2024
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End of Summer at the Library: Magic, Music and Family Parties Galore
From mind-bending magic shows to outdoor StoryWalks©, the Library has many cool community events planned throughout August, including many that celebrate the Summer of Learning. All events listed are drop in and do not require reservations, and all Library events are free and open to the public. It’s also not too late to participate in… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Refugee/Immigrant Memoir
Memoirs are a wonderful way to experience what Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop termed “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors,” the ways we as readers can see ourselves and others through books. Given that more than 120 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced, reading the stories of refugees and immigrants is particularly important for highlighting… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Suggested by an independent bookseller, University Book Store
Milo Michels, bookseller at University Book Store, offers suggestions to fill your “Suggested by an Independent Bookseller” square – and more – for Book Bingo NW 2024. Maybe you’re looking for a suggestion from an indie bookseller! Or maybe your bookseller was publicly nostalgia-weeping into a copy of Because Of Winn-Dixie the last time you… Continue reading
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Sports Romances to Accompany the Summer Olympics
The 2024 Olympics kick off in Paris on Friday, July 26, and sports content is on everyone’s minds. If you want to immerse yourself further in the world of competitive sports, check out a sports romance, perfect for indulging fantasies of the goings-on in Olympic Village! As a recent convert to the joys of women’s… Continue reading
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Peak Picks are Back!
Stop by your local branch to see Peak Picks from the past two months, with titles from June and July available now! Starting with June’s titles, in fiction, Julia Phillips (Disappearing Earth) delivers a mesmerizing novel of two sisters whose lives are upended by an unexpected visitor–a tale of family, obsession, and a mysterious creature… Continue reading
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5 Books to Accompany Summer Music Festival Season
Reprinted with permission from the Seattle Times. If you anticipate attending this season’s events or just want to stay in that frequency, here are five books about music and musical artists to keep you on beat this summer. Have you ever coveted an object related to an artist or band you loved? “Nina Simone’s Gum”… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Fantastical
To mark off your “Fantastical” Book Bingo NW 2024 square, let yourself be swept away to the realms of gods and monsters, magic and intrigue with the following titles, where everything is not quite as it seems… Godkiller by Hannah Kaner is an engrossing quest fantasy with unlikely friendships and found family set in a… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: BIPOC Romance
This summer, dive into these romances starring Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) characters that may have you smiling or swooning in the sunshine (or rain). The Mis-arrangement of Sana Saeed by Noreen Mughees follows Hijabi Sana Saeed in her pursuit for ishq (a transcendent love that intertwines “mind, body, and soul”) in this second chance romance… Continue reading
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Book Bingo 2024: Short Story Collection
I have a confession – in the past I was not a fan of short stories. They always left me wanting MORE. But recently, I have evolved from a hater to a serious fan. There are so many incredible collections out now that are chock full of absolute bangers. Below, I’m highlighting four stunning short… Continue reading
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Book Bingo 2024: Environmental
With climate change dominating our daily lives, it’s no surprise that writers are tackling one of the most pressing and world-changing issues of our time. However, these authors are not all doom and gloom—themes of resilience and renewal shine in both fiction and nonfiction abound. Ranging in tone from irreverent to meditative, the following four… Continue reading
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Summer StoryWalks® in Magnolia Feature Indigenous Stories
Once again, Seattle’s beautiful Magnolia neighborhood is hosting a summer family adventure that combines reading, cultural exploration and the outdoors. Through Aug. 30, four StoryWalks® in Magnolia invite children and caregivers to read picture books by Indigenous authors as they wander outdoor trails. The StoryWalks® are located outside partner locations including the Daybreak Star Preschool,… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Friendship
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” — Anaïs Nin In 2023, one of our more popular Book Bingo categories was “Read With a Friend.” We often hear how often friends tackle Book Bingo… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: One Big Book
It’s time to read that daunting book. The big one. The good news: it will fill up two squares on your Book Bingo. As a few suggestions for you, I’ve provided a smattering of different genres. Hopefully one of them will appeal. For even more suggestions check out our booklist Book Bingo NW 2024: One… Continue reading
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Round Out Pride Month with These 4 Books from LGBTQ+ Writers
In an often unwelcoming world, many LGBTQ+ people cultivate what they call “chosen family,” creating networks of support that are vital in the best and worst of times. In honor of Pride Month, we recommend four books that speak to the power of queer community as an antidote to hate, intolerance and division. These books,… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Suggested by an Independent Bookseller, Third Place Books
Spencer Ruchti, Author Events Manager for Third Place Books, offers suggestions to fill your “Suggested by an Independent Bookseller” square – and more – for Book Bingo NW 2024. Of Cattle and Men by Ana Paula Maia, translated by Zoë Perry Of Cattle and Men lays bare the brutal labor of the slaughterhouse trade—a bit… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Sky Creatures
Are you ready for dragons and birds and creatures that FLY? Check out these titles from the #BookBingoNW2024 Sky Creatures list! This was one of our top requested categories from staff and participants and we are thrilled to offer several suggestions. Spread your wings and try something new! Conversations With Birds by Priyanka Kumar –… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Young Adult
As a former teen librarian, I firmly believe that young adult books can (and should!) be enjoyed by people of all ages. I was so excited to see Young Adult as a category on this year’s Book Bingo and am thrilled to share some of my recent favorites that I think will appeal to teen… Continue reading
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Book Bingo NW 2024: Queer Joy
“We struggle and fight for our joy — an unreserved and unapologetic joy that springs from our ability to live as we are. It’s a joy worth fighting for and it’s this joy that links all of our struggles together.” — Lady Phyll Readers deserve all kinds of queer stories, but stories that center queer… Continue reading