One of my new favorite libraries in SD county! More commonly known as the "Dove Library," this branch is spacious, clean, relatively quiet, and full of fun events/activations. There were two levels full of tables, couches, and cubbies to read or be productive in. A few fun things I saw were the cafe and the puzzle exchange section! I love that there's a full fledged cafe downstairs with yummy food and bevs. Not to mention the plethora of outdoor seating in the courtyard to enjoy your bites and sips. As for the puzzle exchange, I'll be back to do a swap very soon :) read more

Carlsbad City Library - Libraries Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Dove library is a great community resource. They have helpful employees and many chairs and tables to spread out on. It gets crowded inside and in the parking lot which speaks to the community recognizing the library's value. They also have a large children's section, clean restrooms and free unsecure WiFi. read more

Carlsbad City Library - High ceilings - Libraries Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This is a very nice local library with many services and resources. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Checking out books and returning are very easy with do it yourself. They have a very nice theater with movies every week and they have live music events. They do a great job offering programs for the community. There is also a nice patio area to sit and read. I believe it is also used for some of their events. read more

See all

I looove the Dove Library! Located in Plaza Paseo Real, it's one of the branches of the Carlsbad City Public Library System. Dove has greaaat stuff like internet and digital and multimedia resources, wide selection of books, meeting/study rooms, programs/activities, art gallery, auditorium (movie nights on Wednesday & Friday evenings), Chapters Cafe, courtyard and book store. When I'm there, the staff is extremely helpful. I put Dove above the others. I highly recommend this beauuutiful library to the Yelp Community :-) read more

See all

The Carlsbad city library is a very nice library and a great location right off of El Camino Real. Nestled in amongst a shopping and restaurant area, there is plenty of parking at the library and all around to support the nearby businesses. The Library makes it very easy to get a library card. You just have to answer some questions, and fill out a few lines on a form and then you have your card. The library has books, movies, magazines, to borrow and there are computers to use and other ways to enjoy media. There is also a puzzle exchange, bring in your old puzzles and take some that are there. There were some conference rooms, looks like they are for meetings or trainings. There was some sort of training room upstairs, looks like they teach people on various topics. The computers to look up books make it very easy to see if they are in stock, if they are reserved, etc. Take down the info where they are located and do a little scavenger hunt to find your item. If you get what you need, you head down to self checkout, scan your library card, put in a pin #, insert the book and the scanner does the rest. You get the book for 3 weeks and can renew that 2 more times if no one has reserved it. There is also a cafe there and I believe a place to watch movies or performances that they have there from time to time. And you can drop off your ballot there too. Pictures attached. read more

I love this library. It's big, beautiful and the staff is so helpful. They have a lot of events here too. When I first moved to north county I spent a lot of time here with my laptop using the wifi, researching the various areas, job hunting and just spending quiet time enjoying the facilities. I don't get here as often anymore but I do drop my ballots off here sometimes. It's so easy, park, walk-in, find the box, drop it in and you're done. During big elections, in the past, I have driven up through lines of cars to hand my ballot to the staff as they collect them from all the other cars. Not sure they will continue to do this, but it was very convenient. I will definitely continue to use this library when I'm nearby. read more

See all

This library continues to lead the way in innovation and top quality services for in-person services and for online access. Recently I was cleaning out my parents' house and gathered up a number of color slides which I was trying to determine what to do with them. I learned that the City library has a slide scanner in its Exploration HUB which is available to library patrons at no charge. You just have to reserve it ahead of time during the week and it's first come, first served on Sundays. It took a little while to figure out how to set it up, using a printed guide. Once we finally got the configuration right, it's super easy to do. We save it on a thumb drive and voila- perfect. read more

I was visiting the area and wanted to stop by the library after reading some posts suggesting a visit. While I cannot attest to the actual borrowing experience, I was thoroughly impressed by the other features- 1) reading material for deaf / blind patrons 2) an extensive new book collection 3) a cafe next door/ gallery next door 4) puzzles to check out (honor system) 5) seed library 6) a small selection of video games to checkout 7) computer wipes! A first I have seen out of the many libraries I frequent 8) a "mini" library of books that you don't need to check out, you just need to return when you're done (honor system) 9) an induction cooktop to borrow if you like After visiting so many libraries previously, I thought I have seen plenty, but I obviously haven't. This library is also modern and clean. Can't wait to visit it again! read more

See all

I LOVE the Dove library! I've been coming here for years. Friendly, welcoming, and helpful staff. Excellent collections of books, DVDs (including some newer movies) for all ages, and other types of materials. Ample number of easy-to-use self-checkout machines. I've used the computers that are sprinkled around the library to find books and movies on DVD. The facility is clean, quiet, well-lit, spacious, and nicely furnished with soft seating as well as carrels. The bathrooms are clean and well-lit. Returns are easily accomplished either through the drive-up boxes outside, at the automated return window near the library entrance, or inside. During the pandemic, the library started a service where I can park near the side door, call them, and they'll bring out whatever I've reserved online. I love that they still offer that service. I don't generally use it because I prefer going into the library, but It definitely comes in handy at times! When I go in, the materials I've reserved are waiting for me and easy to find on the shelving near the main entrance. My favorite service, which I use for DVDs, is the automatic renewal. There are lots of different events here, such as author talks, events for kids, classes for different ages, movie screenings in the wonderful adjacent Schulman Auditorium, and much more. The schedule is published on the library's website, and you don't need to log in to view it. The library is the centerpiece in a beautiful complex that also includes the auditorium, the wonderful William D. Cannon Art Gallery, the Chapters Cafe, and a spacious courtyard with tables and seating. If you haven't been here, be sure to check it out! read more

I use to work at a library and I love how City libraries appreciate their patrons. Carlsbad Dove location is centrally located near south Carlsbad and their hours of operation is reasonable. They are welcoming and try to be up to date with the latest new books for check out. I like the automatic renewal book system and the online holds. I think the library is a great quiet space to study or spend sometime reading about a topic you didn't know. Librarians are helpful and friendly. Fun puzzle and games to play to pass the time. Great senior center and Friends of the Library. read more

This is a great library. It's so big and there's so much space. The kids section is particularly great, there's lots of room for the kids to wander around. They have lots of activities for the kids as well including puzzles, computer games, a designated play room, and a big floor space for kids to cozy up and read. There's not the pressure to keep voices down here so it feels more relaxed when you're here with kids. read more

So h a nice library! And the library card is so beautiful. The library is vey spacious and well kept. read more

Carlsbad City Library - Libraries Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Nice library located in Carlsbad. Friendly workers helped me with a few things during my visit. There's also a small store and cafe in front of you need anything. read more

I visited the library recently and had a genuinely embarrassing experience. I was attempting to get some help with a project. The door to the Lab said "Open," and front desk staff had told me multiple times that no appointment was needed. I walked in and began explaining what I needed help with. Before I could finish, a staff member interrupted me to scold me for not having an appointment. He then ushered me out of the room like I was a nuisance. It was humiliating. The employees attitude was angry and unhelpful. He didn't help me with my project. When I followed up with Deputy Director Katie Nye to share what happened, I was hoping the concern would be taken seriously. Instead, she spent the conversation twisting my words and defending the employee rather than addressing how I was treated. It was clear her priority was protecting him, not hearing me. To be clear, I was kind and respectful to the employee and Katie Nye. The front desk staff have always been wonderful. It's disappointing that one rude interaction--and management's unwillingness to acknowledge it--has left me feeling unwelcome. read more

Very helpful staff. Clean. Good variety of books. Welcoming environment. Was easy to to get a library card.

This is a beautiful facility, with comfortable furnishings and lovely fountains outside. It has the potential to be a wonderful place to bring children, read, or get some quiet work done. Unfortunately, it doesn't function like a traditional library. Many patrons use it as a day shelter, which means vaping, loud music from phones, and people talking to themselves are common. The environment is often noisy, and staff seem hesitant to enforce basic rules such as no smoking indoors or maintaining quiet spaces. I deeply respect the important role this space plays in offering shelter and community for those who need it. But for visitors expecting the quiet, studious atmosphere of a library, this will be disappointing. Perhaps it could be described more accurately as a community center for unhoused individuals, so that expectations are clear before visiting. read more

My favorite Library. Clean and pristine. Great coffees and sweets at their cafe. Wonderful place.

I could not rave about this place more. I've never seen a public library like it. They have great long hours, extensive book supply including on the libby e-book and audiobook app, their staff is super knowledgeable and friendly, there's a bookstore for cheap, a cafe to hang out in thr courtyard, a huge children's section with a lot of programming, study rooms easy to book, and a ton of community programming from art, music, book clubs, crafting, and more. Grateful for this to be my local library to support. read more

Won't let you renew your library card online or by phone. They state their policy is that you have to come, in person, every three years to renew your card. This is an out-dated policy especially for those who do not live in the city. read more

Very friendly staff and well managed branch. I also used the study room that was well equipped and easy to reserve online.

I'm torn. It's a really nice public library with plenty of workspaces, including lounging chairs and tables. High ceilings and open design bring an airiness and plenty of natural sunlight. The coffee place out in the courtyard is a plus. But there is ZERO enforcement of noises inside. While generally on the quiet side, kids aren't using their inside voices and adults use cellphones openly for both talking and streaming. My two suggestions would be a) get staff to actually enforce the quiet decorum of the library, and b) put the Info Desk inside enclosed spaces so they can assist patrons without disturbing everyone else (the unfortunate side of the open design). read more

I love this library so much and will miss it such kind staff, and I just love the whole atmosphere.

Other than the staff talking loud at times this library is modern, fun--has a coffee shop, movie theatre and amazing gallery outside right as you walk up. It is modern, beautiful and inviting. love love this place. it is my home away from home. read more

I love going to the city library on Dove lane with my kid. They have really good activities for everyone! It is a bit small and noisy near the staircases. read more

Doesn't open until 1000am and is closed on Sundays. Really? A city with millions and millions in its coffers once again not satisfying its residents. Shame on you. read more

I have three kids, and was very underwhelmed by this library. There's not much for them to do in the kids area, nothing to play on and only a few puppet toys which are really worn out. The library staff are not very helpful and frequently seem irritated that the kids are there. Also, we had a book that we forgot to return for a few months and they sent us to a collections agency....it was super aggressive. I recommend going elsewhere if you have kids. read more

What a nice library! It's big, modern and looks new! They have two stories with the fiction, DVDs on the bottom floor and the nonfiction on the upper floor. I saw that there's a cafe by the entrance that's coming soon too! I'm not sure which system this library belongs to. It doesn't belong to the San Diego county system nor affiliated with the Oceanside library... so it's not like you have a huge collection through interlibrary loan. However, they have decent enough collection that you can find most of what you need. I haven't been here enough yet, but I like the stuff I checked out. The DVD section is more like a $1 rental than a loan, so keep that in mind. They have some recent stuff but not as recent as Redbox but at least they have a 7-day rental period which you can extend for another $1. The book loan period is 21 days with renewals unless someone puts it on hold. It's also conveniently located next to the shopping plaza and their opening hours are reasonable! Like other libraries, signing up is free if you're a CA resident. read more

Carlsbad City Library - Movies for rent $1 each for a week! - Libraries Near Me - Carlsbad, California

It provides very good knowledge and entertainment through there books and graphic novels

What a wonderful library! And so much parking! And a flag disposal drop-off box too!!! I went here for the first time to join some friends in attending author (and major punster) Richard Lederer's talk "Fascinating Facts about Our Presidents". What a trip! Dr. Lederer has written 40+ books about language, history and humor like "Comma Sense", "Get Thee to a Punnery" and "The Cunning Linguist" :) ... he also has a weekly column in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Anyway, this library is clean, modern, and beautiful. Check it out! read more

Carlsbad City Library - Next to the drive-up book return bins. What a brilliant idea! - Libraries Near Me - Carlsbad, California

My wife and I bring our 5 year old son here once a week or so. We started bringing him just to get books for bedtime but there's so much to do and it's so much fun for him to go. He loves the exhibits, scavenger hunts, computers, and the cafe for lunch. Lucky to have this place. read more

great services, easy process, ample resources, plus a cute coffee shop. You can ask for more from a library.

I really love coming to this library to study and the all staff members are super friendly. However, recently I've noticed just how loud the library is compared to only a few years ago. Even at the corners of the library there have been instances where people start talking really loudly which can be very distracting if you're trying to be productive. I really hope they enforce some kind of quiet policy to help those trying to read and get work done at the library. read more

This is a very clean, very comfortable and recently updated public library. The staff is unfailingly courteous. They offer plenty of free parking and make it simple to return books without ever leaving your car. They've added on a number of very clean very nice conference rooms that you can sign up for to use free of charge. Our kids have attended a number of writing workshops in those free conference rooms. Lots of access to free internet here. Plenty of desktop computers to choose from. They're very willing to track down whatever books you need. Bringing them in from other locations and happily putting you on a wait list. Nice garden courtyard in the center. Sweet spot to take the little ones for a convenient snack. Speaking of which-- they've recently opened a nice snack bar on site as well. Big Tip: Check out their upcoming events sheets. they offer all kinds of free events for adults and for kids too. Our kids (obsessed with Harry Potter) were able to attend really fun evening events here. Free. read more

Nice facility and really nic3 people. Short walk to coffee and food. Great way to spend the day with books.

I've been here a few times. Great library. It's new. It's clean and brightly lit, There are free CD "rentals". Dove Library has a kids section, free computer, and internet usage. I personally had no problem with the wifi, Another cool aspect of this location is the William D Cannon Art Gallery. There were very interesting pieces of art and I loved the exhibit! Location: Great! near a shopping cernter. Go to the cafe across the parking lot after expanding your mind with a book! Parking: AWESOME becuase it is FREE! Service: really nice and friendly. I think a librarian ignored me for 30 seconds but that was fine. Atmosphere: Was always nice and bright. the Sun from outside came through the plentiful windows Overall a really good library! . read more

I'm a huge fan of the Dove library. They have a good selection for a local library. They have self-checkouts, and are good about getting books in that you're looking for or would like to see them have in their collection. You can manage your account online, and take care of all of your library needs. They also have local events here, and the location is beautiful. It's the better of the two locations, in my opinion, but that's mostly because of how open and beautiful it is, and they'll have a book from the other location there waiting for you if you ask. It's as convenient as you could hope for nowadays. read more

Love this library! Staff is friendly and ready help when asked. Clean and organized. And has movies scheduled for the month. read more

Above average library, cleaner and more comfortable than most...but too loud. People talk at normal conversational volume RIGHT NEXT TO PEOPLE WHO ARE CLEARLY STUDYING. It's not a few sentences here and there, it's extended conversation. Why do people come to the library to have long conversations with friends? Because they're total douche canoes, that's why. read more

This library has the most helpful and knowledgeable staffs and a great selection of books. Including a great selection if newly published books! read more

Super nice library. All the staff here were very helpful. Today ,a staff named Octavio asked me if I needed help while I'm checking out my book I picked up that was on hold. He then took time to introduce me to a lot of the nice things a Library can offer. From overdrive , hub , study room, meeting room and auditorium . I think this is going to be me and my 7 yr old favorite hang out place from now on. Thank you Octavio for being so thorough with me. I really appreciate all the mountain full of information you shared about our local library ! More power to Dove Library and kudos to all your wonderful staff. read more