Coronado Times

Book launch: "The Last Special Thing" by Alyssa Burns
2026-03-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Tasting Room, 1201 1st St # 101, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
2010 Coronado High School grad Alyssa Burns will celebrate the release of her debut novel, The Last Special Thing (releases April 1) at a book launch party at the Coronado Tasting Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 30. The entire community is invited.

Alyssa Burns with copies of her debut novel. Courtesy photo.
The Last Special Thing is a young adult fiction novel that tackles drug exploration, a topic she approached with caution. It’s a book that she wished she had read while younger, because it explores how quickly people can find themselves in unexpected situations. It aims to teach young readers to navigate these things without condescension.
“You don’t open to page one and someone’s doing heroin,” she said. “There’s a step stool to how these things escalate, and that structure came naturally to this story.”
Burns was intentional about refusing both glamorization of drugs and oversimplified scare tactics.
“How we talk about drug use is: ‘Don’t do drugs because you’re going to get addicted and die,’” she said. “Maybe you’re not going to get addicted and die, but you’re also not going to have a good time. You’re going to make decisions you wouldn’t have made otherwise.”
The core message of the book is embedded in its title.
“You don’t need drugs, you don’t need a guy, you don’t need a thrill to be special,” Burns said. “You already are.”

Readers can preorder a signed copy of The Last Special Thing on Alyssa Burns’ website. To read more of Burns’ writing for The Coronado Times, click here.
LEARN MORE HERE

Stroll and a Story
2026-04-06 09:15 - 10:15 | Stop and Grow, 1339 Orange Avenue, Suite 8B, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Begin at the Stop & Grow children’s book store (1339 Orange Ave, near the Miguel’s hostess stand), and stroll down to Mathewson Park for an Easter-themed story time.

Amanda Johnson created Stop & Grow to get kids excited about reading

An evening with international soccer star Landon Donovan
2026-04-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
As excitement builds around the World Cup — played in part on U.S. soil this year — join the Coronado Public Library for a special evening with Landon Donovan, widely regarded as one of the greatest American soccer players of all time. Donovan will share reflections from Landon: A Memoir, offering an inside look at his life on and off the field, from defining career moments to the challenges that shaped his journey beyond the game.
A six-time MLS Cup champion and four-time U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, Donovan remains the all-time assists leader for the U.S. Men’s National Team and is tied for the most international goals scored by an American man. His five World Cup goals make him the highest-scoring American male player in tournament history, and Major League Soccer honored his legacy by naming its MVP award after him. Yet Donovan’s memoir goes far beyond trophies and highlight reels, it’s a story of resilience, vulnerability, and self-discovery.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Coronado Public Library’s work with the Exceptional Families Program and requires a paid ticket for entry. The Friends of the Coronado Public Library are dedicated supporters who offer financial assistance for a variety of the Coronado Public Library’s programs that serve readers and learners of all ages. The Exceptional Families Program is a partnership with the Coronado Community Foundation and Camp Able which offers monthly programs that provide enrichment, respite, and community connection for families with special needs members, particularly those who have aged out of school-based services or are transitioning beyond the classroom.
Ticket options include:

$10 entry only

$29.95 for admission for one person and one copy of Landon: A Memoir

Tickets can be purchased at cplevents.org or adventuresbythebook.com/calendar-event/landon-donovan-4-11-26/. This event will take place at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in partnership with Adventures by the Book. All seating is first-come, first-served.

Earth Day local author visit, book signing at Stop and Grow Books
2026-04-12 14:00 | Stop and Grow, 1339 Orange Avenue, Suite 8B, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado author, Marianne Blackstone Tabner, will be at Stop and Grow Books on April 12 in celebration of Earth Day doing a book reading and signing of her book “Taking Turns.”

The Friends’ 54th annual Spring Book Fair
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Friends of the Coronado Public Library (Friends) 54th Annual Spring Book Fair will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 10 am to 4 pm, outside the Coronado Public Library.
This community tradition, held alongside the Coronado Flower Show, allows book lovers, families, and neighbors alike to browse thousands of books at exceptional prices, from bestsellers and hidden gems to children’s favorites and timeless classics. Visitors can also discover even more titles at the Honor Shop inside the library lobby and the Friends Bookstore, along with popular pre-loved books and ready-to-give gift items — perfect for any occasion.
Photo Credit: Jena WIllard for the Friends

Summer Reading Adventure
2026-05-12 19:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Featuring NYT bestseller Kristy Woodson Harvey, USA Today bestseller Meg Donohue, and Desi Arnaz’s granddaughter Kate Luckinbill

Adventures by the Book® invites you to join us for a joyful Summer Reading Adventure featuring beloved New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, USA Today bestselling novelist Meg Donohue, and special guest Kate Luckinbill, granddaughter of iconic television legend Desi Arnaz. From sun-soaked coastal fiction to emotionally rich, thought-provoking storytelling — along with a unique perspective on storytelling legacy and Hollywood history — this special evening celebrates the books you’ll be packing in your bag all summer long.
As part of our ABTB signature event series, this Summer Reading Panel brings readers face-to-face with the authors behind Summer State of Mind and The Memory Gardener, offering an inside look at the inspiration, themes, and creative spark that make a story the perfect seasonal escape. Kate Luckinbill will also share reflections on growing up connected to one of television’s most beloved pioneers, adding a special multigenerational perspective on creativity, storytelling, and legacy in A Book By Desi Arnaz.
Whether you’re a devoted Kristy Woodson Harvey reader, a fan of Meg Donohue’s emotionally resonant fiction, intrigued by Kate Luckinbill’s connection to entertainment history, a book club looking to plan ahead, or simply a reader eager to discover what you should be reading this summer, this evening is designed for you. Come with friends, bring your book club, or join us solo — everyone is welcome in our community of passionate, curious readers.
Your Adventure includes a lively author conversation, audience Q&A, book signing, and the chance to connect with fellow readers who know that summer is always better with a great book in hand.
Registration
This event is FREE and open to the public, with general seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For readers who prefer a little peace of mind and want to show their early support of the authors, a VIP option includes guaranteed event admission and reserved seating with the pre-order of Summer State of Mind, A Book by Desi Arnaz, or The Memory Gardener.
And since we’re officially in a summer state of mind, we’re delighted to offer a discounted three-book bundle—the perfect pairing to kick off your summer reading season.
