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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-25; Library Board of Trustees; 04; Carlsbad Reads Together 2026 March 25, 2026 Item #4 Page 1 of 2 Meeting Date: March 25, 2026 To: Library Board of Trustees From: Suzanne Smithson, Library & Cultural Arts Director Staff Contact: Emily Hardy, Senior Librarian emily.hardy@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5129 Ruben Valenzuela, Library Assistant ruben.valenzuela@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2030 Subject: Carlsbad Reads Together 2026 District: All Recommended Action Receive a report from staff on programs and events scheduled for Carlsbad Reads Together 2026. Executive Summary Carlsbad Reads Together co-chairs Senior Librarian Emily Hardy and Library Assistant Ruben Valenzuela will present an overview of this year’s program featuring the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir “Stay True” by Hua Hsu. Explanation & Analysis The co-chairs of the annual community reading event will share how the adult, teen and children’s titles were chosen to ensure a cohesive experience for readers of all ages, and preview a month of events, from book clubs and creative workshops to story times for young readers offered throughout the month of April. Fiscal Analysis None. Next Steps None. Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on Carlsbad Reads Together is an organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any commitment March 25, 2026 Item #4 Page 2 of 2 to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or CEQA Guidelines. Exhibits None. Carlsbad Reads Together 2026 Emily Hardy, Senior Librarian Ruben Valenzuela, Library Assistant Library & Cultural Arts Department March 25, 2026 2 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 TODAY’S PRESENTATION •Program Overview •2026 Program Offerings •Author Biographical Information •Youth & Teen Companion Titles 3 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 •Celebrating over 20 years of community engagement through literature •Fosters a shared reading experience across all ages •Month-long programming culminating in an author conversation •What’s new in 2026 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 4 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 •Synopsis •Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award •Central themes Coming of age and identity The immigrant experience and belonging Friendship and grief EXPLORING “STAY TRUE: A MEMOIR” 5 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 •Award-winning Taiwanese-American writer and academic •Staff writer for The New Yorker •Professor of literature at Bard College •Writings explore popular culture and music to highlight broader themes ABOUT HUA HSU 6 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 Adult Title •Incorporated feedback from last year •Reviewed survey-suggested titles •Genre-based voting Community participation •261 adult votes – a 35% increase from 2025 •412 teen and children's interactive votes SELECTION PROCESS 7 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds •Explores artistic expression •Inspires creativity CHILDREN'S SELECTION 8 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 “Love Letters to the Dead” by Ava Dellaira •Told in letters •Highly praised debut teen novel •Central themes Identity Friendship and loss Self-discovery TEEN SELECTION 9 ITEM 4: CARLSBAD READS TOGETHER 2026 PROGRAM OFFERINGS Adult Book Clubs Writing programs Cultural Arts Film Showings Youth & General Audience Children’s "The Dot" inspired craft programs Story times Zine programs Teen Book Club Zine Exchange Story Walk at Buena Vista Reservoir Park Culminating Author event: A conversation with author Hua Hsu, April 23, 6 p.m. in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, followed by a book signing. 10