State Library Centennial: 1850-1950, Sacramento? : s.n., n,d,. California State Library Foundation Bulletin, April 1993, number 43.

Verified by: GM, 5/98

Disclaimer:
While the Library has verified the information presented in these files in what it considers to be reliable and authoritative sources, it cannot take responsibility for nor guarantee the accuracy of the information presented.