📚 Library eNews for little ones, kids, tweens and teens

July events at the library

July is here and brings all the summer vibes. It's a great time to visit the library and pick up a new book for the Summer Reading Adventure or join us for an upcoming event.

Join the Summer Reading Adventure

June 1 to Aug. 1

The library invites you to take part in the Summer Reading Adventure 2026: "Plant a Seed, Read". This year’s theme celebrates how libraries help grow a love of reading and foster community connection.

Enjoy gardening workshops, seed-inspired art, interactive storytelling, music and live performances for all ages. Learn about waterwise plants, create potato stamps with natural materials, and meet rescued exotic animals while learning about wildlife conservation. Readers of all ages can also earn rewards from sponsors and raffle entries simply by logging their reading.

Visit the Summer Reading Adventure webpage to register and find full program details.

A very special thank you to the Friends of the Carlsbad Library for generously supporting the Summer Reading Adventure each year.

Teen reading and writing events this month

Teen Book Club

Thursday, July 9

5:45 to 6:45 p.m.

Georgina Cole Library

Sculpture Garden

2955 Elmwood Lane

Join us in the Sculpture Garden to discuss "Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Food & Love" edited by Elsie Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmond.

Teen Writing Workshop

Edible Stories: Food, Memory and Culture

Saturday, July 25

1 to 3 p.m.

Georgina Cole Library

Teen Room

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Food carries history, identity and imagination. In this writing workshop led by author Amy Lanci, participants will explore the stories behind meals and ingredients through personal narrative, fictional cultures built around magical foods or sensory-driven storytelling that brings memories to life.

Grow Your Garden: Waterwise Plants

Saturday, July 11

10 a.m. to noon

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Master Gardeners will introduce home gardeners to waterwise plants that thrive in our Mediterranean climate while reducing water use, maintenance and costs. Participants learn what “waterwise” really means – selecting the right plants for the right place.

Carlsbad City Library’s Grow Your Garden program lets you swap succulents, seeds, fruit, vegetables and herbs from your garden with your neighbors while learning new gardening techniques.

Tween Scene at the Cole Library

2nd and 4th Mondays

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Join us twice a month for fun, friends and snacks!

July 13

Game Time: Learn new board games or enjoy old favorites.

July 27

Craft Club: Turn simple spuds into bold prints with an eco-friendly potato stamping project.

For ages 8 to 12. Bring your friends or make new ones.

America's 250th anniversary

Enjoy these titles celebrating America's 250 years

"America Celebrates: the Most Incredible and Influential People, Places & Events of the Last 250 Years" by Aubre Andrus

"America as it Happened: a Moment-by-Moment Journey through Time, from Prehistory to the Present Day" by What on Earth Publishing

"All About U.S.: a Look at the Lives of 50 Real Kids from Across the United States" by Matt Lamothe

"America: Our Country, Our Home" by Courtney Carbone

"Across the USA with the Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

Club Pelican

Batiquitos Lagoon

7380 Gabbiano Lane

9 a.m. to noon

Week 1 | July 13-17

Week 2 | July 20-24

Week 3 | July 27-31

Join us at Club Pelican for a science and art summer experience for kids ages 7 to 11. Experience science-based learning and nature walks at Batiquitos Lagoon, exploring local wildlife, plants and ecosystems. Daily themes will encourage participants to think about their surroundings while creating lagoon-inspired art that explores creativity, curiosity and self-expression. All materials are included, just bring your imagination and sense of adventure.

2026 TGIF Concerts in the Parks

Join us for summer fun!

Stagecoach Park:

July 10 - Dance Dance Evolution (Top 40 through the years)

July 17 - Harbor Party (Yacht Rock)

Calavera Hills Park:

July 24 - Sabrosas Latin Orchestra (Latin/Salsa)

July 31 - 90s Rockshow (90s Alt Rock)

Aug. 7 - (B.I.G.) Brothers Igniting a Groove (R&B/Funk)

Alga Norte Park:

Aug. 14 - Flashpants (80s hits)

Aug. 21 - Daring Greatly (Rock & Soul)

We had such a good time last year, we’re bringing back pop-up art and dance lessons at every concert.

Library Closure:

Independence Day

All Carlsbad City Library locations will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Cole and Dove Libraries will reopen on Sunday, July 5 at 1 p.m.

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

Ready-to-go event calendars

Carlsbad City Library

Keep track of all the happenings at Carlsbad City Library with our ready-to-go event calendars. Whether you're planning your next visit to Dove, Cole, or the Library Learning Center, our downloadable, easy-to-print calendars will keep you updated on all upcoming activities at each library location.