Carlsbad Reads Together –Carlsbad Reads Together is an annual event that connects the entire Carlsbad community through reading. Special programming and events for Carlsbad Reads Together are scheduled throughout the month of April, but you can start reading today! Download the Carlsbad Reads Together Program Guide for more information.
An Evening with Francisco Cantú
Zoom Virtual Event Thursday, April 27, 6 p.m. Author Francisco Cantú will discuss his book “The Line Becomes a River” followed by an audience Q&A session. Registration is required for this event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
My Path to Carlsbad
Stories showcased in the Georgina Cole Library Display Case Now – April 30
Storytelling has the power to change our assumptions, deepen understanding of others’ experiences and connect us as a community. As part of this years’ Carlsbad Reads Together program, the Carlsbad City Library and community members have collaborated to create a special exhibit featuring stories of how local families arrived in Carlsbad. Stories will be showcased in the Cole Library display case and shared on the Carlsbad Reads Together webpage through April 2023. Carlsbad Reads Together is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Carlsbad Library.
Donations Wanted-The Friends Bookstores need your donations of books for all ages, DVDs and current magazines.
Instructions on how to donate: Please leave materials in the donation bins located in front of the Dove and Cole Libraries.
- Cole Library: Leave donations in boxes on the Carlsbad Village Drive loading dock at Cole
- Dove Library: Leave donations in the donation bin on the southwestern corner of the library
- Library Learning Center: Give donations directly to library staff at the Information Desk
We cannot accept donations directly in the bookstores.
Make the Switch to Libby – The OverDrive app will be discontinued effective May 1, 2023. Make the switch to Libby today! The legacy OverDrive app will soon be discontinued. Staff recommends upgrading to Libby today prior to May 1. It’s easy to use and full of fun features. Follow the steps below to access your account in Libby:
- Download the free Libby app
- Find Carlsbad City Library and sign in with your library card
- Your loans, holds and wish list items will be on your Shelf
Save the Date: Cara Black & Kate White Author Event
Tuesday, May 23, 2 p.m. Schulman Auditorium, Dove Library
If you love a good thriller, make sure you do not make any plans on May 23. Authors Cara Black and Kate White will be discussing their new books. There will be an opportunity for an audience Q&A session as well as a book signing. Hope to see you there.
Avenida Music with Guest DJ Josiah Gonzalez -Coachella DJ Josiah Gonzalez of Avenida Music will be centerstage during a three-day guest artist residency in Carlsbad showcasing the art of the disc jockey.
Dance at the Dove – Saturday, April 22 6 – 9 p.m.
Family Hour 6 – 7 p.m. Free Admission
Gonzalez will spin discs at a first-time ever dance in the Ann Kulchin Courtyard at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane. Enjoy a night under the stars with a soundtrack of familiar hit songs and dance classics.
DJ Workshops with Avenida Music
Workshops will be open to the public on learning how to spin their favorite tracks, explore the history of DJing and how it has evolved over the years.
Thursday, April 20, 1 – 2 p.m. Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Free
Cultural Arts, in partnership with the Senior Center, is thrilled offer a FREE Disc Jockey workshop! Specifically designed for seniors who are interested in learning how to spin their favorite tracks, learn about the history of DJing and how it has evolved over the years. Don’t worry. No experience necessary.
Saturday, April 22 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Gowland Meeting Room Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane Free
Exploration HUB Come in and visit the Exploration HUB, Carlsbad City Library’s technology lab and makerspace located at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane.
Sign up for a free class or club. Classes and clubs are for patrons 13 and older unless otherwise indicated.
Digital Conversion Demo: VHS tapes, Super 8 and more
Thursday, April 20, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Do you have old home movies on VHS tape, Super 8 or 8mm reels, DV mini tapes or Hi8 tapes? Attend a free demonstration on how to use the various digital conversion equipment and software to convert your home movies to .mp4 files.
Tinkercad 3D Design: Empathy Symbol Keychain
Saturday, April 22, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
This free class is inspired by the Carlsbad Reads Together selection, “The Line Becomes a River” by Francisco Cantú. The empathy symbol was created in 1973 and stands for people trying to understand the experiences and feelings of others. Get an introduction to 3D design using Tinkercad.com and make an empathy symbol to put on a keychain.
Photo Scanner and Photo Editing Software Demo
Monday, April 24, 4 – 5 p.m. Do you have stacks of photos, slides and negatives you would like to digitize and organize? Attend a free demonstration on how to use the Epson V850 scanner and hear about the photo editing software we have available for you to use in the HUB.
Genealogy Programs & Services
Focus On: Finding Your Mexican Roots -Tuesday, April 18, 2 – 4 p.m. Library Learning Center, 3368 Eureka Place, upstairs computer lab.
Discover how to begin tracing your Mexican roots using genealogy records available in the Ancestry Library Edition database and FamilySearch.org website.
This hands-on computer class is for ages 13 and older. A Carlsbad City Library card with internet privileges is required. Register for a session.
Teen Intro to Genealogy – Discover Your Family Tree
For teens in grades 6 – 12
- Dove Library: Wed. April 19, 4 p.m.
- Cole Library: Thurs. April 20, 4 p.m.
We invite you to learn how to use Ancestry.com and discover your family roots. Use what you learn to create your own family tree. Materials will be provided.
Ask a Genealogist
Whether you’re just getting started in genealogy, or need help breaking down a brick wall, you can “Ask a Genealogist” during a special one-hour appointment with staff at the Cole Library. Staff will help you navigate the library’s highly regarded print and online resources to answer your specific genealogy questions. Complete the “Ask a Genealogist” form to get started.
Genealogy Partnership Programs
For a list of free, monthly partnership programs offered by the Carlsbad City Library and North San Diego County Genealogical Society, please view the genealogy programs calendar.
New! Staff Book Reviews -Now introducing a new segment to our eNewsletter, staff book reviews! This is a wonderful way for the community to get to know our staff members and be introduced to items in the library collection that may be new or unfamiliar.
This review was provided by Michelle W., part of our Literary Services team: “If you love books with a heartwarming drama featuring an animal and interesting characters, Carlsbad City Library has the perfect book for you. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt features a cast of characters including an octopus named Marcellus, a widow named Tova and many others. The narrative connects the characters in unexpected ways and tells a beautiful story about friendship, love and hope. The ebook and audiobook are both available on Libby. The audiobook features different voices and accents. This was one of my favorite novels this year!”
P.S. Try our free Personalized Reading Recommendation Service for additional reading suggestions.
Take the Pledge: Safer Streets Together -National traffic safety trends show a dramatic increase in traffic-related deaths, with the first quarter of 2022 showing the highest number of deaths in two decades. Here in Carlsbad, injury collisions involving bikes and e-bikes have increased over 200% since 2019.
Show your commitment to safer streets together in 2023. Take the pledge to do your part to keep Carlsbad’s streets safe for everyone who drives, bikes and walks in our beautiful community.
After taking the pledge for safer streets, order a free yard sign or window cling to share your commitment with your friends and neighbors. Learn more at carlsbadca.gov/saferstreets.
We’re here to help We’re available to answer your questions over the phone, through our chat service or by email during open library hours.
- Email: librarian@carlsbadca.gov
- Chat with us.
- Para ayuda en español 442-339-5500 o bilingual@carlsbadca.gov
All Carlsbad City Library location hours
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. • Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
City of Carlsbad | 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
