2024

  • Book Bingo 2024: LGBTQIA+ Poetry and Essays

    “…and when we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed but when we are silent we are still afraid” Excerpt from “A Litany for Survival” by lesbian poet and activist Audre Lorde Fiction is a powerful method for sharing the joys and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,… Continue reading

  • Get a Jump-Start on 2024 Summer Book Bingo With These 4 Books

    This year marks the Seattle Public Library’s 10th year of the Summer Book Bingo program, in partnership with Seattle Arts & Lectures. Book Bingo celebrates reading and discovery and incentivizes participation with a drawing for prizes. This year, we have the exciting addition of Teen Book Bingo, offering teen-focused challenges and prizes! And Spanish-language readers can… Continue reading

  • E-book and e-audiobook access returning Thursday, June 13 at noon!

    The Library is very happy to share that we have reached another important milestone in our recovery from a recent cybersecurity event. On Thursday, June 13 at 12 p.m. (noon), patrons will once again have access to the Library’s digital book collection through OverDrive and Libby. At that time, we will update this post with… Continue reading

  • An update about access to Library technology systems

    Last updated: Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 4:40 p.m. We are pleased to report that as of today, The Seattle Public Library has restored the public services that were affected by the cybersecurity event (specifically, a ransomware attack) that has affected our technology and services since Memorial Day weekend. You can learn more about our investigation… Continue reading

  • Book Bingo NW 2024: Something that scares you

    Most people think of October and its howling autumnal winds when they think of scary stories, but summer is actually the perfect time to cool off with some shivers up your spine. Whether it be reading about a summer camp slasher, books bound in human skin or a dystopian surveillance state, you are sure to… Continue reading

  • The Seattle Public Library announces summer hours

    The Seattle Public Library will introduce a new summer hours schedule at several locations across the city beginning Thursday, June 20. This new schedule will distribute hours differently across various locations to meet community needs throughout the summer months. It does not reduce or significantly increase the Library’s total hours of operation systemwide, compared to… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2024 Starts Today 

    Ready, set, READ! Welcome to the tenth annual Book Bingo, Seattle’s finest reading challenge! Brought to you by Seattle Arts & Lectures and The Seattle Public Library, with support from The Seattle Public Library Foundation and Friends of The Seattle Public Library. Every year, local artists design our Book Bingo boards. This year we have… Continue reading

  • Cottagecore – Three Variations on an Aesthetic

    Cottagecore – Three Variations on an Aesthetic

    What do you envision when you hear the term “cottagecore”? Perhaps its lush country gardens, fresh baked bread, and dreamy cotton clothes. Or maybe just a simple back-to-nature aesthetic that is wistful and romantic. Here are three takes from three library staff on Cottagecore to fuel your inspiration. Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore has lush… Continue reading

  • Cozy Horror: Gross But Also Sweet!

    Yes, Cozy Horror is a THING! Even horror can combine elements of the gory and horrific with the sweet and reassuring. Don’t believe me? Here’s two to try: Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell This surprisingly delightful debut was fun, sweet, AND gross–frequently all at once! Who gets to call something… Continue reading

  • Dear Reader, Try a Historical Romance

    With the latest season of Bridgerton premiering on May 16, I’m all-in on historical romance, including the Regency era that Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes brought to the screen. For historical romances that flip the script on race, gender, sexuality, or feminism in the vein of Bridgerton, check out these options, sure to be the… Continue reading

  • New Fiction Roundup, May 2024

    Start planning your summer reading with this varied and compelling slate of new fiction titles coming in May! And don’t forget to check out our May Peak Picks offerings. 5/7: América del Norte by Nicolás Medina Mora Sebastián grew up wealthy and privileged in Mexico before coming to the US to attend an elite school… Continue reading

  • Teen Fiction for Mental Health Awareness Month

    Teen Fiction for Mental Health Awareness Month

    This month, we offer a variety of stories about teens facing mental health challenges, ranging from depression and suicidal ideation to anxiety and self-esteem issues, and learning that their condition does not define who they are. In Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes, sixteen authors create a variety of stories about teens… Continue reading

  • May 2024 Author Events: Amy Tan, Zoe Schlanger, Seattle Reads and More

    May 2024 Author Events: Amy Tan, Zoe Schlanger, Seattle Reads and More

    May is springing at the Library with events featuring authors Amy Tan and Zoe Schlanger, the launch of Satsuki Ina’s moving memoir about Japanese American incarceration and resistance, a BIPOC Book Fair, Seattle Reads events, as well as writing and reading groups. All Library events are free and open to the public. Find information and… Continue reading

  • New Nonfiction Roundup – May 2024

    George Stephanopolous recounts the inside story of 12 presidents during moments of crisis, from JFK to Biden, in The Situation Room while historian Jon Meacham reflects on the life of George H.W. Bush in The Call to Serve. Former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki shares lessons from work, the White… Continue reading

  • May is Older Americans Month!

    Happy Older Americans Month! This year’s theme is Powered by Connection. At the Seattle Public Library, we work year round to engage and connect older adults with programs and services that make a difference. Below you will find our monthly programs. Stay tuned for Older Americans Month posts throughout May, highlighting booklists and more! NewHolly… Continue reading

  • Dig Into These Books for Spring

    Read the latest column by Reader Services librarian Misha Stone on the Seattle Times website or below, where it’s republished with permission. The Seattle Public Library loves to promote books and reading. This column, submitted by the library, will be a space to promote reading and book trends from a librarian’s perspective. You can find these… Continue reading

  • 20 Reasons to Check Out the Central Library at 20 Years

    When The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library opened its doors on May 23, 2004, more than 25,000 people lined up in the course of the day to experience Seattle’s striking new public space for knowledge and learning. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, it was called “the most exciting new building it has been my… Continue reading

  • Seattle Reads: Read Deeper

    Whether the 2024 Seattle Reads selection of Parable of the Sower was your introduction to the work of Octavia Butler or you’re a long time fan of the author, I hope you’re enjoying diving into Butler’s world of speculative fiction. Her creative and sometimes terrifying visions of the future, centering of Black experience, dreams of anti-hierarchical… Continue reading