An Evening with Viet Thanh Nguyen
2025-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Public Library as we welcome Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen. He’ll discuss his newest title To Save and To Destroy, a moving, personal meditation on otherness and a call for political solidarity, with Lily Hoang. Originally given as a series of Norton lectures, these captivating essays earned a starred review from Library Journal as ‘[a]n essential addition for collections about the process and theory of writing, authors of diverse backgrounds, and particularly the experiences of Asian Americans, immigrants, and refugees in the United States.”
A book-signing will follow. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, subject to availability. Limited preferred seating is available with purchase of To Save and To Destroy through Warwick’s bookstore. Please visit https://www.warwicks.com/nguyen-2025-reserved-seat or call the store at 858-454-0347 for more information.

About Viet Thanh Nguyen
Viet Thanh Nguyen is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer, Nothing Ever Dies, and, most recently, To Save and to Destroy. A recipient of the MacArthur Foundation and Guggenheim fellowships and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Nguyen is Aerol Arnold Chair of English and Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California.
About To Save and To Destroy
Born in war-ravaged Vietnam, Viet Nguyen arrived in the United States as a child refugee in 1975. The Nguyen family would soon move to San Jose, California, where the author grew up, attending UC Berkeley in the aftermath of the shocking murder of Vincent Chin, which shaped the political sensibilities of a new generation of Asian Americans.
The essays here, delivered originally as the prestigious Norton Lectures, proffer a new answer to a classic literary question: What does the outsider mean to literary writing? Over the course of six captivating and moving chapters, Nguyen explores the idea of being an outsider through lenses that are, by turns, literary, historical, political, and familial.
Each piece moves between writers who influenced Nguyen’s craft and weaves in the haunting story of his late mother’s mental illness. Nguyen unfolds the novels and nonfiction of Herman Melville, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ralph Ellison, William Carlos Williams, and Maxine Hong Kingston, until aesthetic theories give way to pressing concerns raised by war and politics. What is a writer’s responsibility in a time of violence? Should we celebrate fiction that gives voice to the voiceless–or do we confront the forces that render millions voiceless in the first place? What are the burdens and pleasures of the “minor” writer in any society? Unsatisfied with the modest inclusion accorded to “model minorities” such as Asian Americans, Nguyen sets the agenda for a more radical and disquieting solidarity with those whose lives have been devastated by imperialism and forever wars.
About Lily Hoang
Lily Hoang is the author of eight books, including most recently A Knock at the Door (Texas Review Press’s Innovative Prose Series), Underneath (winner of the Red Hen Press Fiction Award), A Bestiary (PEN/USA Non-Fiction Award finalist), and Changing (recipient of a PEN/Open Books Award). She is a Professor of Literature at UC San Diego, where she teaches in their MFA in Writing.

Jet Trails & Tall Tales: Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello Discusses "Through the Yellow Visor"
2025-06-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Public Library for a high-octane evening with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former TOPGUN instructor, combat pilot, and host of the popular Fighter Pilot Podcast, as he shares stories from his gripping memoir, Through the Yellow Visor.
More than just dogfights and flybys, Aiello’s book offers an unfiltered look into the real world of naval aviation — where grit, resilience, and teamwork matter more than ego. From flight school challenges to combat missions over Iraq, his journey reveals the human side of life at Mach speed.
Don’t miss this chance to meet the man behind the mic, hear what it’s really like to land on a moving aircraft carrier, and get a signed copy of the book that podcast fans have been waiting for.

About the Book:
Ride Along with a Real Top Gun and Get His View from the Cockpit
You’ve heard him as host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. More than 100k listeners have been waiting for this book.
Now ride along. From the cockpit of a Navy jet circling overhead, an aircraft carrier — 1,000 feet long and displacing 98,000 tons — looks no bigger than a child’s toy. No wonder the fighter pilots call it a boat. Try landing on one of these bucking broncos without boltering.
TOPGUN instructor and seasoned naval aviator, E. Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello takes readers on an exhilarating flight from being a wide-eyed eight-year-old peering into a jet’s cockpit at the Point Mugu Airshow to flying one. Not the Hollywood version by any means, Vincent explains his tough, terrifying, and trusted path to flying America’s war planes.
From flying F/A-18 Hornets on missions worldwide, to serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, to teaching the art of air combat at TOPGUN, Jell-O brings you into the adrenaline-fueled world of naval aviation while proving that persistence is a pilot’s most valuable skill.
After retiring from the Navy with more than 3,800 flight hours and 700 carrier landings, Vincent, now an airline pilot, hosts the popular Fighter Pilot Podcast, where he explores the fascinating world of air combat with stimulating revelations about:

The complex, multi-million-dollar aircraft,
The lethal weapons systems they employ, and
The fearless people who protect our country every single day.

This is the personal story of a boy with big dreams who became the man behind the yellow visor.
About the Author:
Commander Aiello is native of California. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles and was commissioned through the Navy ROTC Program in August 1992. Commander Aiello attended Navy pilot training and was awarded the coveted wings of gold in August 1995. Following initial training in the F/A-18 Hornet with VMFAT-101 at MCAS El Toro, Santa Ana, California, Commander Aiello’s first operational assignment was with VFA86 at NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida. During this tour he deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH aboard the aircraft carriers USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and USS JOHN F. KENNEDY.
In 2000, Commander Aiello reported to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at NAS Fallon, Nevada where he attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School, or TOPGUN, and remained on the staff as an instructor. In 2003 he was assigned to VFA97 in NAS Lemoore, California where he deployed to the Arabian Gulf aboard the carrier USS NIMITZ in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2004 Commander Aiello attended the School of Naval Aviation Safety at the Naval Postgraduate School before reporting to VFA-94 in Lemoore for his department head tour. In 2005 he again deployed aboard NIMITZ to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf in support of OIF.
Commander Aiello reported to the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific at Lemoore in 2006 and remained until 2009 when he was assigned to the staff of Carrier Air Wing FIVE in NAF Atsugi, Japan where he deployed to the Western Pacific aboard GEORGE WASHINGTON. Commander Aiello’s next assignment came in 2010 to the staff of Commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet, San Diego, California where he deployed to Afghanistan as an ‘individual augmentee’ with a Joint Special Operations Command task force in support of Operation ALLIED FORCE. During this assignment Commander Aiello completed a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.
In 2013 Commander Aiello returned to NSAWC in Fallon where he served as Program Manager for the Navy’s F-16 adversary fleet. In 2015 Commander Aiello reported to the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest at NAS North Island, California where he served as the F/A-18 Integrated Project Team Military Program Manager and F/A18A-F Hornet and Super Hornet functional check pilot.
Commander Aiello retired from the US Navy in March 2017 following nearly 25 years of faithful and honorable service. He accrued 3,800 total flight hours including 3,200 in all models of the F/A-18 and nearly 200 in the F-16A/B. He has flown more than 70 combat missions over Iraq and performed over 700 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals, and numerous personal and unit decorations.
Commander Aiello is married to the former Beth Grimm of Rogers, Arkansas; they reside in Coronado with their three sons: Slater, Anthony, and Dawson.

Lights, Camera… Conspiracy: A.C. Adams discusses "Chasing Shadows"
2025-06-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Public Library and Ollie Media as they welcome author duo A.C. Adams to discuss their debut novel, a gripping tale of mystery, betrayal, and the search for truth. In Chasing Shadows, a young woman’s father disappears without warning and a cryptic message is all he leaves behind. Her quest to find him leads across continents and into a tangle of buried secrets that will shatter everything she believed about her family. The authors, veterans of the entertainment industry with backgrounds in both television and theatre, will discuss their inspirations for the book and more.
Watch the trailer for their book here.
A book signing will follow the talk. This event is free and open to the public to attend. Books will be available for sale.
About Chasing Shadows
When renowned professor Dr. Aidan Ryan vanishes without explanation, he leaves behind a haunting message revealing he has a new life and can never return. His devastated daughter Sofia embarks on a global search to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance. What she finds is more shocking than she could have imagined—a web of family secrets and lies that challenges everything she thought she knew.
After clues send her to Italy, Sofia reconnects with her estranged mother Ella who reveals a hidden past of trauma and deceit. When they discover Aidan’s ties to The Brotherhood, an elusive, powerful society that operates in the shadows of world affairs, Sofia and Ella become ensnared in a deadly conspiracy. Trapped in ancient catacombs beneath the Roman countryside, they must confront their mysterious captors and fight for their lives. But as they edge closer to escape, one question remains: Will Aidan choose his family or The Brotherhood?
A.C. Adams is the nom de plume of co-authors Anthony Leigh Adams and Christina Adams. They have written and produced film and television projects for studios including Disney, ABC, CBS, NBC, and OWN. Their production company, Adams Entertainment, is based in La Jolla, California. For more information about Chasing Shadows and A.C. Adams’s other projects, visit adamsentertainment.com.

"Down to the Bone" Caitlin Rother and the McStay Family Murders
2025-07-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us for an evening of true crime and investigative insight as New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother discusses her latest book, Down to the Bone, a riveting deep dive into the San Diego-based McStay family murders. This high-profile case captured national attention—featured on the cover of People magazine and in several TV documentaries—and led to the conviction and death sentence of Joseph McStay’s business associate, Charles “Chase” Merritt.
At this special event thanks to the San Diego Writers Festival, Rother will take the audience behind the scenes of her reporting, unpacking how assumptions, missteps, and courtroom controversy—including claims of confirmation bias and prosecutorial misconduct—shaped the outcome of one this disturbing case.
Books will be available to purchase thanks to Bay Books Coronado. A book signing will follow the event.

ABOUT DOWN TO THE BONE
In her latest work of investigative nonfiction, DOWN TO THE BONE, New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother explores the messy high-profile case of the McStay family murders, which were featured on the cover of People magazine and in several TV documentaries. Rother takes readers step-by-step through the decisions, assumptions, and theories by detectives and prosecutors that ultimately led Joseph McStay’s waterfall builder, Charles “Chase” Merritt, to be sent to death row after a trial marked by accusations of confirmation bias and prosecutorial misconduct.
Joseph McStay was last seen on Feb. 4, 2010, when he had lunch with Charles “Chase” Merritt. Subsequently unable to reach Joseph for days, Merritt urged Joseph’s mother and brother to contact authorities, while Joseph’s other associate, Dan Kavanaugh, called the police himself. Joseph’s brother Michael finally reported the family missing on Feb. 15, but detectives found no blood or sign of a struggle in the house, and no clues to the family’s whereabouts. Soon, Merritt and Kavanaugh were pointing fingers at each other as they fought for control of Joseph’s business. The only thing that key parties in this case could agree on was that this case was about money.
Within months of the family’s remains being discovered, San Bernardino County sheriff’s detectives had focused their investigation on Merritt, despite the lack of forensic evidence tying him to murder at the house or in his truck and belongings. During a six-month trial, the defense illustrated that Kavanaugh, who was never considered a suspect and ducked a subpoena to testify, had the same alleged motive as Merritt.
This book takes a behind-the-scenes look at the flaws in the two sheriff’s investigations and the prosecution’s firm belief that they got the right man, despite contradictions in their timeline and the unanswered questions about when and where this family was killed.
After reviewing voluminous court files, including 1,200 exhibits, hundreds of photos, and thousands of pages of records, Rother was able to paint a comprehensive and compelling portrait of this family’s life at the time they disappeared. In addition to these public records, Rother’s book is based on her own interviews and crucial discovery materials—including witness interviews and investigative reports—that took a dozen years to obtain. This deep research enabled her to disclose new and exclusive case details that have never been released publicly, to describe the eventful journey to trial, and to sensitively portray the lasting impact on Joseph’s and Summer’s families.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caitlin Rother has written or co-authored 16 books, ranging from true crime to thrillers and memoir. A New York Times-bestselling author and investigative journalist, Rother worked nearly 20 years for daily newspapers. Writing books full-time since 2006, she draws from decades of watchdog reporting on topics from addiction to suicide, mental illness, murder, government, political corruption and the criminal justice system. A popular speaker, she has appeared more than 250 times on TV, radio, and podcasts as a crime expert. A former writing instructor of 10 years, she coaches a limited number of aspiring author clients. In her spare time, she goes ocean swimming, sings and plays keyboards in a jazzy, bluesy trio called In the Lounge.

Explore Weird Moons with NASA Ambassadors
2025-07-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Calling all young astronauts! Join us for a special program with NASA’s Solar System Ambassadors, David Narevsky and Lyford Rome. They will teach us about “weird” moons and other unusual objects in space, both in and outside of our solar system. Activity to follow!

Callooh Callay! A Brillig Look At Wonderland Through A University Looking Glass
2025-07-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join Linda Cassady for a journey into the literary wonderland of Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, through the treasured Cassady Carroll Collection of University of Southern California’s Special Collections. This engaging lecture explores how a remarkable book collection has inspired students to discover the genius behind Alice’s adventures, transforming some into artists in their own right. Discover the extensive works by and about Lewis Carroll housed in the USC Special Collections, and learn how an innovative Wonderland Award competition sparks the imagination of Southern California students as they pursue and rediscover Dodgson’s legacy. Come see how students tumble down their own rabbit holes of creativity, finding Alice in the wonderland of their own imaginations through art, literature, and scholarly exploration.

The Carroll Collection
The Cassady Lewis Carroll Collection was established in 2000 and has grown to contain more than 6,000 rare books, pamphlets, letters, and other items related to the work of Lewis Carroll including inscribed editions, books from Carroll‘s own library, and many works by major illustrators of the Alice stories. There are signed copies of movie scripts, playbills from stage adaptations, Victorian-era playing cards, and pop-up books. More recently, comic books, graphic novels, manga editions, literary parodies, computer games, movies, and original art work related to Carroll and his Alice books are part of the collection.
The Wonderland Award
The Annual Wonderland Award is an annual multidisciplinary competition at the University of Southern California that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. A primary goal is to promote use of the G. Edward Cassady, M.D., and Margaret Elizabeth Cassady, R.N., Lewis Carroll Collection, held in Doheny Library at USC.
Since 2005, about 600 students have reimagined, reinterpreted, and remixed Carroll’s stories. Submissions include film and screenplays; poetry and readings; short fiction; book art [writing desks, boxes of wonder, missing diaries]; music, lyrics, scores, and performances; art [photography, painting, digital art, art installations]; ballet and dance; golf courses, board and digital games [with music, readings, and polysyllogisms]; illustrated novels; arts and crafts [dolls, ceramic tea sets, and fashion], and scholarly essays.

Linda Cassady and her husband, George Cassady, MD, gifted a Lewis Carroll Collection to the University of Southern California in 2000. Her area of “collecting” Carroll is as a sponsor and judge of the Wonderland Award, an annual multidisciplinary competition that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. Linda is a member of the USC Libraries Board of Councilors. She is the past president and current treasurer of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America.

Foamy Fun with Dynamite Dave
2025-08-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Dynamite Dave is back again for some foamy fun! Enjoy the end of summer with some non-toxic and hypoallergenic foam! For the third year in a row the library invites you and your family for this fun event. Bathing suits highly recommended, goggles suggested but not necessary!

Special Mystery Book Club: A History of Mystery with Bryan Plank
2025-08-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us for a special session of Mystery Book Club with guest speaker Bryan Plank, who will take us through a brief history of the genre and discuss some of the formative historic mysteries. Bryan first started reading mysteries in elementary school with the Sherlock Holmes stories and novels. What really connected him to the genre was reading Some Buried Caesar by Rex Stout. Ultimately, he has read hundreds of mysteries and watched thousands of mystery movies and television programs. He has visited and corresponded with some of the leading mystery writers of our times.
The Coronado Public Library’s Mystery Book club meets regularly on the third Monday of each month. Receive reminder emails about our meeting by registering below. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Summer on the Strand: Storytelling with Aunt Li-Anne
2025-08-06 09:30 - 10:30 | Silver Strand Youth Center, 1302 Leyte Road, Coronado, 92118, United States
Join us this Summer on the Strand! The Coronado Public Library, in collaboration with the Silver Strand Youth Center, will be hosting exciting events for all ages every Wednesday at 9:30 am all summer long. Kids, teens, and adults can sign up for our Summer Reading Program at these events, log their reads, and pick up their prizes while enjoying a different fun-filled event each week. These events will take place outside, so pack your sunscreen and a blanket to sit on and enjoy. * Please note that public restrooms are not available at this location.
This program is made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.

Come hear Professional Storyteller Aunt Li-Anne enchant your imagination with “Around the World with Stories: Tales of Kids and Critters from other countries.” Embark on thrilling adventures to Mexico, Europe, and Asia, where captivating tales of children and curious critters await. Aunt Li-Anne weaves magic with her vibrant narratives, bringing to life the rich cultures and traditions of distant lands. Spark your child’s curiosity and foster a love for global storytelling. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey!

Callooh Callay! A Brillig Look At Wonderland Through A University Looking Glass
2025-08-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join Linda Cassady for a journey into the literary wonderland of Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, through the treasured Cassady Carroll Collection of USC’s Special Collections. This engaging lecture explores how a remarkable book collection has inspired students to discover the genius behind Alice’s adventures, transforming some into artists in their own right. Discover the extensive works by and about Lewis Carroll housed in the University of Southern California Special Collections, and learn how an innovative Wonderland Award competition sparks the imagination of Southern California students as they pursue and rediscover Dodgson’s legacy. Come see how students tumble down their own rabbit holes of creativity, finding Alice in the wonderland of their own imaginations through art, literature, and scholarly exploration.

The Carroll Collection
The Cassady Lewis Carroll Collection was established in 2000 and has grown to contain more than 6,000 rare books, pamphlets, letters, and other items related to the work of Lewis Carroll including inscribed editions, books from Carroll‘s own library, and many works by major illustrators of the Alice stories. There are signed copies of movie scripts, playbills from stage adaptations, Victorian-era playing cards, and pop-up books. More recently, comic books, graphic novels, manga editions, literary parodies, computer games, movies, and original art work related to Carroll and his Alice books are part of the collection.
The Wonderland Award
The Annual Wonderland Award is an annual multidisciplinary competition at the University of Southern California that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. A primary goal is to promote use of the G. Edward Cassady, M.D., and Margaret Elizabeth Cassady, R.N., Lewis Carroll Collection, held in Doheny Library at USC.
Since 2005, about 600 students have reimagined, reinterpreted, and remixed Carroll’s stories. Submissions include film and screenplays; poetry and readings; short fiction; book art [writing desks, boxes of wonder, missing diaries]; music, lyrics, scores, and performances; art [photography, painting, digital art, art installations]; ballet and dance; golf courses, board and digital games [with music, readings, and polysyllogisms]; illustrated novels; arts and crafts [dolls, ceramic tea sets, and fashion], and scholarly essays.

Linda Cassady and her husband, George Cassady, MD, gifted a Lewis Carroll Collection to the University of Southern California in 2000. Her area of “collecting” Carroll is as a sponsor and judge of the Wonderland Award, an annual multidisciplinary competition that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. Linda is a member of the USC Libraries Board of Councilors. She is the past president and current treasurer of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America.

Write Your Story: Memoir 101
2025-09-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library and the San Diego Writers Festival will host a series of writing workshops this fall. Each focused on a different topic, writers both new and experienced will find new strategies to hone their craft. Writers who attend a workshop will have the opportunity to have the entry fee waived if they choose to participate in Acorn Publishing Debut Author contest (details available here.)
This month, attendees will learn the art of memoir writing. Are you seeking a way to transform the stories of your life into a compelling, page-turning memoir? Join Tracy J. Jones, developmental editor and writing coach, for a fun, interactive writing workshop that will educate and inspire your own memoir-writing journey.
Topics include:

The difference between a memoir, a personal essay, and an autobiography
Identifying your memoir’s container
What’s your character arc?
How to identify your memoir’s theme
A checklist for effective scene writing

This event will take place via Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link for this event.

Tracy J. Jones is a content writer, developmental editor, writing coach, and International Memoir Writers Association president. She co-produces the San Diego Memoir Showcase and co-edits the award-winning anthology, Shaking the Tree: brazen. short. memoir. Tracy is a co-instructor for the Memoir Certificate program at San Diego Writers, Ink, and runs three writing groups. She is currently working on her memoir, Starting Over at Ground Zero.

Pirates of the Sea with Richard Lederer
2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Union Tribune columnist and International Punster of the Year Richard Lederer will unlock a treasure chest of pirate jokes and riddles. Dr. Lederer will also reveal the origins of nautical words and phrases. Learn what happened when Bluebeard fell into the Red Sea, why pirates wear earrings, and more, as you laugh your way though Lederer’s musings.
Books will be available for sale after the show.

An Evening with Beatriz Williams
2025-09-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library welcomes Beatriz Williams, New York Times and internationally bestselling author, for a talk and book signing featuring her latest novel, Under the Stars. Known for her richly detailed and emotionally resonant historical fiction, Williams has captivated readers around the world with nineteen acclaimed novels, including collaborations with authors Karen White and Lauren Willig. Her newest novel is a timeless epic of mothers and daughters, of love lost and found, and of the truths that echo down generations. Set against the backdrop of a harrowing real-life disaster from the dawn of the steamship era, the story follows the intertwined destinies of three women whose lives converge across centuries—uncovering a tangled legacy of family secrets in modern-day New England.
A book-signing will follow. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, subject to availability. Limited preferred seating is available with purchase of Under the Stars through Warwick’s bookstore. Please visit www.warwicks.com/williams-2025-reserved-seat or call the store at 858-454-0347 for more information.

About Under the Stars
When a daughter and her famous mother return to Winthrop Island to confront their complicated past, they discover a secret trove of paintings that connect them to a mysterious woman who vanished on a luxury steamship two centuries earlier.
Audrey Fisher has struggled all her life to emerge from the shadow of her famous mother by forging a career as a world-class chef. Meredith Fisher’s glamorous screen persona disguises the trauma of the tragic accident that haunts her dreams. Neither woman wants to return to the New England island they left behind and its complicated emotional ties, but Meredith has one last chance to sober up and salvage her big comeback, and where else but discreet, moneyed Winthrop Island can a famous actress spend the summer without the intrusion of other people? Until Audrey discovers an old wooden chest among the belongings of her estranged bartender father, Mike Kennedy, and the astonishing contents draw the women deep into Winthrop’s past and its many secrets… attracting the interest of their handsome neighbor, Sedge Peabody. How did a trove of paintings from one of America’s greatest artists wind up in the cellar of the Mohegan Inn? And who is the mysterious woman portrayed on every canvas?
On a stormy November night in 1846, Providence Dare flees Boston and boards the luxury steamship Atlantic one step ahead of the law… or so she believes. But when a catastrophic accident leaves the ship at the mercy of a mighty gale, Providence finds herself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the one man who knows her real identity—the detective investigating the suspicious death of her employer, the painter Henry Irving. As the Atlantic fights for her life and the rocky shore of Winthrop Island edges closer, a desperate Providence searches for her chance to escape… before the sea swallows her without a trace.

About Beatriz Williams
Beatriz Williams is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of Husbands and Lovers, The Summer Wives, The Secret Life of Violet Grant, A Hundred Summers, the Wicked City series, and several other works of historical fiction, including five novels in collaboration with fellow bestselling authors Karen White and Lauren Willig. A graduate of Stanford University with an MBA in Finance from Columbia University, Beatriz worked as a communications and corporate strategy consultant in New York and London before her first novel was published in 2012. Beatriz’s books have won numerous awards, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and appear regularly in bestseller lists around the world.
Born in Seattle, Washington, Beatriz now lives near the Connecticut shore with her husband and four children, where she divides her time between writing and laundry.

An Evening with Clare Leslie Hall
2025-10-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library, in partnership with Warwick’s, is proud to host bestselling author Clare Leslie Hall. She’ll discuss her new novel Broken Country — her U.S. debut and a Reese’s Book Club pick — in conversation with Jason Blitman. A celebrated journalist and novelist, her latest work is a sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller full of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.
A book-signing will follow. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, subject to availability. Limited preferred seating is available with purchase of Broken Country through Warwick’s bookstore. Please visit https://www.warwicks.com/clare-leslie-hall-2025-reserved-seat or call the store at 858-454-0347 for more information.

About Broken Country
Beth and her gentle, kind husband Frank are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried. But when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives. For the dog belonged to none other than Gabriel Wolfe, the man Beth loved as a teenager — the man who broke her heart years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son, who died in a tragic accident.
As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel’s life, tensions around the village rise and dangerous secrets and jealousies from the past resurface, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice between the woman she once was, and the woman she has become.
About Clare Leslie Hall
Clare Leslie Hall is a novelist and journalist. She published two domestic noir novels Him and Mine under the name Clare Empson and has turned to book group fiction with her third novel Broken Country.
Broken Country is set to be published in over 30 territories and, since UK and US publication, is a Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller. It was also Reese’s Book Club Pick and Fearne Cotton’s The Happy Place Book Club pick for March 2025. It has been optioned by 3000 pictures with Hello Sunshine producing.
About Jason Bittman
Jason Blitman is an arts professional who currently hosts and produces the podcast Gays Reading. Recent guests include Ann Patchett, Dylan Mulvaney, Jonathan Adler, Kaveh Akbar, Rumaan Alam, Dolly Alderton, Margaret Cho, Roxane Gay, TJ Klune, Nnedi Okorafor, Torrey Peters, Elif Shafak, and many more. As an arts and culture producer, Jason produced two seasons of the Books That Changed My Life Festival for JCC Manhattan and the Palm Springs Readers’ Festival in Palm Springs. Jason is also a theatre director and producer currently working on projects around Southern California.

Strega Nonna Pasta Party
2025-10-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Strega Nonna turns 50 this year, so we are throwing her a pasta party! Complete with a reading of the beloved children’s book Strega Nonna, a magic pasta pot, and pasta for all!

Write Your Story: The Hero’s Journey
2025-10-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library and the San Diego Writers Festival will host a series of writing workshops this fall. Each focusing on a different topic, writers both new and experienced will find new strategies to hone their craft. Writers who attend a workshop will have the opportunity to have the entry fee waived if they choose to participate in Acorn Publishing Debut Author contest (details available here.)
In this month’s course, Holly Kammier will take you deep into the timeless structure of the hero’s journey. You’ll learn:

The six essential characteristics every hero needs to forge a powerful emotional connection with readers.
How to identify and develop a winning theme.
The interlocking plot beats every protagonist must take to keep your story driving forward and your audience glued to the page (or screen).

Whether you write fiction, memoir, or screenplays, these strategies will help you elevate your work from good to unforgettable.
This event will take place via zoom. Register here to receive the Zoom link for this event.

Holly Kammier is the co-founder and acquisitions editor of Acorn Publishing, the largest publishing imprint in San Diego and one of California’s leading hybrid publishers. Named 2025 Publisher of the Year by the San Diego Writers Festival and 2024 Chrysalis BREW Project Publisher of the Year, Acorn boasts a diverse catalogue of award-winning and bestselling titles across genres.
Holly is also the author of Kingston Court, Choosing Hope, and Lost Girl: A Shelby Day Novel. Her essay All-American Girl was honored by the International Memoir Writers Association and performed at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre. A UCLA honors graduate with a background in journalism, Holly has worked at KCAL Los Angeles and CNN Washington, D.C. She serves as Publishing Director for the San Diego Writers Festival and is a faculty member at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. Holly lives in her hometown of San Diego, where she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Ken Blanchard is recognized as one of the most influential and compassionate leadership experts in the world. On Thursday, October 23, Martha C. Lawrence will share her newly released book Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads in conversation with local bestselling author and personal wellness expert, Ken Druck. Lawrence worked with Blanchard for many years and shares how his philosophies have impacted thought leadership and management in companies worldwide.
Limited reserved seating is available with the pre-purchase of a book through Bay Books Coronado. To reserve your copy, call 619-435-0070.
Copies of the book will be available for sale by Bay Books Coronado. A signing will follow the event.

About the Book
This candid and heartwarming biography tells the story of Ken Blanchard, the bestselling author, speaker, and legendary business consultant whose revolutionary leadership philosophy has helped transform the world’s approach to management.
Part business biography, part human interest story, the book reveals how Blanchard’s focus on empathy, service, and recognition changed how companies lead, build culture, and develop people, transforming workplaces across the globe.

About the Author
Martha Lawrence is a veteran book editor and the executive editor at Blanchard, where she has worked side-by-side with Ken Blanchard for over two decades. She’s also the author of an award-nominated mystery series and a passionate advocate for leading with kindness and purpose.

Scooby Doo Halloween Mystery
2025-10-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Solve the Mystery of the Library Ghost with Scooby Doo and the Gang! A ghost has trapped the Mystery Gang inside the library’s books — can you crack the clues and set them free? Wander through the stacks, uncover hidden hints, and match each character to their story at this special after hours library event. Recommended for ages 5+
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.

Write Your Story: Networking and Marketing for Introverts
2025-11-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library and the San Diego Writers Festival will host a series of writing workshops this fall. Each focused on a different topic, writers both new and experienced will find new strategies to hone their craft. Writers who attend a workshop will have the opportunity to have the entry fee waived if they choose to participate in Acorn Publishing Debut Author contest (details available here.)

This month, attendees will learn tips to help get the word out on their work. From first to final draft, a writer works with a very select few individuals. All that changes as you near publication, and beyond. As a writer you now must market your work, and yourself. That’s a tough job. It can be even tougher when you’re an introvert. In this workshop you’ll learn your introvert type, and the natural abilities that come with that type. We’ll talk about how to use those hidden skills to grow your network and readership in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Extroverts welcome!
This event will take place via Zoom. Register below to receive the Zoom link for this event.

Dennis K. Crosby is an award-winning author, speaker, and workshop leader with an MFA in Creative Writing. Since 2020 he has published three urban fantasy novels and fifteen short stories found in various anthologies including Weird Tales Magazine #370. He’s been a panelist and moderator at WonderCon, Comic-Con International, Nebula, and StokerCon 2024 where he also served as Co-Chair. In March 2025 he was awarded the Jonathan Maberry Inspiring Teens Award from the Creative Writing Club at Canyon Crest Academy. For more about Dennis, including interviews and podcast episodes in which he is featured, visit www.denniskcrosby.com.

Musical Storytime Takeover with Nightingale Music
2025-11-18 11:00 - 11:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a special storytime takeover by Nightingale Music! We’ll play with lollipop drums, rainbow scarves, tambourines, maracas and more. Marvin the Monkey will come by and teach us the major scale and we’ll learn to stomp and dance like the elephants in the jungle. We’ll pop bubbles to the beat and have a guitar time sing-a-long. For ages 0-5 and their favorite adult.
Nightingale Music classes bring out your child’s natural ability for music and creates a relaxed, playful environment for learning, so don’t miss the fun Tuesday, November 18 at 11 am.
Toddler storytime will resume as normal after this fun takeover.

Holiday book and gift sale
2025-11-22 10:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
FALL FUNDRAISER 🍂
Holiday Books & Gift Sale
Find pre-loved books for children and adults, plus coffee table books, DVDs, holiday cards, Christmas books, and unique gift items — perfect for thoughtful, sustainable holiday shopping. All proceeds support Library programs — visit CoronadoFOL.org to learn more about how we help our beloved Coronado Public Library.
Family and Member Corner! Enjoy face painting and fun activities for young readers while you browse. The Friends of the Coronado Public Library are also hosting a special book signing with Eric Wolfinger in celebration of his latest work, The Blue Food Cookbook (book signing 12-1 pm).
Credit and debit cards preferred. Please bring your own bags.
Event will be canceled in the event of rain.

"Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking" with Pyet Despain
2025-11-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Pyet DeSpain, winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef and author of the debut cookbook Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking. Pyet will share how her heritage infuses every recipe with tradition, resilience, and deep respect for the earth, weaving together stories, flavors, and ancestral wisdom. DeSpain won’t be the only award winning chef in attendance at this event as she will be in conversation with Masterchef winner Claudia Sandoval!
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, subject to availability. Limited preferred seating is available with purchase of Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking through Adventure’s by the Book. Please visit adventuresbythebook.com/calendar-event/despain-pyet-11-22-25/ for more information.

Best of the Best Book Club: "There, There" by Tommy Orange
2025-11-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Best of the Best Book Club meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards.
For our October meeting, we will discuss the 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award winner There, There by Tommy Orange, a wondrous and shattering novel that follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize.
Place this title on hold via our online catalog, or check out the e-book through the CloudLibrary app.
About There, There
Among them is Jacquie Red Feather, newly sober and trying to make it back to the family she left behind. Dene Oxendene, pulling his life together after his uncle’s death and working at the powwow to honor his memory. Fourteen-year-old Orvil, coming to perform traditional dance for the very first time. They converge and collide on one fateful day at the Big Oakland Powwow and together this chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American — grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism
A book with “so much jangling energy and brings so much news from a distinct corner of American life that it’s a revelation” (The New York Times). It is fierce, funny, suspenseful, and impossible to put down — full of poetry and rage, exploding onto the page with urgency and force. There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary and truly unforgettable.

Inside the Hanoi Hilton: The Story of POW Doug Hegdahl
2025-12-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library and Historical Association invites you to a virtual event on Wednesday, Dec. 3 as Marc Leepson, the author of the best-selling book, The Unlikely War Hero: A Vietnam War POW’s Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton, discusses the amazing Vietnam War story of Doug Hegdahl, the youngest and lowest-ranking POW captured in North Vietnam and held in Hanoi.
This event will take place via Zoom. Register through the “Register Now” button below to receive the Zoom link for this event.
Register Now
“What a strange, fascinating, and ultimately powerful account of one man’s endurance of life as a POW during the American war in Vietnam . . . This book, I believe, will stand the test of time as one of the finest nonfiction narratives to emerge from the Vietnam War.” —Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried

Journalist and historian Marc Leepson is the author of eleven books, including four biographies: What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life; Lafayette: Idealist General; The Ballad of the Green Beret; and The Unlikely War Hero. A former staff writer for Congressional Quarterly in Washington, D.C., he written for many newspapers and magazines, and the Encyclopedia Britannic, and has been interviewed many times on radio and television, including on The Today Show, Discovery Channel, The History Channel, All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and The BBC NewsHour. He is Senior Writer, Arts Editor and columnist for The VVA Veteran, the magazine published by Vietnam Veterans of America, and taught U.S. history at Laurel Ridge Community College in Warrenton, Va. from 2008-15.
Marc Leepson graduated from George Washington University in 1967. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1967-69, including a year in the Vietnam War, he received his honorable discharge and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in history from George Washington in 1971. He lives in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Santa Storytime
2025-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Bring your littles ones for a special Santa Storytime! Join Santa for a story followed by a photo meet and greet opportunity with the big guy himself.

Mystery Book Club: "Playing for the Ashes"
2025-12-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Mystery Book club meets regularly on the third Monday of each month. Receive reminder emails about our meeting by registering. Registration is encouraged but not required.

This month we will be discussing Playing for the Ashes by Elizabeth George. Check out the book in print from the Coronado Library catalog by clicking here, or ebook and e-audiobook format by checking the catalogs of your Libby and CloudLibrary apps.

Best of the Best Book Club: "A Psalm for the Wild-Built" by Becky Chambers
2025-12-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Best of the Best Book Club meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards. Please note the different date this month due to the holiday.
For our December meeting, we will discuss the 2022 Hugo Award winner A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers, a novel that asks us: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?
Place this title on hold via our online catalog, or check out the e-book through the CloudLibrary app.

About A Psalm for the Wild-Built
It’s been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; centuries since they wandered, en masse, into the wilderness, never to be seen again; centuries since they faded into myth and urban legend.
One day, the life of a tea monk is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of “what do people need?” is answered.
But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how.
They’re going to need to ask it a lot.

Poetry for the People
2026-01-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This year’s course will feature poems by state poets laureate. The responsibility of a State Poet Laureate is essentially the same as the U.S Poets Laureate, “…to make public appearances at poetry readings or literary events and to promote awareness of poetry.” 46 states and the District of Columbia have a State Poet Laureate, most appointed for a one or two-year term.
Those participating in Poetry For The People XXlll will read selections from these State Poet Laureates and, most importantly, are encouraged to bring to the discussions their own insights, observations and perceptions. Class members’ contributions are a vital part of the class experience.

Chuck Kamar received his bachelor’s from Boston State and his master’s from Boston University. He taught for 34 years in the Newton Public Schools, the last 20 of which were at Newton North High School. In 1998 he won the Paul E. Elicker Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Register to receive reminder emails for this series. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

The Hive of Five: Historical fiction author event
2026-01-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
One incredible night, five New York Times bestselling historical fiction authors.

Kate Quinn (The Astral Library), Stephanie Dray (Becoming Madam Secretary), Kristina McMorris (The Girls of Good Fortune), Allison Pataki (It Girl), and Madeline Martin (The Secret Book Society) will come together to share the research, revelations, and hidden histories that bring their novels to life, offering readers a rare glimpse into the past through their collective expertise. After their discussion, a Q&A and book signing will follow.
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, subject to availability. Limited preferred seating is available with purchase of the newest release of one of the authors through Adventures by the Book. Please visit https://adventuresbythebook.com/calendar-event/history-hive-1-8-26/ for more information.

Kate Quinn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction whose work spans ancient Rome, the Italian Renaissance, and most recently the 20th century with hits like The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, The Diamond Eye, and The Briar Club. A native of Southern California with degrees in Classical Voice from Boston University, she now lives in Maryland with her husband and rescue dogs. Her upcoming novel, The Astral Library (February 2026), offers a fantastical adventure inviting readers into a world where books become portals to new lives and limitless possibilities.

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author known for richly researched historical novels such as The Women of Chateau Lafayette, My Dear Hamilton, and America’s First Daughter. Her award-winning work on the often-overlooked Founding Mothers has been translated into eight languages. Based in Maryland with her husband, cats, and a home full of history books, she recently released Becoming Madam Secretary, about trailblazing labor secretary Frances Perkins, and will soon publish A Founding Mother, an intimate portrait of Abigail Adams timed to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Kristina McMorris is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of ten historical works, including the million-copy bestseller Sold on a Monday and the international bestseller The Ways We Hide, a top Target pick of 2022. A recipient of more than twenty national awards and a former television host who began her career at age nine, she now divides her time between San Diego and Oregon, where she’s raising two collegiate sons. Her latest novel, The Girls of Good Fortune, explores family, identity, and buried histories tied to Portland’s mysterious Shanghai Tunnels.

Allison Pataki is a New York Times bestselling author of numerous historical novels—including Finding Margaret Fuller, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, and The Queen’s Fortune—as well as a memoir and children’s books, with her work translated into more than 24 languages. A former news writer and producer, she has contributed to major media outlets and appeared on national television programs. A Yale graduate and certified yoga instructor, she lives in New York with her family. Her forthcoming novel, It Girl (March 2026), chronicles the dramatic rise of America’s original “It Girl.”

Madeline Martin is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and romance, including The Booklover’s Library, The Keeper of Hidden Books, and The Librarian Spy, with her novels translated into more than 25 languages. Living in Florida with her family and two spoiled cats, she credits her love of history to her upbringing as an Army brat in Germany. Her newest release, The Secret Book Society, a USA Today bestseller, transports readers to Victorian London for a tale of a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and brave women defying convention.

From Plate to Page: An evening with Jessica Secrest
2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Public Library, in partnership with Warwick’s Bookstore, welcomes @applesauceandadhd Jessica Secrest as she discusses her new cookbook OF COURSE IT’S GOOD! on Tuesday, January 13.
This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Coronado Public Library and a paid ticket is required to enter. Ticket options are:

$10 entry only
$31.60 for admission for one person and one copy of OF COURSE IT’S GOOD
$39.83 for admission for two people and one copy of OF COURSE IT’S GOOD
Check-in starts/doors open at 6:15 pm. Please print out your tickets or have the QR code available on your phone.
Seating is first-come, first served.
“With Book” ticketholders will receive a paperback copy of OF COURSE IT’S GOOD at check-in.
Additional books will be available for purchase at this event.
The Performing Arts Center is directly behind the Coronado Public Library. You can view a parking map HERE. The two lots marked “school parking lots (for select events only)” will be available.
Purchase tickets online HERE.

About the Author
Jessica Secrest is a mom, home chef, and the creator of the popular social media page @applesauceandadhd.

About OF COURSE IT’S GOOD: None of the Nonsense, All of the Flavor
Prepare delicious meals with this no-frills, all-flavor recipe collection from Jessica Secrest, the wildly popular home chef known for her hostile humor and affordable recipes. Her long-awaited debut cookbook has an array of mouthwatering meals that focus on low-effort ingredients and techniques — think pre-shredded cheese, tater tots galore, and your handy-dandy slow cooker — so you’ll have an endless source of recipes to feed your family without wasting time or money.
Jessica’s signature style is present throughout each page, loudly guiding you in the kitchen and reminding you that tasty cooking doesn’t always need to be done with a smile. Recipes include:
– The BEST Baked Mac and Cheese
– Taco Potato Tot Casserole
– Egg Roll in a Bowl
– Cowboy BBQ Burgers
– Teriyaki Pork
– Fried Pickle Quesadillas
– Sloppy Joe Fries
– Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Whether you are looking to tackle weeknight dinner, Sunday breakfast, or an out-of-nowhere dessert craving, you’ll have Jessica in your corner each step of the way, aggressively reminding you that no matter what you create, there’s no doubt it’ll be good.
