Carlsbad City Library reports year-over-year gains; winter reading challenge and cultural events draw larger audiences

Carlsbad City Library staff reported year-over-year increases in visits, circulation and program participation for January and February 2026 at the March 25 board meeting.

"This year's challenge was an exceptional success, surpassing not only our community goal, but also all of our previous participation records," Principal Librarian Laura Stanger told trustees, citing the Winter Reading Challenge and a Black History Month program, Echoes of Harlem, as key drivers.

Stanger said community partners and the Friends of the Carlsbad Library helped boost engagement by providing registration incentives and raffle prizes. She also noted that being open on Sundays at the Georgina Cole Library and the Carlsbad City Library likely increased physical circulation, study room bookings and library visits.

On the Echoes of Harlem program, staff reported roughly 85 attendees and positive audience feedback. "It highlighted our community's enthusiasm for culturally enriching programs," Stanger said.

The board packet included monthly statistics showing increases across the library system; staff highlighted that digital and in-person programming—combined with targeted outreach to schools—helped drive participation. Trustees thanked staff and the Friends of the Carlsbad Library for their support.

The board took no formal action on the report. Staff said they would be available to answer additional questions after the meeting.