Plant a Seed, Read!
2026-04-13 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Come enjoy Plant a Seed, Read! with Amazing Dana the Magician. This interactive program is filled with colorful magic, audience participation, and engaging storytelling. Kids will see ideas grow, books come alive, and discover how reading can spark imagination.

Crafty Hour: Fantasy Book Nooks
2026-04-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Feeling crafty? Join us on the second Tuesday of every month for arts and crafts.
In the month of April, we’ll get ready to celebrate National Library Week by creating our own fantasy book nooks to decorate our home library shelves with.
Can’t make it to this program? Check back here the day after this program to download the instructions so you can recreate this craft at home.
This program is for adults over the age of 18. Space is limited, registration is recommended. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

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

Mystery Book Club: "Tokyo Express"
2026-04-20 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 the meeting by registering HERE. Registration is encouraged but not required.
In April, we will be discussing “Tokyo Express” by Seicho Matsumoto. Check out the book in print or ebook format from the Coronado Library Catalog by clicking here (print copies) or by searching the title in Cloud Library and/or Libby.

Best of the Best Book Club: "Every Living Thing" by Jason Roberts
2026-04-22 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 April meeting, we will discuss the 2025 Pulitzer Prize winner Every Little Thing by Jason Roberts, an epic and extraordinary account of scientific rivalry and obsession in the quest to survey all of life on Earth.

About Every Little Thing
In the eighteenth century, two men — exact contemporaries and polar opposites — dedicated their lives to the same daunting task: identifying and describing all life on Earth. Carl Linnaeus, a pious Swedish doctor with a huckster’s flair, believed that life belonged in tidy, static categories. Georges-Louis de Buffon, an aristocratic polymath and keeper of France’s royal garden, viewed life as a dynamic swirl of complexities. Each began his task believing it to be difficult but not impossible: How could the planet possibly hold more than a few thousand species — or as many could fit on Noah’s Ark?
Both fell far short of their goal, but in the process they articulated starkly divergent views on nature, the future of the Earth, and humanity itself. Linnaeus gave the world such concepts as mammal, primate, and Homo sapiens, but he also denied that species change and he promulgated racist pseudoscience. Buffon formulated early prototypes of evolution and genetics, warned of global climate change, and argued passionately against prejudice. The clash of their conflicting worldviews continued well after their deaths, as their successors contended for dominance in the emerging science that came to be called biology.
In Every Living Thing, Jason Roberts weaves a sweeping, unforgettable narrative spell, exploring the intertwined lives and legacies of Linnaeus and Buffon — as well as the groundbreaking, often fatal adventures of their acolytes — to trace an arc of insight and discovery that extends across three centuries into the present day.

Monday Night Mystery Author
2026-04-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Mystery fans will want to make sure to attend a special Monday Night Mystery Author event featuring bestselling authors Wendy Walker and Ellery Adams on Monday, April 27 at 6:30pm. With over 45 books published between the two authors, they have mastered the art of crafting mysteries that keep readers hooked. During the program, they’ll share insights from their writing careers and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how they build suspenseful stories that keep fans coming back for more. Each author will also discuss their newest release: Wendy Walker’s psychological thriller Blade, set in the high-stakes world of elite figure skating, and Ellery Adams’ Invasive Species, a chilling mystery unfolding in the small town of Cold Harbor.
The event is free and open to the public, with limited preferred seating available through pre-order from Adventures by the Book.

SOLD OUT. Four-Star Admiral McRaven to discuss his latest book, "Duty, Honor, Country, and Life"
2026-05-01 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This event is sold out.

The Coronado Public Library, in partnership with the Friends of the Coronado Public Library and Warwick’s Books, will host an evening with Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired Four-Star Admiral, former Commander of U.S. Special Operations Forces, and #1 New York Times bestselling author. This event will take place on Friday, May 1 at 7 pm at the Coronado Commmunity Center’s Nautilus Room.
McRaven will discuss his latest book, Duty, Honor, Country, and Life, in conversation with fellow Navy SEAL veteran Dan’l Steward. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Coronado Public Library, which supports library programs and services for the community. Tickets are required for entry, with complimentary admission available for those presenting a valid military ID.
Ticket options include:

$10 entry only
$30.48 for admission for one person and one copy of Duty, Honor, Country, and Life
$41.80 for admission for two people and one copy of Duty, Honor, Country, and Life
Free Military Admission – please present I.D.

Through a collection of speeches, letters, and reflections, Duty, Honor, Country, and Life offers stories of courage, sacrifice, and integrity. The book pays tribute to a wide range of individuals — from military service members and first responders to students and public servants — while emphasizing enduring values such as duty, honor, and civility.
Full of inspiration and wisdom, Duty, Honor, Country, and Life is a reminder to us all of our time-honored American values of civility and decency — and a reflection on what these values mean for the future of our country.
McRaven is the author of the bestselling Make Your Bed and Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations. Over the course of his military career, he commanded at every level, culminating in his role leading all U.S. Special Operations Forces. Following his retirement, he served as Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018.
Joining him in conversation is Dan’l Steward, a Coronado resident and former Navy SEAL who trained alongside McRaven in BUD/S Class 95. Steward served more than 17 years in Naval Special Warfare, including assignments with SEAL Teams 1 and 2, the Pentagon, and international operations. After retiring as a Navy Captain, he continued to support the Naval Special Warfare community in a civilian role for nearly two decades.
Learn more about this event and purchase tickets at cplevents.org.

An Evening of Summer Stories featuring three bestselling authors
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
If your ideal summer read involves friendship, second chances, family secrets, and a touch of seaside charm, you won’t want to miss a special Summer Reads author event at the Coronado Public Library on Tuesday, April 12 at 7 pm. The event brings together New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, USA Today bestselling novelist Meg Donohue, and special guest Kate Luckinbill, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from the voices behind some of this season’s most talked-about titles.
The three authors will explore their latest works: Harvey’s Summer State of Mind, Donohue’s The Memory Gardener, and A Book by Desi Arnaz, newly expanded with contributions from Luckinbill, granddaughter of the legendary entertainer. Together, the three will share the inspiration behind their work, the themes that shape their storytelling, and the creative journeys that brought these books to life.
For readers who gravitate toward uplifting yet layered fiction, Harvey’s newest novel promises a perfect escape. Known for her “elevated beach reads,” she weaves stories of love, community, and rediscovery—often set against warm, inviting backdrops. Donohue, beloved for her emotionally resonant and often cozy storytelling, brings a different but complementary tone, exploring memory, healing, and the quiet magic found in everyday life. Meanwhile, Luckinbill offers a deeply personal perspective, sharing family history and new insights into the life of Desi Arnaz.
A book signing will follow this talk.
Registration
The event is free and open to the public, with limited preferred seating available through pre-order from Adventures by the Book.
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.

Coronado Legends: Ghost Stories and Local Lore book launch
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
What secrets linger beneath Coronado’s sunny shores? Discover them at the launch of Coronado Legends, a captivating collection of local ghost stories and mysteries written by David J. Schmidt. From the haunting legend of Kate Morgan at the Hotel del Coronado to eerie tales of poltergeists, haunted hotels, and even our own haunted library, it shows a side of Coronado’s past not all might know!
The evening also includes live storytelling performances by members of Storytellers of San Diego, who will theatrically bring select tales to life, creating an immersive experience filled with intrigue, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
Books will be available for sale at this free event. Seating is first come, first seated.

Mystery Book Club: "The Word is Murder"
2026-05-18 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 here. Registration is encouraged but not required.

We will be discussing The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz. Check out the book in print or ebook format from the Coronado Library Catalog by clicking here or by searching the title in Cloud Library and/or Libby.

Best of the Best Book Club: "When You Trap a Tiger" by Tae Keller
2026-05-23 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 May meeting, we will highlight AAPI stories by discussing the winner of the 2021 Newberry Medal When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller, an uplifting story that brings Korean folklore to life as a girl goes on a quest to unlock the power of stories and save her grandmother.
Place this title on hold via our online catalog, or check out the e-book through the CloudLibrary app.
About When You Trap a Tiger
Some stories refuse to stay bottled up…
When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni’s Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal–return what her grandmother stole in exchange for Halmoni’s health–Lily is tempted to agree. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice…and the courage to face a tiger.
Tae Keller, the award-winning author of The Science of Breakable Things, shares a sparkling tale about the power of stories and the magic of family.

Bridge & Bay Garden Club: Emily Dickinson's Garden with Rhianna Basore
2026-05-26 09:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Bridge and Bay Garden Club invites you to join them with Rhianna Basore, who will speak on Emily Dickinson, her gardens, and the legacy of her 1,800 poems, most of which were discovered after her death.

A Story of Resilience: Remembering the Japanese American Incarceration
2026-05-26 11:00 | CA
As part of the One Book, One Coast program, join us for a powerful and personal talk with Kay Ochi and Setsuo Iwashita as they share their and their families’ experience with the Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II. Their conversation will allow attendees a meaningful opportunity to reflect on a pivotal moment in history, honor lived experiences, and deepen our understanding of resilience, injustice, and community. All are welcome to attend this important and engaging conversation.
One Book, One Coast brings together library systems across California, Washington State, and Oregon for a shared community reading program that celebrates literacy, learning, community, and civil discourse. All participating libraries will read and discuss They Called Us Enemy by George Takei with physical copies of the book available to borrow and unlimited digital copies of the eBook in English and Spanish available from April 1 through June 6 on the Libby app by Overdrive.
Learn more here

"No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson" with author & journalist Gardiner Harris
2026-06-04 19:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Public Library and the Harvard Club of San Diego for an author talk with journalist Gardiner Harris, discussing his acclaimed book No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. This powerful work of investigative journalism examines the history of one of the world’s most trusted companies, uncovering decades of controversial practices and their impact on public health.
No More Tears was chosen as one of the five best in 2025 by both the National Book Critics and the LA Times. The Financial Times longlisted it as a Best Business book. It also was chosen as a best book of 2025 by the New York and Chicago Public Libraries.
Described by the Financial Times as “a savage takedown…[that] brings the receipts,” the book offers a compelling and eye-opening look at the pharmaceutical industry. This free event includes an author presentation and discussion, with time for audience Q&A.
Free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first seated.
Books will be available for presale through Bay Books. Orders must be received by May 27. Call 619-435-0070 to order. Limited copies will be available for purchase at the event.

Mystery Book Club: "The Hunter"
2026-06-08 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. Due to scheduling issues, this month’s meeting has been moved up by one week to the second Monday in June. Receive reminder emails about our meeting by registering. Registration is encouraged but not required.
We will be discussing The Hunter by Richard Stark (1962). Check out the book in print or ebook format from the Coronado Library Catalog by clicking here.

Brains and AI: The Future of Education and Learning
2026-06-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
On Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30 pm, join the Coronado Public Library as we welcome UCSD’s Dr. Terrance Sejnowski who will share insights into the future impacts of AI on education and learning. Classrooms, teachers, lessons, homework, reading, writing, and arithmetic look the same today as they did when we were children, what will the future bring to education? How will artificial intelligence (AI) and personal social robots shape the next generation? This lecture is based his personal experiences with “Learning How to Learn,” a wildly popular Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), with 6 million viewers in 200 countries, his insights from how brains learn, and the recent developments in AI described in his book ChatGPT and the Future of AI. This free lecture is open to all.
Terry Sejnowski received his Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University. He was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School before joining the faculty at Johns Hopkins, where he was a Professor of Biophysics. He currently holds the Francis Crick Chair at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies and is a Distinguished Professor of Biology and Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, San Diego, where he is co-director of the Institute for Neural Computation. He also is the founding editor-in-chief of Neural Computation and is currently President of the Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation Board. In 1992, Sejnowski co-authored The Computational Brain with Patricia Churchland and in 2002 the book Liars, Lovers, and Heroes; What the New Brain Science Reveals About How We Become Who We Are with Steven R. Quartz. His book, The Deep Learning Revolution, was published by the MIT Press in 2018.

Book signing with Caitlin Rother for "Staged"
2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Bay Books, 1007 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Caitlin Rother, New York Times bestselling author of 17 books, will hold a book signing at Bay Books for her new book Staged, the sequel to her first thriller, Hooked.

Staged picks up where Hooked, the first in Rother’s “Katrina & Goode” thriller series, leaves off. But in short order, the two primary suspects in the recent murder of two biotech execs who were developing a sex drug turn up dead. One of these victims dies from a reportedly self-imposed hanging in his jail cell, followed by his father, who is found dead of an apparent heart attack several hours later. Both deaths seem very suspicious to surfing homicide detective Ken Goode and investigative reporter Katrina Chopin, because the forensic evidence doesn’t pass the smell test. Were one or more of these deaths staged?
As the investigation proceeds, Katrina soon realizes that the cold-case murders of her parents, both federal judges, and the alleged suicide of her twin brother, may be related to the four more recent deaths. Katrina and Goode work under the radar to connect dots between them, which point toward a cover-up by a cabal of wealthy elites that hires hitmen to keep its money and secrets safe.
Amid colorful descriptions of San Diego’s relaxed lifestyle and the beautiful beaches of La Jolla, this book is filled with nonstop investigative action and intrigue. All the while, Katrina and Goode, accused of “canoodling in public,” must navigate ethical boundaries that are constantly tested by an increasingly intense sexual attraction that poses a risk to both of their jobs—and their lives, as a stalker continues to pursue and threaten them.
