📖 What's new at your library

August highlights at the library

The dog days of summer are here, and our August calendar is filled with exciting events, performances and programs for all.

Coming soon: new return technology

If you return your items to the Cole or Dove library locations, you'll notice a temporary change to our return process over the next few weeks.

We're upgrading our return technology by installing new automated materials handlers. These machines automatically check in returned items and remove them from your library account right away.

While our current equipment is being replaced and the new machines are being installed, library staff will temporarily check in returned items by hand. Because of this, returned items may take longer to disappear from your account.

We appreciate your patience as we make these improvements. Once the new system is in place, you'll enjoy faster and more efficient returns.

Grow Your Garden: Preserving your harvest

Saturday, Aug. 8

10 a.m. to noon

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Master Gardeners Liz Woodward and Jodi Bay present “Preserving your harvest: Best practices for handling and storing the produce from your garden for optimal freshness.” Using research-based guidance from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, participants learn how proper postharvest care protects food quality, flavor and safety.

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.

Get one-on-one business support at the library

Business support office hours

Weekly on Tuesdays

9 to 11 a.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane- Study Room 145

1775 Dove Lane

To improve access to city resources for small businesses, the city's Small Business Liaison is offering regular in-person office hours at the Dove Library. These 30-minute sessions will provide direct, personalized support to local businesses on navigating city processes, including questions about business licenses, understanding permitting requirements, clarification on zoning and more. Book your session today.

To learn more about the program, visit the library website.

Fixit Clinic: Dog days of summer

Saturday, Aug. 8

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Join us during the "dog days of summer" at the City of Carlsbad Fixit Clinic. Bring your worn-out or broken household items and work alongside expert volunteer coaches to repair them, reducing waste and keeping usable items out of the landfill.

Crafting: Keep your furry friends happy with personalized pet bandanas and upcycled dog toys.

Gear Repairs: Get ready for peak summer with surfboard, wetsuit, skateboard and roller skate tune-ups.

Skill Building: Learn practical, hands-on troubleshooting to extend the life of your favorite gear.

Bring gently used blankets and towels to donate to a local animal shelter.

Registration is recommended.

Focus On: New York City & Immigration Research

Tuesday, Aug. 4 or Aug. 18

2 to 4 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

Upstairs Computer Lab

3368 Eureka Place

This class will explore ways to find New York City records for genealogy research, focusing on the mid-1800s through the early 20th century. New York immigration records at the turn of the 20th century will also be highlighted.

This is a hands on computer class for ages 13 and older. A Carlsbad City Library card with internet privileges is required.

Space is limited and registration is required. If you have any questions, please call the Genealogy & Carlsbad History desk at 442-339-2931.

Author Event: Tess Gerritsen

Monday, Aug. 31

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane,

Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Join New York Times best-selling author Tess Gerritsen as she discusses her latest novel, "The Shadow Friends." Tess will share insights into her writing life and the enduring appeal of suspense fiction.

Tickets will be distributed at 11 a.m. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the event, with a book signing after the discussion.

Beach read season is still going strong

If you're looking for another coastal family drama after streaming “The Five-Star Weekend,” dive into these contemporary favorites. They offer the same addictive blend of female‑centric family stories set against beautiful coastal backdrops. Jump in—the reading’s fine!

"The Breakaway" by Jennifer Weiner
"Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson
"The Matchmaker's List" by Sonya Lalli
"All the Days of Summer" by Nancy Thayer
"Sex and Vanity" by Kevin Kwan
"Sandwich" by Catherine Newman

Reading recommendations for the dog days of summer

Curl up in the shade with this collection of summer-themed novels in a variety of genres:

“Almost Life” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
“Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams
“The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore
“Bad Summer People” by Emma Rosenblum
“The Rest of Our Lives” by Ben Markovits
“The Storm” by Rachel Hawkins

Find these titles and more on our Adult Reading Recommendations page.

Teen Book Club

Thursday, Aug. 13

5:45 to 6:45 p.m.

Georgina Cole Library, Sculpture Garden

2955 Elmwood Lane

For readers in grades 7 to 12: Join us in the Sculpture Garden for a fun and welcoming discussion of "We Fell Apart" by E. Lockhart. Snacks will be provided.

2026 TGIF Concerts in the Parks

Join us for summer fun!

Calavera Hills Park:

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)

Pop-up art and dance lessons at every concert! Want more info? Know before you go!

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 Library Learning Center, our downloadable, easy-to-print calendars will keep you updated on all upcoming activities at each library location.