Upcoming Events at San Carlos Library Feature Author Talks and Reading Programs

The San Carlos Branch Library will present a double author talk titled Historical Women Behaving Badly on October 23 at 2 p.m. This event will feature authors Debbie Wastling and Janell Strube, who will appear in period costumes. Wastling’s book, “Irish Secrets and Lies,” focuses on suffragists in Britain, while Strube’s book, “Adelaide: Painter of the Revolution,” tells the story of an artist during the French Revolution, spanning two centuries.

On October 16 at 2 p.m., author Sandra Bonura will discuss her book, “The Zoo Lady: How Belle Benchley Built the San Diego Zoo.” This presentation will highlight Belle Benchley’s efforts in transforming the San Diego Zoo during financial difficulties, making her the first female zoo director and an influential figure in animal care and habitat development.

A special event called Paws to Read will take place on October 21 at 2:30 p.m. Children ages 5 and older can participate by reading to a real dog, which has been shown to help improve their reading confidence and skills. Dogs are provided by the San Diego Humane Society.

The In-N-Out Burger Reading Program is available through November 14, allowing children ages 4 to 12 to earn a free hamburger or cheeseburger by reading five books or spending 300 minutes reading. Participants can register at the library or online through the Beanstack app and can earn up to three rewards. For more information, visit mysdpl.org/innout, thanks to the support from In-N-Out Burger.

The Lego Builder Club will meet on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with sessions scheduled for October 10 and 24. Children ages 6 and over can participate to learn, play, and create with LEGO bricks. Each creation will be displayed in the library for two weeks, and parental supervision is suggested.

Children ages 18 and under can join the Youth Chess program on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. Whether new to chess or experienced, participants can learn strategies, practice, and enjoy friendly matches. Sessions are planned for October 13 and 27.

The Junior Innovators STEM Club, aimed at elementary and middle school students, meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. Children will engage in hands-on science and math activities, with the next meeting on October 20 hosted by the Patrick Henry High School Junior Innovators Club.