The County of Humboldt began construction on the Fortuna Library Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Project this week. Due to the work required for this project, the Fortuna Public Library has temporarily relocated to the City of Fortuna’s Rohner Recreation Hall Classroom, located in Rohner Park at 7 Park St. in Fortuna.
The Fortuna Library ADA Compliance Project aims to improve accessibility and modernize the library’s facilities to better serve all visitors. Planned improvements aim to provide more welcoming and accessible interior spaces and secure the longevity of the Fortuna Public Library.
“As essential community gathering places, Humboldt County’s libraries should be welcoming and accessible spaces for everyone,” said Humboldt County’s Director of Library Services Chris Cooper. “This project is a critical investment in maintaining a vibrant, safe and functional library for our community. We are grateful to our partners at the City of Fortuna for graciously providing the library with a temporary location so library services aren’t interrupted while work is underway to make these critical improvements.”
Project Details
Work to secure funding for this project began in 2022 in partnership with the City of Fortuna who was awarded just over $219,000 in funds through the California State Library Building Forward Infrastructure Grant Program. Then, in May 2023, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved over $109,500 in matching funds dedicated to this project.
Work for this project includes the reconstruction of two single-user, all-gender accessible restrooms, reconfiguration of the library’s circulation desk to improve accessibility and layout, the creation of an enhanced teen section and full interior refurbishments, including but not limited to new paint and flooring.
These upgrades and improvements are designed to enhance accessibility and long-term use of the Fortuna library.
Construction Timing and What to Expect
Work for this project is currently underway and is anticipated to be completed in February 2026.
The Fortuna Public Library will remain open throughout the duration of the project at its temporary location, located in Rohner Park at 7 Park St. in Fortuna, with only minor disruptions to library services. The modified hours of operation for the Fortuna Library at its temporary location are noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
To accommodate its smaller space, the temporary location will feature a curated selection of new and popular books, magazines, DVDs and audiobooks, along with access to computers, printers, copiers and Wi-Fi. During construction, materials can be returned to the library’s temporary site during business hours. The exterior book drop at the Fortuna Public Library’s location at 753 14th St. will also remain open for returns 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Fortuna Public Library will continue to receive materials from all Humboldt County Library branches, so library patrons can still request items online, by phone at 707-725-3460, or by visiting in person at the temporary location. Popular programs, including weekly storytimes, will continue to be provided at the temporary location.
Library at Your Door Service Available
Fortuna residents are also encouraged to utilize the Library at Your Door Program. Any person with a Humboldt County library card who lives within five miles of the Fortuna Library is eligible to participate. Materials may be requested by calling 707-269-1954 or through the library’s online catalog. Books, CDs and audiobooks may be checked out for four weeks and DVDs may be checked out for one week. Participants may borrow any items in the library’s catalog that is not tagged as “reference” material. Deliveries will be made in Fortuna on Thursdays between noon and 2 p.m. and participants must return their materials at the end of their loan period.
To learn more about the library’s broad array of programs and services, please visit humlib.org.
The Fortuna Library ADA Compliance Project is a joint effort of the County Administrative Office’s ADA Compliance Team, the Humboldt County Public Library and the City of Fortuna. The project reflects the County of Humboldt's broader commitment to ensure all public facilities comply with ADA accessibility standards and promote equal access to educational and creative opportunities for residents and visitors alike. To learn more about the County of Humboldt’s ADA Compliance Team and projects, please visit humboldtgov.org/ADA.
About the Humboldt County Public Library
The Humboldt County Library strengthens the community by educating, inspiring and connecting people. The library’s vision is to help create and support a welcoming, healthy and prosperous community where there are abundant opportunities for learning and creativity. For more information about the Humboldt County Public Library, please visit humlib.org.