Borrow a Tournament-Quality Chess Set

The library now offers portable, professional-grade chess sets available for checkout. Each set is housed in a durable zippered storage bag featuring an inner pocket, an exterior Velcro pocket, and convenient carrying handles.

Contents and loan rules:

• Thirty-four 3.75-inch weighted black and white plastic chess pieces with felted bases (including two extra queens)
• A 20-inch green and white silicone tournament board with 2¼-inch squares, machine washable and easily foldable for transport
• 21-day checkout, eligible for automatic renewal

Designed for two players, this set is ideal for both casual play and serious practice. Please note: Chess sets must be checked out from and returned directly to a staff member at a service desk.

♟️ Interested in playing with others?
We invite you to attend our weekly community Chess Meet-Up, held every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at the Library Learning Center. Open to all ages and skill levels, this program offers a welcoming environment to play, learn, and connect with fellow chess enthusiasts. All materials are provided.

Borrow a Day Pack or Adventure Pack

Carlsbad City Library cardholders can check out FREE day packs or adventure packs including a California State Parks Pass and hiking accessories.

Contents and loan rules:

• California State Parks Pass
• One pair of binoculars & compass
• California wildlife guide and California wildflowers guide in a plastic envelope
• California State Parks keychain
• Carlsbad City Library keychain with a QR code that links to the library home page
• 10-day checkout; eligible for automatic renewal

Adventure packs include everything in the day pack, with additional items:

• One pair of hiking poles
• One flashlight and pocket microscope
• One rain poncho and set of dry bags
• One mosquito head net and safety whistle

Borrowers are responsible for returning all components of the hiking backpacks. Here's how it works:

• Plan your adventure. See if a backpack is available and/or place one on hold to get started. Learn more about how to access 200+ participating state park units with the included State Parks Pass at CheckOutCAStateParks.com.
• Return your backpack to a service desk inside the library. Backpacks check out for ten days and are eligible for up to three automatic renewals if no one is waiting to check them out. Please return items on time so other community members can explore the outdoors. If you finish your adventure before the due date, please consider returning your item early so another adventure can begin! 
• Report lost items to the library by calling 442-339-2019 or emailing librarian@carlsbadca.gov. 

Borrow an Electric Induction Cooktop

Borrowing an induction cooktop is a great way to experience firsthand the benefits of sustainable living and explore energy-efficient cooking technology without the financial commitment. Cooktops generously donated by the United States Green Building Council - California and the Carlsbad Chapter of Sierra Club. This initiative aligns with the Carlsbad Community Vision Core Value of sustainability and supports the city's Climate Action Plan by promoting building electrification and decarbonization for a healthier environment.

Contents and loan rules:

• One electric induction cooktop & power supply
• One compatible pan
• Carrying case
• Borrowers must sign a waiver to check out. Induction cooktops are only available for patrons ages 18+.
• You will need to clean your cooktop and pan prior to returning.
• 10-day checkout; eligible for autorenewal

• Induction cooktop manual [pdf] - information on use, cleaning and troubleshooting

Borrow a Micro:bit Kit

Take makerspace learning home with a Micro:bit kit designed to support hands-on exploration of coding, robotics, and game design. These kits reinforce physical computing fundamentals and help develop computational thinking skills in a fun, tangible way—ideal for learners of all ages.

Contents and loan rules:

• Two micro:bit V2 boards
• One Smart Cutebot robot car with line-following map and manual
• One Retro Arcade controller with color screen and programmable buttons
• One external battery case and USB-micro USB connector cable
• One educational book on coding and programming
• 21-day checkout; eligible for automatic renewal

The Smart Cutebot features onboard sensors, LED headlights, line-tracking probes, and more—perfect for building your first smart racecar. The Retro Arcade controller allows users to create and play custom games using Microsoft’s Arcade platform, offering a playful introduction to game programming and electronics.

Please note:

• Kits must be checked out from and returned directly to a staff member at a service desk.
• Contents may vary slightly over time. Some components may be missing.
• Adult supervision is recommended.

The Carlsbad City Library Puzzle Exchange offers a simple and welcoming way to share and enjoy jigsaw puzzles with your community. No library card is required, and participation is open to all.

How it works:

• Take a puzzle home; no checkout necessary
• Leave a puzzle for others to enjoy 
• Available at all three Carlsbad Library locations

Whether you're looking for your next puzzle challenge or passing along a favorite, the Puzzle Exchange is a great way to connect through shared play.

The Seed Library offers free access to a variety of seeds for home gardening, available year-round at all three Carlsbad City Library locations. No library card is required, and all are welcome to participate. Visit the Seed Library page for more information on donating seeds, planting guides and information on upcoming free gardening programs.

Where to Find Seeds:

• Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane – near the public service desk
• Library Learning Center – near the public service desk
• Georgina Cole Library – near the West Entrance

Supported by the Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative, the Seed Library encourages sustainable gardening and community sharing. Take seeds to start your own garden, and if you’re able, return seeds from your harvest to help keep the collection growing.

Borrow a Stargazing Kit

Stargazing Kits make the outdoors more accessible and foster a deeper connection with natural resources.

Contents and loan rules:

• Celestron telescope and carrying case
• Portable stool
• Lensatic compass
• Dynamo flashlight
• Two field guides: Moon and Night Sky
• 10-day checkout; eligible for automatic renewal

Please note that kits must be checked out by Carlsbad City Library cardholders ages 18+ with accounts in good standing; patrons will be required to sign a waiver at checkout. 

Borrow a California State Parks Pass

Pase para parques de la biblioteca estatal de California en español. 

• Park for free. The California State Library Parks Pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle. It is not valid for any other fees, including camping or group use fees, special events, tours, additional vehicle fees, etc. It is not valid at national, county, city or any other parks. Pass does not guarantee a parking space.
• 10-day checkout; eligible for automatic renewal
• Report lost passes to the library by calling 442-339-2019 or emailing librarian@carlsbadca.gov.

Plan your adventure. A list of ineligible parks is available at CheckOutCAStateParks.com. Passes cannot be used at national, county, city or any other parks besides eligible California State Parks. View the interactive map to explore eligible state parks throughout California. Some parks may require advance reservations; please contact the individual park about restrictions or closures before visiting.

Did you know? In partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the Natural Resources Agency, State Parks is offering the California State Park Adventure Pass, which provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 54 amazing state parks throughout the state. Learn more about the fourth grade California State Park Adventure Pass.

By using this pass, you agree to abide by the full terms and conditions and any other rules and regulations. Find complete details and answers to frequently asked questions at CheckOutCAStateParks.com.

Check out a STEAM Kit

Carlsbad City Library offers 22 different types of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) kits designed to help kids learn through play with a holistic approach to these subjects. Covering a variety of topics like kitchen chemistry, physics, robotics, green energy and more, each kit includes manipulatives, an easy-to-follow activity guide, and related books.

Many kits are designed for children to enjoy without adult supervision; kits are available for kids as young as three years old, with age recommendations clearly marked in our catalog and on the kits. Here's how to access STEAM Kits for your family:

• Kits are available near the self-checkout at the Learning Center and at the children’s service desks at Cole and Dove libraries. Patrons can also place holds via our online catalog or by calling the library at 442-339-2019.
• 21-day checkout; eligible for automatic renewals
• Please return kits directly to service desks inside the library, as they don’t fit in our return boxes.

STEAM Kits are funded by the Friends of the Carlsbad Library. We are grateful for their support in making these educational kits available.

Borrow a Ukulele Kit

Explore your musical side with a ukulele! These high-quality instruments are suitable for adult beginners, intermediate players, and professionals alike.

Contents and loan rules:

• One tenor, concert, or soprano ukulele (models and sizes vary)
• A padded or lined fabric gig bag with an outer pocket
• Accessories including clip-on digital tuner with LED display, hook-in strap, polishing cloth and tuner manual
• 21-day checkout; eligible for automatic renewal

Please note: Ukulele kits must be checked out from and returned directly to a staff member at a service desk. Accessories and models may vary by kit.