September is Library Card Sign-Up Month

Earn a reward this September by signing up for a new library card or showing your current card at the Accounts desk at any of our three locations while supplies last. Whether you’re honing your skills, exploring new knowledge or connecting with fellow readers, your library card opens doors to creativity, a wealth of stories and adventures, and critical thinking tools to tackle misinformation. Are you planning a trip? Use your card to access books, e-books, audiobooks, California State Parks Passes, adventure backpacks and more.

Don’t miss out - come by and celebrate the power of your library card.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Let's make a piñata with artist Diana Benavídez

Saturday, Sep. 28, 10 a.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, Gowland Meeting Room

1775 Dove Lane

Come join the Carlsbad City Library and Diana Benavidez, San Diego’s very own piñata artist and make your own piñata. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, families will learn the process of how to make this larger-than-life art form that is often used in children's celebrations.

For children of all ages and their families/caregivers.

Hagamos una piñata con artista, Diana Benavídez

Sabado, 28 de sep., 10 a.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, Gowland Meeting Room

1775 Dove Lane

¡Únase a la Biblioteca de la ciudad de Carlsbad y Diana Benavídez, la artista de piñatas de San Diego, y haga su propia piñata! En celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, las familias aprenderán el proceso de cómo hacer esta forma de arte que se utiliza a menudo en las celebraciones infantiles.

Para niños de todas las edades y sus familiares/cuidadores.

Celebrate Banned Books Week by enjoying these titles

• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• Hop On Pop by Dr. Seuss
• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
• Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Toddler Time at the Dove Library

Tuesdays, at 9:30 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, Gowland Meeting Room

1775 Dove Lane

Due to popular demand, two Toddler Storytimes will be held at the Dove Library every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the Gowland Meeting Room. We look forward to seeing you at Toddler Time.

Tickets required: Due to limited seating, a free ticket per person of all ages is needed for admission. Free tickets are distributed at the Children's Staff Desk.  

Back to school on Kanopy

Kick off the school year with Kanopy. The Back-to-School collection on Kanopy offers a diverse selection of films and shows that explore the excitement and challenges of school life. Download the free Kanopy app to most smart TVs, tablets or phones and enjoy this free content with your library card. 

Teen Events

TeenTober Art Contest:

Reimagine your favorite book cover

Carlsbad City Library

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31

Art will be accepted beginning Sept. 15 

Calling all teens in grades 6 to 12: Participate in the TeenTober Art Contest by submitting a drawing, painting or digital design of your favorite book cover or a banned book. Your artwork should be an original reimagining of the cover and must be no larger than 8.5" x 11" (smaller sizes are fine).

All teen participants will earn a small reward and a free book. Your art will be displayed at all three library locations. Top winners from each location will be announced in early November.

Please email libraryteens@carlsbadca.gov if you have any questions. 

Author Event:

Ashley Granillo

Thursday, Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Library Learning Center

3368 Eureka Place 

Join us to celebrate TeenTober and hear middle-grade author Ashley Granillo discuss her book "Cruzita and the Mariacheros."

Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Carlsbad Library.  

Public Safety Open House

Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Carlsbad Safety Training Center

5750 Orion Street

Join us at the City of Carlsbad’s Public Safety Open House at the Carlsbad Safety Training Center. All ages can explore the public safety training center, watch firefighters in action, see a K-9 officer demonstration, tour public works vehicles and learn essential safety skills like using a fire extinguisher and performing CPR.

Event coincides with Fire Prevention Week and National Crime Prevention Month, making it a great opportunity to learn important safety tips. Don’t miss out!

Super Hero Obstacle Race

Sunday, Oct. 6

Alga Norte Community Park

Calling all superheroes! Take on the challenge of the City of Carlsbad’s Super Hero Obstacle Race. 

Dress up like your favorite superhero at Carlsbad's Super Hero Obstacle Race at Alga Norte Community Park. Parents and children run together through a superhero themed 2K obstacle course.

Defeat villains while leaping over tall buildings, crawl through toxic tunnels and navigate 20 obstacles throughout the park. Conquer inflatable mazes and slides, wrecking balls, tights ropes, web crawlers and other obstacles along the way.

Participants must be 4 years and older. Register online.

Friends of the Carlsbad Library Donation

The Friends of the Carlsbad Library proudly donated $100,000 to the City of Carlsbad for programs, materials and events over the current fiscal year. These include Summer Reading Adventure, Carlsbad Reads Together, multiple copies of bestsellers, the Exploration HUB and much more.

Support the Friends by shopping at the Cole and Dove Library bookstores.

Friends of the Carlsbad Library:

Annual Back-to-School Children's Sale

Now - Sept. 14

Join the Friends for the exciting kickoff of the Annual Back-to-School Children’s Sale in the Ann Kulchin Courtyard at the Dove Library on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All materials for, about and related to children will be available on a buy-one- get-one-free basis at both Cole and Dove Library bookstores. This includes picture, board and chapter books; Young Adult Fiction novels; parenting materials; DVDs; and teacher resources. Many are in pristine condition and some are available as classroom sets. 

Parents, teachers and librarians will find terrific bargains as the sale continues through Sept. 14.

Friends Bookstore, Dove Library

1775 Dove Lane

Monday, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

442-339-2020

Friends Bookstore, Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

442-339-2898

Important Notice:

Labor Day Closure



All Carlsbad City Library locations will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day.

Libraries will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 9 a.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the library at 442-339-2049 or email librarian@carlsbadca.gov.