LLC exterior
Jessica Fichot band
Arts Education
NVA mural
Sculpture garden
Cannon Art Gallery
Fire Station 2

The City of Carlsbad’s historic support of arts and culture as a core value led to the establishment of its Cultural Arts Division in 1986 as part of the city’s investment in the visual and performing arts. We strive to enhance the vitality of the city and the quality of life for all residents by supporting an environment where arts and cultural organizations thrive, and people of all ages enjoy opportunities for expression and lifelong learning. All cultural arts events and programs are free admission.

Carlsbad Reads Together 2026

The annual city-wide reading challenge starts April 1.
Post Date:03/26/2026 1:00 PM

Wednesday, April 1, is the start of Carlsbad Reads Together, a month-long citywide book club where everyone reads the same book and can connect with each other at related special events and activities.  

This year’s adult selection is “Stay True,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hua Hsu. Set in Northern California in the 1990s, it’s a coming-of-age memoir that explores themes of friendship, self-expression, belonging and loss.  

Readers can reserve a copy of “Stay True” through Carlsbad City Library in print or as an eBook or audiobook. 

To encourage the whole family to participate, we’ve also selected books for teens and children. The children’s selection is “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds and the teen selection is “Love Letters to the Dead,” by Ava Dellaira.  

Throughout April, the city will be hosting unique events and activities as part of Carlsbad Reads Together, including an evening with Hua Hsu on April 23 at 6 p.m. at the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium. The library will also livestream the event. 

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