The 30 Best Local author events in Santa Cruz, California

Bookshop Santa Cruz is a beloved independent book store located in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. With a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of books for all ages and interests, this store is a haven for book lovers and literary enthusiasts. From bestsellers to hidden gems, Bookshop Santa Cruz offers a curated collection of literature, as well as gifts, stationary, and other book-related items. The store also hosts author events, book clubs, and other community gatherings, making it a vibrant hub for the local literary scene. Whether you're looking for a new read or simply want to explore the shelves, Bookshop Santa Cruz is a must-visit destination for bookworms in California.

Welcome to Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, a dedicated organization committed to supporting the Santa Cruz Public Libraries through fundraising, volunteer services, and advocacy. Located at 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, California, we are proud to play a vital role in enhancing our community's library system. Since 2016, nine out of our ten library branches have undergone significant renovations or rebuilding, thanks to the combined efforts of Measure S tax dollars and our successful Realizing the Promise campaign, which has raised over a million dollars. These improvements ensure that our libraries remain at the heart of Santa Cruz's vibrant and innovative community.

Prisoners Harbor, located on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island, now serves as a port of entry for visitors arriving by boat. This harbor holds historical significance, as it was almost transformed into a penal colony in 1830. The Mexican government had planned to establish a penal colony on the island, and a U.S. brig named Maria Ester arrived with around 80 convicted criminals. However, after witnessing the deplorable conditions of the prisoners, local authorities refused to allow them to disembark. Eventually, a compromise was reached and some prisoners were allowed ashore to perform odd jobs. The fate of the remaining prisoners is unclear, but some attempted to escape the island on rafts and were eventually captured on the mainland. The name "Prisoners Harbor" serves as a reminder of these unusual events that took place over 180 years ago. Today, the harbor is a point of interest for visitors exploring the natural beauty of Santa Cruz Island.

Welcome to Inner Light Ministries, a dynamic and inclusive spiritual community located at 623 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, California. As a forward-thinking church and place of worship, Inner Light is committed to evolving with the times while providing a welcoming space for all—whether you're local, joining us via livestream, or visiting for the first time. Our mission is to foster a sense of community, deepen the consciousness of Oneness, and support both personal and global healing. At Inner Light, we embrace the diversity of cultural celebrations throughout December and early January, recognizing this time as an opportunity for joy, reflection, and healing. Whether you're observing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Year’s, or any other tradition, we extend our blessings for health, wholeness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Our goal is for each of us to be an instrument of Peace.

Welcome to Kathy's Little Free Library, a charming community treasure located at 1480 Dougmar Drive in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Our library is a welcoming space where book lovers of all ages can explore, share, and celebrate the joy of reading. At Kathy's Little Free Library, we believe in the power of stories to inspire and connect people. Our carefully curated collection features a diverse range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children's literature, and more, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. As a Little Free Library, we operate on a "take a book, return a book" basis, encouraging community members to share their favorite reads and discover new ones. Our mission is to foster a love for reading, promote literacy, and build a sense of community through the simple act of sharing books.

Welcome to Two Birds Books, your charming neighborhood bookstore nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz at 881 41st Avenue. Our cozy, independently-owned store is a haven for book lovers of all ages, offering a carefully curated selection of new and used books across a wide range of genres. Whether you're searching for the latest bestseller, a timeless classic, or a hidden gem, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you find the perfect read. At Two Birds Books, we believe in the power of stories to inspire, educate, and connect us. Our shelves are filled with handpicked titles that reflect our passion for literature and our commitment to supporting diverse voices and local authors. We also host regular events, including author readings, book clubs, and community gatherings, fostering a vibrant literary community in Santa Cruz.