Humboldt Library Foundation


The Humboldt Library Foundation

The Humboldt Library Foundation, an independent nonprofit group, rallies support across our diverse county to enhance programs and learning opportunities in the Humboldt County Library system. 

The Foundation raises funds and makes grants to the library that are used to:

  • Improve the quality of library services countywide;
  • Expand the use of technology;
  • Sponsor cultural and educational offerings.


    • Buy-a-Book Campaign



    The Humboldt Library Foundation project called the Buy-a-Book campaign offers you the opportunity to give a donation specifically for buying books for the library. You can ‘buy’ a book or purchase a ‘shelf’ by simply making a donation. A book plate with your name or that of a friend or family member you wish to honor can be placed in the book or books the library purchases with your donation.

    The Endowment Fund


    The Foundation has also established the HLF Endowment Fund to realize their vision and make sure that enhanced access to public library materials and services are provided for in the future. See how you can become a member of the HLF Legacy Circle and provide library funding in perpetuity.

    A Nonprofit Foundation



    The Humboldt Library Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Donations to HLF are tax-deductible
    (Tax ID 91-1879359). 

    HLF board members present grant funding to Library Director Chris Cooper and staff, September 2022.

    Library staff receive a big check from Humboldt Library Foundation.


    9-13-2022

    HLF Presents $94,550 Grant to Humboldt County Library System for New Books

    Today, the Humboldt Library Foundation (HLF) presented the Humboldt County Library system with $94,550 to purchase new books, including e-resources and materials for book clubs, and to continue access to genealogy and language learning resources. 

    'The Library is delighted by this donation,' said Youth Services Supervisor Jeanine Lancaster. 'We’ll add new materials to help children, teens and other patrons expand their awareness and understanding of themselves and of the world around them.'

    Board President Elizabeth Murguia said, 'HLF plays a critical role in ensuring that library materials remain up to date and relevant to the community. Our grant will bring new and exciting titles to our libraries and support the community of eBook readers and book club goers.'

    Library book clubs that will be supported with this funding include the Banned Books club, Teen book club, the All Belong Here book club, and the A Novel Idea book club. Subscriptions to Mango Languages and Heritage Quest genealogy will also be supported for another year with this funding, in addition to a significant physical and eBook expansion. 

    Children's Author Festival

    In addition, HLF sponsored the Humboldt County Children’s Author Festival with a $3,000 contribution.  Every two years since 1975, authors from around the country have come to Humboldt County to inspire and encourage a love for books for thousands of school age children. This year twenty-four authors will visit over 50 schools, culminating with a book-signing event at the Main library in Eureka on Saturday, October 22, 2022.    

    'The Children’s Author Festival has many moving parts, from authors to school sites across the county.  It is very challenging to bring together,' said Co-Coordinator Joan Williams.  'We would not be able to reach so many children without the financial support of our partners, such as Humboldt Library Foundation,' she added.  

    More about the Humboldt Library Foundation

    HLF was formed in 1996 to build financial support for the Humboldt County Library system, which includes the Main Library in Eureka, ten branches and a bookmobile that serves fourteen rural communities.  HLF raises funds in the community and makes direct annual grants to the library to help purchase new materials, add programming and provide technology upgrades. Since its inception, HLF has provided over $1.4 million in grants to the library.  

    Donations of any size are welcome.  

    If you wish to create a donor advised fund or want more information on the Humboldt Library Foundation and how you can give, visit our website www.humboldtlibraryfoundation.org, ‘like’ us on Facebook, or call the HLF office at (707) 269-1991.