A Bookish Day in Encinitas
My sister and I had another bookish adventure this past weekend.
Originally, we were planning to spend a few hours at the Solana Beach Library, but we discovered something shocking – it’s closed on weekends. Closed. On weekends. For a library. I’m still confused by this.
So we audibled and decided to head over to the Encinitas Library instead.
And honestly, that little change of plans ended up being the best thing ever.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. Please note these do not impact my review, and no extra costs have been added to the items mentioned.
The Surprise Ocean View
Address: 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
I was driving over from Solana Beach and had this random thought while on the freeway: how has no one built a library in San Diego with an ocean view yet?
We have ocean-view coffee shops, ocean-view restaurants, ocean-view everything… but no ocean-view library?
Then my Google Maps told me to turn left off the freeway.
Left? That’s west. Toward the ocean.
I literally did a double-take.
Excuse me… was this library actually near the ocean?
Yes.
Yes, it was.
And it has an ocean view.
Y’all… the way I screamed when I pulled up to this library.
It was a gorgeously sunny day, I had an iced coffee in hand, I was meeting my sister to read books, and now there was an ocean-view library involved. The vibes were immaculate.
@julia.vaness Bookish day with sister!! Today we’re exploring the Encinitas Library!!! This library has ocean views and tons of seating!! We absolutely loved it!!! #bookishthings #librarytiktok #encinitaslibrary #sandiegolibraries #librarytok ♬ original sound – Julia Vaness
Book Sale Finds Outside the Library
When I arrived, I found my sister outside browsing the library book sale tables.
The books were two for $1, which is an absolute steal.
She found one that had been on her TBR list, which was perfect. I didn’t find anything at the outdoor sale, but I definitely made up for that inside the library.
We also checked out the Bookstore in front of the library. They had a ton of books and movies – a great shop to check out!
Inside the Encinitas Library
When we walked in, we immediately got excited.
Right near the entrance were the new arrivals, which always feels like the most dangerous section of any library.
But I got immediately distracted because I spotted the ocean through the windows and had to run over and take a photo.
The library itself is huge and very community-focused.
There’s a lot going on inside, including:
- Plenty of seating and study tables
- Computer workstations
- A puzzle area
- A large children’s section
- Outdoor seating with ocean views
The kids’ area is especially nice. It has a huge reading nook, kid-friendly computer stations, and even outdoor seating. They also had activities going on and a little scavenger hunt happening, which I loved seeing.
It felt very welcoming and community-driven.
A Busy Saturday at the Library
One thing I really liked was how many people were there.
The library was pretty full for a Saturday afternoon.
There were groups studying, people working at the computers, and others just relaxing and reading. It’s always nice to see libraries so full – especially on a sunny day.
There was also a ton of seating, which makes it a great place to bring a laptop or settle in with a book for a while.
Browsing the Book Sections
One thing that did confuse us a little was the organization system.
The books seemed to be divided mainly into Fiction and Non-Fiction, but we didn’t see separate signage for genres like thriller, romance, fantasy, or historical fiction.
That meant we had to kind of browse through everything by author instead of heading straight to a genre section.
Maybe we missed something, but my sister didn’t see any signs either. It made the search a little chaotic because I’m a “vibe” reader – I just go by the cover lol, but it worked.
Reading Outside with an Ocean View
Before checking out our books, we found a table outside with a view of the water and sat down to read for a bit.
It was such a peaceful spot.
I finished the book I had checked out from the Georgina Cole Library in Carlsbad – The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen.
My sister was finishing her book, Too Old for This by Samantha Downing.
Reading outside with an ocean breeze and sunshine is honestly hard to beat.
Getting Our Library Cards
After our reading break, we headed back inside and signed up for our library cards.
To our delight, the Encinitas Library is part of the San Diego County Library system, which means the same library card works at multiple locations, including libraries in Solana Beach and Del Mar.
That was a very exciting discovery.
The Books I Checked Out
Despite my already very large TBR pile, I managed to check out three books.
Clearly, I need to start reading faster.
Here’s what I picked up:
- Guava and Grudges by Alexis Castellanos
- Cursed Princess Club by LambCat
- Wade in the Water by Nyani Nkrumah
Now the real challenge begins – actually reading them all.
Library Day in Encinitas
We had such a great time visiting the Encinitas Library.
Between the ocean views, the welcoming atmosphere, and all the cozy reading spaces, it’s definitely one of the most unique libraries I’ve visited.
I honestly can’t believe we have an ocean-view library in North County San Diego, and I’m just now learning about it.
This is also one of the many reasons I’m so happy my sister moved here; now we get to wander around and have little bookish adventures together.
I’m already excited to come back, bring my laptop, and spend a few hours working or reading with that ocean view.
If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by.
FAQ’s – Encinitas Library
Where is the Encinitas Library located?
The Encinitas Library is located at 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024, just a short drive from the coast in North County San Diego.
Does the Encinitas Library have ocean views?
Yes. One of the most unique features of the Encinitas Library is its beautiful ocean views, which can be seen from several seating areas and the outdoor patio.
Is the Encinitas Library part of the San Diego County Library system?
Yes. The Encinitas Library is part of the San Diego County Library system, so your library card can be used at other county libraries including locations in Solana Beach and Del Mar.
Are there places to sit and read at the Encinitas Library?
Yes. The library has plenty of seating areas, including indoor tables, computer workstations, reading nooks, and outdoor seating with views of the ocean.
Does the Encinitas Library have activities for kids?
Yes. The children’s section includes books, reading nooks, computer games, and occasional activities for kids and families.
Posts You May Like:
About the Author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of San Diego and beyond!
Stay Connected:
Follow along on social media for live coverage and behind-the-scenes content:
Leave a Reply