Winter 2025 Arts Events: Pico Iyer, Schuyler Bailar, Jesse Hagopian and More

If your ideal winter night is an evening listening to authors discuss intriguing books and ideas, we’ve got you covered, from Pico Iyer to Schulyer Bailar to T.J. Klune.

All library events are free and open to the public. Check the event descriptions at spl.org/Calendar for registration links. Find more upcoming programs at spl.org/Authors.

Silent Reading Night at Green Lake Branch. Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Green Lake Branch. Cozy up for a quiet winter evening of reading at this silent reading event at the newly renovated Green Lake Branch. Registration is not required.

He/She/They by Schuyler BailarSchuyler Bailar Discusses “He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters.” Thursday, Jan. 16, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fremont Abbey, 4272 Fremont Ave N, Seattle. Schuyler Bailar (he/him), an educator, author, and advocate, is also the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division 1 men’s team. The inspirational speaker and author will discuss “He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters,” an essential, urgent, and, as Schuyler points out, potentially life-saving book that will change the conversation about gender identity. This event is held in partnership with Charlie’s Queer Books. Registration is required.

 

Aflame by Pico IyerPico Iyer and David Guterson Discuss “Aflame: Learning From Silence.” Thursday, Jan. 16, from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Central Library. In “Aflame,” world renowned travel writer Iyer connects with inner stillness and joy in his many seasons at a Benedictine monastery, even as his life is going through constant change. Register at EventBrite. In partnership with Elliott Bay Books. Registration is required.

Teach Truth by Jesse HagopianJesse Hagopian discusses “Teach Truth; The Struggle for Antiracist Education.” Thursday, Jan. 23, from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Town Hall Seattle. In his new book, “Teach Truth,” Seattle educator and author Jesse Hagopian discusses the current challenges to antiracist education and argues that what’s at stake is our democracy, and what it will take to build a movement to defend information, education and democracy. This event is held in partnership with Town Hall Seattle. Registration is required.

Seattle Times Presents: Pictures of the Year 2025. Thursday, Jan. 30, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Auditorium. Award-winning photojournalists and staff from The Seattle Times will tell the story of the year illustrated through their remarkable pictures. Registration is not required.

The Bones Beneath My Skin, by T.J. KluneT.J. Klune discusses “The Bones Beneath My Skin” with Seattle author Kim Fu. Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library auditorium. In “The Bones Beneath my Skin,” bestselling fantasy author T.J. Klune (“The House of the Cerulean Sky”) has written a spine-tingling standalone novel, a supernatural road-trip thriller featuring an extraordinary young girl and her two unlikely protectors on the run from cultists and the government. This event is held in partnership with Charlie’s Queer Books. Registration is required.

Cleavage by Jennifer Finney BoylanJennifer Finney Boylan discusses “Cleavage: Men, Women, and the Space Between Us.” Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Auditorium. What is the difference between men and women? Jennifer Finney Boylan, bestselling author of “She’s Not There” and co-author of “Mad Honey” with Jodi Picoult. In “Cleavage,” Boyle examines the divisions — as well as the common ground — between the genders, and reflects on her own experiences as a transgender American. In partnership with Elliott Bay Books. Registration is required.

WRITING EVENTS AND BOOK CLUBS

Virtual Writers Read. Sunday, Jan. 12, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Online. Join us for a monthly reading series featuring an open mic and selected author readings from local writers. Registration is required.

El Club Latino. Sunday, Jan. 12, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library Level 8 – Meeting Room. Únase al Club de Lectura de la Biblioteca Central. El libro de este mes es: “La princesa ausente” de Víctor Muñoz. No se requiere inscripción.

Writers Read. Sunday, Feb. 9, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Columbia Branch meeting room. Join us for a monthly reading series with the African American Writers’ Alliance featuring an open mic and selected author readings from local writers. Registration is required.

El Club Latino. Sunday, Feb. 9, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library Level 8 – Meeting Room. Únase al Club de Lectura de la Biblioteca Central. Únase al Club de Lectura de la Biblioteca Central. El libro de este mes es: “En agosto nos vemos” de Gabriel García Márquez. No se requiere inscripción.

All Library events are free and open to the public. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar. Many of these events are supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation.

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