December highlights at the library

December invites us to pause, reflect and find warmth in stories. Whether you’re seeking festive reads, cozy mysteries by the fire or inspiration for the year ahead, the library is here to brighten your winter days. 

Fireside reading recommendations

Curl up by the fire with these winter-themed books that range from cozy to chilling:

• “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah

• “Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times” by Katherine May

• “Three Holidays and a Wedding” by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

• “The Fox Wife” by Yangsze Choo

• “The Overnight Guest” by Heather Gudenkauf

• “The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella” by Nita Prose

Find these and more on our Adult Reading Recommendations page. 

The New York Times Is Back!

Great news! You can once again enjoy access to The New York Times (NYTimes.com) through the library’s eResources page. Catch up on breaking news, expert opinions and deep-dive features - anytime, anywhere, for free. Getting started is easy: just create or log in to your New York Times account and follow the quick steps on the splash page for on-site or off-site access.



This valuable resource is provided by the California State Library and includes “News Only” content.

Borrow a Ukulele

Carlsbad City Library

The Carlsbad City Library Learning Center has a collection of ukuleles available for you to come in and check out, or reserve online for pickup at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane or the Georgina Cole Library. It's a great, zero-commitment way to explore music before buying your own instrument. You can get strumming right away with our free lesson materials!

New reading challenges for middle and high school students  

Calling all readers in grades six through twelve. Carlsbad City Library has launched two exciting reading challenges. 

• 50 Books Before Middle School Promotion for grades 6 - 8

• 100 Books Before High School Graduation for grades 9 - 12

Register in Beanstack, then visit any Carlsbad City Library location to claim your registration reward—a free book and a pin board to help start your reading journey. For every ten books you read, you’ll earn a book-themed pin of your choice. Complete the challenge and celebrate your achievement with a special graduation lei, proudly displaying all the pins you've collected.

For more details, visit our website or email libraryteens@carlsbadca.gov.   

Read. Cook. Repeat. 

Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian, living your best gluten-free life or just learning how to boil water, our cookbook collection will inspire you to make something new. Discover simple, satisfying holiday recipes and explore grilling, baking and pizza making. Plus, shake up your evenings with fun mocktails and cocktails. 

You can also borrow an induction cooktop from our Library of Things for free. Whether you are short on stove space or just curious about induction cooking, we have you covered.

Explore more titles on the topic of food, cooking and cookbooks in Libby, our digital eBook and eAudiobook collection. 

Friends of the Carlsbad Library Holiday Boutique Sale

Dec. 4 - Dec. 20

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane

1775 Dove Lane

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Discover the perfect holiday gifts at the Friends of the Carlsbad Library Bookstores! From inexpensive children’s books, cookbooks and festive holiday reads to puzzles and DVDs, you'll find something for everyone on your list. Elegant coffee table books on art, travel, photography and nature are both educational and stylish - perfect for holiday giving.

For additional information, email carlsbadlibraryfriends@gmail.com.

Front Row Saturday

Hot Pstromi

Dec. 13, 5 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane

1775 Dove Lane

Yale Strom performs Jewish folk music from Central and Eastern Europe. Strom is a trailblazer in the klezmer revival. Klezmer is characterized by its lively rhythms and melodies. 

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

Upcoming closures

Christmas Closure

All Carlsbad City Library locations will close early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec 24 in observance of Christmas Eve.

All Carlsbad City Library locations will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas Day.

Libraries will reopen on Friday, Dec. 26 at 9 a.m.

New Year's Closure

All Carlsbad City Library locations will close early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 in observance of New Year's Eve.

All Carlsbad City Library locations will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 in observance of New Year's Day.

Libraries will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2 at 9 a.m.

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

Georgina Cole Library

442-339-2870

1250 Carlsbad Village Dr

Carlsbad, CA 92008