Storytimes near ESCONDIDO PUBLIC LIBRARY

North County Mall - Community Room - Floor 2, North County Mall

Due to the library's move back to our downtown location, this meeting has been postponed until August. July 14, 2026, Title: The Covenant of Water/ By Abraham Verghese Summary: From the New York Times-bestselling author of Cutting for Stone comes a stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret. The Covenant of Water is the long-awaited new novel by Abraham Verghese, the author of the major word-of-mouth bestseller Cutting for Stone, which has sold over 1.5 million copies in the United States alone and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over two years. Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on South India's Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning--and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala's long-existing Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl--and future matriarch, known as Big Ammachi--will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants. A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself, The Covenant of Water is a hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding, and a humbling testament to the difficulties undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. Imbued with humor, deep emotion, and the essence of life, it is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years. About the Book Club: The 2nd Tuesday Book Club brings together adults who enjoy reading and discussing books. New members are always welcome. Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. in the Mershops North County Community Room (Mall, 2nd Floor) and via Zoom. All club-selected books are available at the library in print or digital formats. Information on current and upcoming reads is available on our webpage. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Azar Katouzian.

Pioneer Room, Downtown Library Campus

Reference librarians from the San Diego Law Library will be on site on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at 247 S Kalmia St. to guide you to resources to better understand and research common legal issues, assist with using the new legal databases, show you free legal websites, and make referrals to legal aid organizations. Law Librarians cannot give you legal advice or perform legal research for you, but if you need to research a legal issue or are just curious about the law, they can guide you to resources and show you how to use them.

North County Mall - Library Events (#163), North County Mall

Due to the library's move, this Rincón meeting will be postponed until August. Debido a la mudanza de la biblioteca, esta reunión del Rincón se pospondrá hasta agosto. Título para 18 de julio: Criaturas luminosas // Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Summary: After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. Resumen: Marcellus es un pulpo increíblemente curioso y descarado. Cada día, mucha gente pasa por delante de su tanque en el acuario de Sowell Bay, aunque pocos se detienen demasiado. En cambio, Tova, la limpiadora, le ha cogido cariño y, mientras barre, le cuenta cuánto echa de menos a su hijo, desaparecido hace treinta años en el mar. A Marcellus no se le escapa nada y es mucho más inteligente de lo que nadie podría imaginar, pero nunca se le ocurriría mover un solo tentáculo para ayudar a uno de sus captores humanos... hasta que comienza a formar una inesperada amistad con Tova. Con su perspicacia de detective, Marcellus ha deducido lo que sucedió la noche de la desaparición. Y ahora tendrá que ingeniárselas desde el otro lado del cristal para revelarle la verdad, antes de que sea demasiado tarde. About the Book Club: Rincón Literario is the Library's bilingual book club for adults. Meetings are on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30. Discussions take place in English and Spanish, allowing members to practice a second language. New members are always welcome, so please join us! For more information, please email Diamond Taranto. Sobre el club: Rincón Literario es el club de lectura bilingüe de la Biblioteca para adultos. Se reúne cada tercer Sábado del mes a las 10:30. La discusión es en inglés y español, lo que permite a los miembros practicar un segundo idioma. Nuevos miembros siempre son bienvenidos, ¡así que únase a nosotros! Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a Diamond Taranto.

Writers of all genres are invited to read their work and receive group critiques in a friendly and comfortable environment. This meeting will be held entirely virtually via Zoom due to the library's move to the main building. Find out more! For the Zoom link and any questions, please contact John Archer.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

A Pre-K Story Time: the Magic of Play and Exploration! Ages 3-5 yrs old. ♦ Interactive play: Hands-on activities and games that relate to the stories, promoting creativity and active learning. ♦ Exploration Stations: Themed exploration areas where children can discover new concepts and ideas through play! ♦ Social Interaction: Opportunities for children to interact with others, fostering social skills and sharing. Join us and watch your child's love for books and learning grow!

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Welcome to Toddler Storytime, a special program designed for our walkers to age 3 years old! This weekly series focuses on nurturing your toddler's development and social skills through a mix of books, songs, crafts, and guided play. Each session includes: ♦Story Adventures: Simple, engaging books that capture young imaginations and foster early literacy. ♦Musical Fun: Interactive songs and rhymes that develop language skills and a sense of rhythm. ♦Creative Crafts: Hands-on crafts that encourage creativity and fine motor development. ♦Playtime Activities: Guided play sessions that promote exploration, problem solving, and social interactions. Join us for Toddler Storytime, where your child can grow, learn, and make new friends in a fun and supportive environment!

Downtown Library Campus

Writers of all genres are invited to read their work and receive group critiques in a friendly and comfortable environment. Meetings will be held in the library at 239 South Kalmia Street and virtually via Zoom. Find out more! For Zoom link and any questions, please contact John Archer.

Downtown Library Campus

Celebrate National Dog Month with us and learn more about the San Diego Humane Society from one of our Paws to Read volunteers, Janet Downer! Meet and greet with some of Janet's furry friends and and learn about their roles as therapy dogs.

Downtown Library Campus

Learn and experience a variety of different meditation techniques, including Zen meditation, single point meditation, expanded awareness meditation, meta-meditation (in loving kindness), counting meditation, and meditation with guided imagery.

Library Lobby, Downtown Library Campus

Reference librarians from the San Diego Law Library will be on site on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main library at 239 S Kalmia St. to guide you to resources to better understand and research common legal issues, assist with using the new legal databases, show you free legal websites, and make referrals to legal aid organizations. Law Librarians cannot give you legal advice or perform legal research for you, but if you need to research a legal issue or are just curious about the law, they can guide you to resources and show you how to use them.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Welcome to Rhyme & Shine Storytime, a dynamic program designed for children ages 4- 5 years old! This engaging weekly session helps your child develop the skills they need for a successful start in kindergarten throughout a mix of stories, songs, structured play, and themed crafts and activities. ♦ Storytime: Carefully selected books that enhance literacy skills and foster a love for reading. ♦ Sing-Along: Fun and educational songs that build language skills and boost memory. ♦ Structured Play: Guided play activities that promote social interaction, problem solving, and critical thinking. ♦ Themed Crafts and Activities: Creative projects and hands-on activities that develop fine motor skills and encourage imagination. Join us for Rhyme & Shine Storytime, where learning is an adventure, and every session prepares your child for the exciting times ahead!

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Enjoy a one-hour interactive and educational animal experience featuring five exotic animals.

Pioneer Room

Discover your family history with the help of our knowledgeable genealogy volunteers. Whether you're a beginner or have been researching for years, our experts are here to assist you. Drop in anytime between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to: Get Personalized Assistance: Receive one-on-one help from genealogy enthusiasts. Learn Tips and Tricks: Discover effective strategies for tracing your ancestors. Use Powerful Tools: Get guidance on using Ancestry.com Library Edition and FamilySearch to enhance your research. Join us at the Pioneer Room and uncover the stories of your past. No appointment necessary. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and any information you already have about your family tree.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Welcome to Baby Storytime, a delightful program designed for our tiniest attendees and their parent/caregivers! This weekly session is all about engaging your baby through talking, reading, singing, and playing, fostering early developement and creating precious bonding moments. Each session includes: ♦ Interactive Stories: Simple, captivating books that introduce early literacy and stimulate your baby's curiosity. ♦ Melodic Songs: Gentle songs and lullabies that enhance language development and create a soothing atmosphere. ♦ Fingerplays and Bounces: Fun onteractive fingerplays and gentle bounces that promote motor skills and interactive play. ♦ Group Interaction: Opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and support each other. Join us for Baby Storytime, where you and your baby can explore the joys of reading, singing and playing together in a warm and nurturing environment.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Welcome back to our newly refreshed library! To cap off an incredible first week of our grand re‑opening, we’re delighted to host UC Master Gardener, author, and Forever Balboa Park Trustee Lucy Warren. Lucy will present “Gardens of Balboa Park,” an exploration of the park’s rich horticultural history. She’ll guide patrons through an immersive audiovisual tour showcasing the park’s remarkable gardens and world‑renowned plant collections—many of which remain hidden gems even to longtime San Diegans.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

A Pre-K Story Time: the Magic of Play and Exploration! Ages 3-5 yrs old. ♦ Interactive play: Hands-on activities and games that relate to the stories, promoting creativity and active learning. ♦ Exploration Stations: Themed exploration areas where children can discover new concepts and ideas through play! ♦ Social Interaction: Opportunities for children to interact with others, fostering social skills and sharing. Join us and watch your child's love for books and learning grow!

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Welcome to Toddler Storytime, a special program designed for our walkers to age 3 years old! This weekly series focuses on nurturing your toddler's development and social skills through a mix of books, songs, crafts, and guided play. Each session includes: ♦Story Adventures: Simple, engaging books that capture young imaginations and foster early literacy. ♦Musical Fun: Interactive songs and rhymes that develop language skills and a sense of rhythm. ♦Creative Crafts: Hands-on crafts that encourage creativity and fine motor development. ♦Playtime Activities: Guided play sessions that promote exploration, problem solving, and social interactions. Join us for Toddler Storytime, where your child can grow, learn, and make new friends in a fun and supportive environment!

Downtown Library Campus

August 11, 2026, Title: James/ By Percival Everet Summary:When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond. Brimming with nuanced humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illuminates Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before. James is destined to be a significant publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first-century American literature. About the Book Club: The 2nd Tuesday Book Club brings together adults who enjoy reading and discussing books. New members are always welcome. Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. in the Mershops North County Community Room (Mall, 2nd Floor) and via Zoom. All club-selected books are available at the library in print or digital formats. Information on current and upcoming reads is available on our webpage. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Azar Katouzian.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Explore 6 dinosaur-related animals and participate in a dinosaur egg excavation activity led by EcoVivarium. Using safety goggles and wooden hammers, children will tap open handmade dinosaur eggs to uncover either a dinosaur skeleton figure or a dinosaur skull. The dinosaur discoveries are take-home keepsakes to remember a successful excavation. Registration required per child.. Registration begins Wednesday, July 22nd. Seating limited to 50 ages 6-12 years only.

Downtown Library Campus

Step back into our beautifully renovated library and help us celebrate a fresh new chapter in our community space. In honor of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, Unearth a Story, we’re inviting you to dig into your creativity with a hands-on air‑dry clay crafting class. During this relaxed, beginner‑friendly workshop, you’ll shape and decorate your own custom planter — perfect for brightening a windowsill, gifting to a friend, or adding a touch of personality to your reading nook. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed. Just bring your imagination and be ready to get a little artsy. We can’t wait to create with you and continue unearthing stories together.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Welcome to Rhyme & Shine Storytime, a dynamic program designed for children ages 4- 5 years old! This engaging weekly session helps your child develop the skills they need for a successful start in kindergarten throughout a mix of stories, songs, structured play, and themed crafts and activities. ♦ Storytime: Carefully selected books that enhance literacy skills and foster a love for reading. ♦ Sing-Along: Fun and educational songs that build language skills and boost memory. ♦ Structured Play: Guided play activities that promote social interaction, problem solving, and critical thinking. ♦ Themed Crafts and Activities: Creative projects and hands-on activities that develop fine motor skills and encourage imagination. Join us for Rhyme & Shine Storytime, where learning is an adventure, and every session prepares your child for the exciting times ahead!

Turrentine Room

The Emerald Forest Visit with the mysterious rainforest dwellers of South America! This theme contains a pre-set assortment of 6 animals, and may include a kinkajou, boa constrictor, iguana, or armadillo!

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Ready to de-stress after your long day? Come hang out at the library and practice yoga with us! Take an hour to unwind, stretch, and practice mindfulness. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Welcome to Baby Storytime, a delightful program designed for our tiniest attendees and their parent/caregivers! This weekly session is all about engaging your baby through talking, reading, singing, and playing, fostering early developement and creating precious bonding moments. Each session includes: ♦ Interactive Stories: Simple, captivating books that introduce early literacy and stimulate your baby's curiosity. ♦ Melodic Songs: Gentle songs and lullabies that enhance language development and create a soothing atmosphere. ♦ Fingerplays and Bounces: Fun onteractive fingerplays and gentle bounces that promote motor skills and interactive play. ♦ Group Interaction: Opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and support each other. Join us for Baby Storytime, where you and your baby can explore the joys of reading, singing and playing together in a warm and nurturing environment.

Downtown Library Campus

Celebrate this year's Summer Reading Challenge with a hands-on exploration of the Japanese art of repair. In partnership with the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, this workshop invites participants to practice a modern, DIY approach to kintsugi, the tradition of mending broken pottery with gold. Using epoxy resin, gold powder, and gold leaf, you’ll restore a broken plate while learning about the cultural meaning behind this centuries‑old practice. Each participant will leave with a unique, beautifully repaired piece that reflects both creativity and the spirit of resilience.

Downtown Library Campus

Título para 15 de agosto: A cielo abierto // Upon Open Sky by Guillermo Arriaga Summary: Written by Guillermo Arriaga, author of Amores perros, 21 Grams and Babel, Upon Open Sky is a searing coming-of-age road trip that unfolds against the arid landscapes of 1990s Mexico. Two years after 12-year-old Salvador survives a crash that kills his father, his older brother Fernando plans a reckless journey north to confront the truck driver responsible. Their stepsister Paula, unaware of their intentions, joins the trip, turning the fraught mission into a complex exploration of grief, justice and the complexities of human morality. Resumen: Escrita por Guillermo Arriaga, autor de Amores perros, 21 Gramos y Babel, A Cielo Abierto es un desgarrador viaje de iniciación que se desarrolla en los áridos paisajes de México en los años 90. Dos años después de que Salvador, de 12 años, sobreviva a un accidente que le cuesta la vida a su padre, su hermano mayor, Fernando, planea un temerario viaje hacia el norte para enfrentarse al camionero responsable. Su hermanastra Paula, sin conocer sus verdaderas intenciones, se une al trayecto, convirtiendo la tensa misión en una compleja exploración del duelo, la justicia y las complejidades de la moral humana. About the Book Club: Rincón Literario is the Library's bilingual book club for adults. Meetings are on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30. Discussions take place in English and Spanish, allowing members to practice a second language. New members are always welcome, so please join us! For more information, please email Diamond Taranto. Sobre el club: Rincón Literario es el club de lectura bilingüe de la Biblioteca para adultos. Se reúne cada tercer Sábado del mes a las 10:30. La discusión es en inglés y español, lo que permite a los miembros practicar un segundo idioma. Nuevos miembros siempre son bienvenidos, ¡así que únase a nosotros! Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a Diamond Taranto.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Due to wildly popular demand, we now have an Adult Crochet Club! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, all skill levels are welcome. During each meeting, you can learn the basics of crochet, get help with a current project, or just hang out with your fellow crafters. Yarn and hooks will be available for use during the event.

Turrentine Room, Downtown Library Campus

Register for our teen book club (ages 13-18) to guarantee a spot! Our books are available for book club members, and are given away each meeting. The number of seats left to register indicates the number of available books remaining. If you are a new member, once registered, you can pick up your copy of the book at the Teen Space/Office All book club books are also available at our library and digitally on Libby, and new members are always welcome. Attend the event and you will: Discuss A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann Chat about what else you have been reading Complete an activity based on the book Enjoy food and a boba drink inspired by the book Choose a free book to take home Summary: The gods are dead. All that’s left are the Players… The performers of the Playhouse are as worshipped as they are feared, their enchanting shows bending hearts, minds, and even reality itself. Vicious, godlike, lethal. Eighteen-year-old Riven Hesper knows the dangers better than anyone, after her own encounter with a Player resulted in a curse that is slowly killing her. When the Playhouse announces the spectacle of a lifetime—a chance for one mortal to steal a Player’s immortality—Riven sees her last chance to live. Desperate for answers, she infiltrates the competition. There, she finds Jude, the Playhouse’s brilliant, merciless Lead Player, whose charm is as dangerous as his Craft, and strikes a deadly bargain to save her life. But with time running out and the Playhouse’s secrets unraveling into a disturbing picture, Riven faces a grim possibility: she might not be the hero of her story after all. In fact, she may be the villain. Because the Playhouse doesn’t just tell stories. It rewrites them. And Riven’s might end in blood.

Downtown Library Campus

Writers of all genres are invited to read their work and receive group critiques in a friendly and comfortable environment. Meetings will be held in the library at 239 South Kalmia and virtually via Zoom. Find out more! For Zoom link and any questions, please contact John Archer.

Downtown Library Campus

Celebrate World Photography Day with us by taking your skills to the next level! Professional photographer and brand expert Stefanie Blue is back by popular demand, too! Review photography basics for digital cameras and smartphones, then get one-on-one assistance with you device. Stefanie will also take you out to our pocket park to learn about more natural lighting.