Vision

The Library is the destination for information, enjoyment of reading, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment for those who live, work and play in Carlsbad.

Mission

The Library provides community members of all ages with convenient access to high quality resources and services to inform and enrich individual and community life.

History :

In 1916 Library Services first began as a fledgling collection within the Chase General Store.

By 1931 the Library consisted of only three shelves of books housed in the front office of the "Carlsbad Journal" newspaper.

In 1952, the same year Carlsbad was incorporated, the Library shared space in the old St. Patrick's Church with other recently established City Government offices.

In July 1956, the city council officially established an independent City Library System.

In 1958, the adult collection moved to the Carlsbad Mutual Water Company building.

As the population and demand for library services continued to grow, the community enthusiastically supported a bond campaign which resulted in a new 24,000 sq. ft. Library in 1967.

In 1984 the La Costa Branch was established to better meet the Library needs of a growing population in south Carlsbad.

In 1991 the Centro de Información opened to better serve the Spanish-speaking community.

The new 64,000 square foot Main Library opened on September 25,1999. The store-front La Costa Branch closed at this time.

The old library on Carlsbad Village Drive underwent extensive renovation after the Dove Lane Library was completed and reopened to the public as the Georgina Cole Library, named after the Library's first director.