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.

Summer Reading Adventure

Plant a Seed, Read. Grow your summer reading starting June 1.
Post Date:05/19/2026 8:00 AM

The City of Carlsbad invites you to take part in our Summer Reading Adventure 2026: Plant a Seed, Read. This year’s theme highlights how libraries can help grow a love of reading and foster connection.

Enjoy gardening workshops, seed-inspired art, interactive storytelling, music and live performances for all ages. Learn about healthy soil, create with natural materials and get up close with exotic animals.

Kickoff events will take place at all three library locations on June 6.  

Pot Painting & Seed Planting Event
Saturday, June 6
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Library Learning Center

At the Library Learning Center, sign up for the program, pick out a free book and paint a biodegradable pot. Then, choose seeds from the Seed Library and create a plant marker to take home as you grow your own reading-inspired garden. All ages are welcome while supplies last.

Local Author Fair
Saturday, June 6
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ann Kulchin Courtyard, Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane

At the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, join our third annual Local Author Fair. Meet and mingle with 24 talented authors, discover new books and join in the excitement of the Summer Reading Adventure. Author books will be for sale at the discretion of the author. In addition, readers who register or show proof of registration for the Summer Reading Adventure will take home a free book provided by the Friends of the Carlsbad Library.

Puzzles & Play
Saturday, June 6
10 a.m. to noon
Cole Library Community Room

Kick off your summer reading adventure! Jump into summer with Puzzles and Play. Explore this favorite pastime along with a speed twist! Meet a competitive speed puzzler who will share tips and tricks about this fast-growing sport and try it out for yourself! Great for teens and adults, and family-friendly for ages 8 and up.

Here’s How You Can Participate:

  • Register – Starting June 1, visit carlsbadlibrary.beanstack.org (use the Beanstack Tracker app for Android or iOS. Log into your account or create one if you’re new. Then, sign up for the Summer Reading Adventure challenge.
  • Record – Log your reading in Beanstack to earn rewards.
  • Report - Children in grade 6 and under can receive a free book by sharing their recent reads with a friendly volunteer in the children's area of each library location.
  • Rewards – Rewards will be available for pickup starting June 1.
  • Live Performances for the whole family
  • We’re excited to bring back special performances all summer long at all three library locations! Enjoy live music, hands-on activities, games, art and more with free, family-friendly performances all summer.

A very special thank you to the Friends of the Carlsbad Library for generously supporting the Summer Reading Adventure each year, along with this year’s supporters:

  • Children’s Museum of Discovery
  • Dave & Buster’s
  • Handel’s Ice Cream
  • The Mini Donut Company
  • San Diego Automotive Museum
  • San Diego Natural History Museum
  • San Diego County Fair
  • The Op Games
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