📖 What's new at your library

May highlights at the library

May brings a fresh lineup of programs. Celebrate Free Comic Book Day, discover curated reads for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and dig into our hands‑on Grow Your Garden program. Plus, watch for updates on the 2026 Summer Reading Adventure for readers of all ages.

Reading recommendations for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month

Find your next read in this genre-spanning collection of recent works by authors of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage:

"Local" by Jessica Machado
"How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder" by Nina McConigley
"Park Avenue" by Renée Ahdieh
"Red City" by Marie Lu
"Saltcrop" by Yume Kitasei
"Moderation" by Elaine Castillo

Find these titles and more on our adult reading recommendations page.

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 2

Carlsbad City Library - all locations

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day with a burst of creativity at all Carlsbad City Library locations Saturday, May 2.

Before you dive into epic stories and pick up your free comics, join us for two hands-on activities. Design your own comic book cover and create a custom superhero logo sticker. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just looking for a fun, creative experience, you’ll feel like a comic creator in no time.

All Carlsbad City Libraries will offer free comic books while supplies last. Visitors can explore new stories, revisit favorite characters and discover titles in the library’s graphic novel collection.

Silhouette Cameo: Design a Superhero Logo Sticker

Saturday, May 2

1 to 2 p.m.

Exploration Hub

1775 Dove Lane

No registration required - seating capacity at 14.

Comic Book Cover Art Workshop

Saturday, May 2

2 to 3 p.m.

City of Carlsbad Library Learning Center

3368 Eureka Place

No registration required.

Summer Reading Adventure 2026 -

Save the Date

Beginning June 1, readers of all ages can earn rewards from sponsors and entries for raffles by simply logging their reading. Enjoy special events, performances and educational programs led by guest presenters and library staff.

This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed, Read." Visit your nearest Carlsbad City Library location to discover gardening events, find a new read and pick up your rewards.

Stay up to date by visiting the Summer Reading Adventure webpage.

Teen Volunteers Needed

City Library - all locations

Calling all teens entering grades 7 through 12: Recruitment for the 2026 Summer Reading Adventure will be open May 1 to May 31 or until the maximum capacity of 105 volunteers is reached. To volunteer during the summer, teens must attend an in‑person volunteer orientation. Teens may schedule shifts based on their availability, and shifts will be offered June 8 through Aug. 1. Join the interest list to receive reminders about application and orientation dates. If you have any questions, please contact libraryteens@carlsbadca.gov.

Focus On: Searching historical newspaper databases

Tuesday, May 5

2 to 4 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library Learning Center, Computer Lab

3368 Eureka Place

Join Genealogy & Carlsbad History and learn how to research newspaper databases for stories that add context and color to your family history. This class includes an overview of historical newspaper collections available online through the Carlsbad City Library, including the Newspapers.com World Collection and America’s Historical Newspapers.

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

Just the Facts! Nonfiction Book Club

Thursday, May 7

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Georgina Cole Library, Community Room

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Join us in-person or via Zoom to discuss

“The Coddling of the American Mind” by Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt.

Learn more on our website or contact marin.faeyera@carlsbadca.gov for the Zoom link.

Grow Your Garden: Friendly inclusive gardening and the mental health benefits of gardening

Saturday, May 9

10 a.m. to noon

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Master Gardener and two‑time Paralympian Stephen Cantù presents Friendly Inclusive Gardening (FIG). In this presentation, Stephen discusses ways to make gardening more accessible to people with physical challenges, seniors with mobility issues or anyone looking to learn techniques that help their garden work for them. Stephen will also discuss how connecting with nature can boost mental health and help cultivate a peaceful and healing space.

Call for artists

The City of Carlsbad invites artists to apply for the Carlsbad Beach Chairs public art project.

Four artists will be selected—three to design one chair each and one to design a paired set—for installation at sites throughout the city. Selected artists will also lead two one-hour public art activities connected to their design within three months of installation. Artists not selected will be considered for future opportunities.

Emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

Important details

· Submission deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

· All materials must be emailed to arts@carlsbadca.gov.

Serve on the Public Art Advisory Committee

The City of Carlsbad is also looking for community members interested in serving on the Public Art Advisory Committee for the Carlsbad Beach Chairs public art project.

Author Event: Starr Edwards

Tuesday, May 26

11:30 am to 1 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Join Starr Edwards, co-founder and CEO of Bitchin' Sauce, for a conversation about her new cookbook "Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin' Bowls." The event will include a discussion with the author followed by an audience Q&A.

Local Author Fair - Save the date

Saturday, June 6

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Join us for the third annual Local Author Fair. Meet 24 authors from across San Diego County as they discuss their books and share their creative journeys. Email librarian@carlsbadca.gov with any questions.

Upcoming Closures

All Carlsbad City Library locations will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Libraries will reopen on Tuesday, May 26 at 9 a.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 Library, Cole Library or Learning Center, our downloadable, easy-to-print calendars will keep you updated on all upcoming activities at each library location.