Coronado Times

The Friends’ 54th annual Spring Book Fair
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

Youth chess tournament
2026-05-03 12:00 - 16:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Calling youth chess enthusiasts! The eightn annual Youth Chess Tournament will take place on Saturday, May 3 at the Coronado Public Library. The tournament, co-sponsored by the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Global Neighborhood Project (GNP), welcomes chess players from the ages of 8 to 18 to showcase their skills and passion for chess. Not only can youth showcase their skills and passion for chess, but they will also have an opportunity to meet Chess Grandmaster Vasif Durarbayli. The GNP is a nonprofit organization that partners with neighborhoods around the world to connect people and cultures.
There is no charge to players who want to participate in the event. The free event will run from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Interested participants can register online through the Coronado Public Library’s website at cplevents.org.

CIFF Educational Classic Film: "A Tale of Two Cities" (1937)
2026-05-03 13:30 - 16:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Island Film Festival presents MGM’S 1937 Best Picture Oscar Nominated Feature A Tale of Two Cities on Sunday, May 3 at 1:30 pm in the Winn Room of the Coronado Public Library.

The screening is free and open to the public of all ages and is part of this year’s Educational Classic Film Series – “The Art of Adaptation.”
A Tale of Two Cities – Dickens’ Epic Tale of Love and Revolution
Directed by Jack Conway, A Tale of Two Cities was the last film Selznick produced before leaving MGM to found Selznick International Pictures. This 1935 MGM adaptation is viewed by most critics as the definitive movie version of Dickens’ heart-wrenching tale of self-sacrificial love in the wake of the French Revolution, the horrors of mob rule, and death by guillotine that followed the overthrow of Louis XVI.
At its core is a performance for the ages by Ronald Colman as alcoholic barrister Sydney Carton, a role he felt compelled to play. “In a sense, I selected my favorite role quite a few years ago when I was a schoolboy in England. At that time, I read and reread Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and was intrigued by the part of Sydney Carton … To me, this is fiction’s outstanding example of regeneration through sacrifice. There are times when every actor should play one of the great classic roles of drama and literature… [doing so] represented the fulfillment of a long-cherished desire.”
All CIFF Educational Classic Film Program screenings are FREE and open the public.

"May the Fourth be with You" - Star Wars Day
2026-05-04 15:30 - 17:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Star Wars fans of all ages will want to mark their calendars for our May the Fourth event on, you guessed it, May 4th! Stormtroopers, bounty hunters, Sith Lords and more from the 501st Legion’s Imperial Sands Garrison will be at the Library in full regalia starting at 3:30 pm. We encourage everyone to come dressed in their favorite Star Wars attire to truly immerse yourself in the galaxy far, far away. Whether you’re a Padawan or a Jedi Master, this all-ages intergalactic gathering will be full of fun.
Visit cplevents.org for more information. This program is free to attend thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.
Image courtesy of Coronado Public Library

Coronado Junior Arts League presents a family-friendly adventure with "The Jungle Book"
2026-05-23 14:00 | Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
On Saturday, May 23 (at 2 pm and 6 pm) and Sunday, May 24 (2 pm) at the Coronado Playhouse, the young actors of the Coronado Junior Arts League are hosting a performance of “The Jungle Book.” This energetic, heart-filled adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic story follows the journey of a young boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. The show is a celebration of belonging, friendship, and our connection to nature presented through music, movement, and colorful characters that the whole family can enjoy.
The 30 youth, ages 8-16, performance reminds us that belonging, found family, and our shared connection to nature tie us all to the same jungle. “The Jungle Book” tickets can be purchased at https://cur8.com/25844/project/138248.
Questions: call 619-522-7342.

"The Jungle Book"
2026-05-23 18:00, 2026-05-24 14:00 | Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States

Summer on the Strand: Lego Engineering Challenge
2026-06-24 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 a.m. 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 and the City of Coronado.

On Wednesday, June 24, get ready to build. We are bringing our LEGO Engineering Challenge to the Strand. Build your own creation, or see if you can complete the challenge.
