Arcata Library

A bird's eye view of Arcata Library shows bike parking and skylights.

Ongoing Events at the Arcata Library



Arcata Library Programs

Book Group in a Bag

Make your own book group, and read and share at home. How? With one simple checkout.  Adults, young adults, and children can choose multiple copies of a title and go home with a discussion guide, author biography and more.  There are more than 100 titles (both fiction and non-fiction) to choose from. Free! Sponsored by the Friends of Arcata Library.


Starting your own book group is easy with Book Group in a Bag

Here is someone checking out a 'Book Group in a Bag' kit from the Arcata Library.

YA Book Club, meeting on Zoom

Young Adult Book Club

Young Adult Book Group

3rd Thursday of every 2 months at 6:00 PM (Zoom)

The Young Adult Book Group is for readers aged 12 to 19. It's run by Larissa of the Tin Can Mailman Bookstore and cosponsored by Arcata Library. Check the library calendar for an exact date. Contact us ahead of time to get the book and an invitation!  822-5954.                  

A Novel Idea, a Book Group for Adults, Meeting on Zoom.

Buttercups have honeyed hearts, bees they love the clover, but I love the daisies' dance all the

A Novel Idea Book Club, 6:00 PM, 4th Thursday of the Month (Zoom)

Readers who are 18 years and older are welcome to drop in to A Novel Idea Book Club. Branch librarian Susan chooses titles that are relatively new award-winners and available in paperback. Call the library to request your copy of the book for curbside pickup, and to get your Zoom invitation. 

A Call to Yarns Knit & Crochet Group, 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM Fridays. (Zoom)

Photo: balls of yarn in various textures and colors.

Knit, chat, and relax with others who like to do the same. This friendly group welcomes all experience levels, including newbies, and is currently meeting on Zoom.

Sign up to get a Zoom invitation emailed to you.

The Humboldt Library Foundation



The public library is a gateway to explore the world, spark the imagination, launch young minds or simply answer a question. You can help ensure our library will continue to inspire and meet the needs of the future by supporting the Humboldt Library Foundation.  Visit the Humboldt Library Foundation website to see upcoming Foundation events, news, and how you can contribute to make our library and our community a better place to live.

Friends of the Arcata Library (FOAL)


500 7th Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Through the work of the Friends, the library is able to add more books and materials to its collections and offer programs to enhance library services.  You can participate in volunteer activities, or simply support the Library by joining.  Visit the Friends of the Arcata Library website for more about this library-loving group.



Stories in the Parks - 2nd & 4th Tuesday of Each Month


Stories and songs from librarian Sue Parsons cap a wonderful morning of outdoor play for children up to 5 years old. This free City of Arcata play event is a way for young children to interact with other children and get playtime social skills. Caregivers have an opportunity to support each other.

Please wear your mask, and leave personal toys at home. Instead, the playgroup has fun items in multiples to share! 


Sue Parsons brings stories to Playdate in the Park

Sue Parsons, with drum & colorful shawls, telling stories in the park.