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Coronado: A Reader's Paradise
Coronado is a paradise of wide sandy beaches, charming neighborhoods, and cultural richness. Beyond its picture-perfect scenery, this idyllic island city offers a treasure trove of literary delights for book enthusiasts –it truly is a "Reader’s Paradise."
For example in 2023 the Coronado Public Library has sponsored several high-profile author events One of the highlights of Coronado's author events is the format including intimate readings and Q&A sessions with a moderator. Whether it's a debut novelist or a seasoned wordsmith, these gatherings allow avid readers to connect with their favorite authors on a personal level. The discussions often revolve around the writing process, inspirations, and the stories behind the stories, offering valuable insights into the literary world and the writing process.
Just this year Coronado has been the host to multiple New York Times bestselling authors including Bonnie Garmus - “Lessons in Chemistry,”
Lisa See - “Lady Tan's Circle of Women,” and Kristen Hannah - “The Four Winds.” On Thursday evening, August 3, Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Ret.) will speak at the Coronado Performing Arts Center about his new book, “The Wisdom of the Bullfrog – Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy).”
McRaven is perhaps best known for his University of Texas graduation speech that inspired his book “Make your Bed – Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World.” McRaven will sign books prior to the event and Coronado Bay Books has stocked up on all McRaven’s books including one for kids “Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal “ This event is free and open to the public.
Mark your calendar and buy a ticket for a special event on August 18 at noon, with author Alice Hoffman. She will appear at a luncheon benefiting the Coronado Friends of the Library. This event is in partnership with Warwick’s Bookstore. Hoffmann will discuss and sign her new book, “The Invisible Hour” at the Nautilus Room, in the Coronado Community Center, located at 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118. The $50 ticket price includes lunch and a signed copy of “The Invisible Hour ” Don’t delay as this event is limited to 250 people and there won’t be a waitlist. You may sign up on the Coronado Public Library website.
These regularly scheduled author events showcase an array of literary talents, providing residents and visitors alike with unique opportunities to engage with their favorite writers and discover new voices
Coronado boasts a rich literary legacy that has been nurtured over the years. From hosting writers' retreats to inspiring renowned authors, the island's ambiance has proven conducive to creativity and storytelling. The influence of Coronado's charm is evident in the works of several authors who have resided or spent time on the island, including some of the great American writers Of note, Wizard of Oz author L Frank Baum traveled to Coronado Island a number of times between 1904 and 1910, where he often resided at the Hotel del Coronado for months at a time. He wrote at least three books in his Oz series during that period (“Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz” 1908, “The Road to Oz” 1909, and “The Emerald City” 1910), and purportedly found time to design the crown chandeliers in the famous Crown Room Baum surely was inspired by Coronado when he penned the words “There’s no place like home!”
The heart of any literary community lies in its independent bookstores, and Coronado is home to a gem on Orange Avenue. Coronado Bay Books is an independently owned bookstore serving Coronado for over 20 years. Recently opening at a new locations at 1007 Orange Avenue they specialize in new titles, indie favorites, military history, young adult, and children's books In addition to books, they also offer a wonderful assortment of greeting cards, stationary, journals, and specialty gifts. Bay Books not only stocks an impressive selection of books and gifts but also hosts author events and they serve an excellent cup of coffee. And a bonus is the recently installed Sprinkles Cupcake vending machine.
In addition to Bay Books the Library is the home to “Second Hand Prose ” This quaint space behind the Coronado Library on D Street between 6th and 7th Avenue offers gently used, good quality fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books at affordable prices. New titles are added daily All proceeds from the sale of these books, donated by Coronado residents, go to the programs funded by the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.
Speaking of The Friends of the Coronado Public Library (FOL), this vital organization was founded in 1970, and is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to support the Coronado Public Library. The library has two sources of funds to maintain this fabulous community resource Tax dollars, through the City of Coronado yearly budget, pay for all essential services needed to run the library, such as salaries, the building and grounds upkeep and maintaining its collection of books, DVDs, and other printed materials. But just as important to any library are its programs for its children, teens, and adults. And that is where the Friends of the Coronado Public Library come in. FOL provides a significant portion of the economic resources for what the city would consider “non-essential” resources, i.e. the programs and the extra items (art exhibits, etc.) which make the Coronado Library so special.
Over the years Coronado has encouraged aspiring writers to hone their craft through a series of writing workshops and creative writing classes and groups. Often led by experienced authors, these workshops provide a nurturing environment for budding talents to learn, grow, and gain invaluable feedback. Whether you're an amateur poet or aspiring novelist, these events foster creativity and camaraderie among fellow writers Of note is the San Diego Writer's Festival who partners with the Coronado Public Library. The festival is slated to return in April 2024.
Coronado's enthusiasm for literature is evident in the numerous book festivals and community events that celebrate the written word. These vibrant gatherings attract authors from various genres, making them a haven for bibliophiles. From book signings to interactive discussions, these events infuse the island with literary fervor.
Coronado Public Library hosts three monthly book clubs. The Spoilers Book Club meets on the fourth Saturday of every month from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and participants are encouraged but not required to read the book before the meeting. Spoilers Book Club members discuss a book, then watch the movie The Mystery Book Club meets every third Monday of the month at 2 p.m. and the Library’s newest book club, the Best of the Best Book Club meets regularly on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon in the Library’s Winn Room to discuss books that have won major awards.
Coronado, California, is more than just a picturesque destination; it is a haven for literary enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike. The island's deep-rooted passion for the written word is evident in its diverse range of author events, book clubs, and workshops. Whether you're strolling along the beach or perusing the shelves of the town's quaint bookstore, the magic of Coronado's literary world is never far away
So, if you find yourself wandering along the sunlit shores of Coronado, don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the abundant offering of author events that this captivating island has to offer. Whether you're a lifelong book lover or a curious reader eager to discover new voices, Coronado's literary community is sure to leave you spellbound.
