October 2025
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Attention, Libby Users: You May Need to Take This Step
If you use Libby or OverDrive to check out e-books or e-audiobooks, you may need to take a simple step next week. After planned maintenance on OverDrive/Libby occurs on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7 a.m., users may need to re-verify their accounts. Here’s how to re-verify your library card in Libby Continue reading
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Major Progress on the University Branch Seismic Retrofit
In our August University Branch update, we highlighted U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal’s visit to the branch and the significant progress made over the summer on the renovations there, which include a seismic retrofit, the installation of an electric HVAC system and elevator, new ADA-accessible paths and entryways, and additional study rooms and other amenities. The… Continue reading
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Dark and Disturbing: 8 Horror Novels by Women
In the tradition of local award-winning author Sadie Hartmann’s newest release, “Feral and Hysterical: Mother Horror’s Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women,” Hartmann and SPL Reader Services librarian Genesee Rickel share two lists featuring chilling tales written by women. As in the book, these lists are curated to work in conversation… Continue reading
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A Peek at Peak Picks – November 2025
We’re adding ten new Peak Picks in November – including some late October releases! In fiction, Marisa Kashino’s debut follows Margo, a desperate buyer on the edge in an insanely competitive housing market in Best Offer Wins, a darkly humorous exploration of class, ambition, and the modern housing crisis; Oynkian Braithwaite, author of the smash hit My… Continue reading
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Washington Horror Novelists
Spooky stories abound this season, including four recent books by Washington authors. Whether set locally or farther afield, enjoy this scary, atmospheric reads. The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel CañasPlague has broken out in 1765 Mexico, and Alba Díaz has fled with her family to a remote village near the silver mine owned by… Continue reading
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‘Nuestra Euforia’: New Exhibit Celebrates the Work of Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Artists
Artist in residence Vaquero Azul says his new exhibit at the Central Library is “a love letter to our transcestors and queer ancestors who have been here since time immemorial.” “Nuestra Euforia / Our Euphoria” opened Oct. 18 at the Central Library’s Level 8 gallery. Curated by Azul, it showcases artwork by Azul and other… Continue reading
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Understanding AI for Older Adults
By popular demand, Seattle Public Library is excited to announce a fall series of workshops about understanding AI, in partnership with the AI Safety Awareness Project. The AI Safety Awareness Project is a volunteer organization dedicated to raising awareness about modern AI, highlighting its benefits and risks, and informing the public on how they can contribute to… Continue reading
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Get Cozy with a Cat Book
It’s officially fall, when the weather gets colder and nothing sounds better than cuddling up with a book and a cat. Here are some cozy cat books to enjoy this season, ideally to be read with a purring cat companion. Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero Cat, a stray cat living on the streets of New… Continue reading
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Day of the Dead – Día de los Muertos at the Library
It’s almost Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 in Mexico and Latin America. Join us as we explore the history of Día de los Muertos and explore the variety of ways this holiday remembers and honors deceased loved ones. Join us to learn and honor your… Continue reading
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LEAP Interns 2025: What We Learned at the Library
This summer, The Seattle Public Library was thrilled to have Jesse and Gideon join us as part of a multi-week summer paid program focused on career preparation for Washington’s blind and visually impaired young people. They helped out in the Library Equal Access Program (LEAP), made zines that are being added to the ZAPP collection,… Continue reading
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Fall Cooking
There’s no better season than autumn to share food with friends and family. Here are some of fall’s most anticipated and unique books for cooks and bakers. Samin Nosrat, the bestselling author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, shares 125 meticulously tested, flavor-forward, soul-nourishing recipes that bring joy and a sense of communion in Good Things while Alison Roman… Continue reading
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Books Unbanned: 1 Million Checkouts
In 2022, Brooklyn Public Library launched Books Unbanned to provide access to digital books for young people impacted by censorship. The Seattle Public Library joined in 2023, with our foundation generously funding the program. Three and a half years after Brooklyn’s big idea, The Books Unbanned coalition has grown to six libraries. For Banned Books… Continue reading
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“Beautiful New Worlds”: Biggest Book Bingo Yet
Summer might seem like forever ago, but we’re briefly revisiting the season of blackberries and beach reads for an official wrap-up of Summer Book Bingo 2025, which ended just over a month ago. We’ve done the numbers. We’ve tallied the boards, the books and the blackouts. And we have news. In the 11th year of… Continue reading
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Horror Stories for Teens – October 2025
Lots of great horror novels for teens have come out in the last year. Here are eight of the best to enjoy this spooky season! (MS = middle school) Gigi Griffis’ creepy novel And the Trees Stare Back follows Vik and her little sister Anna, who has been missing in the cursed forest for five… Continue reading
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The Romances of Baseball
We love our sports teams when they’re doing well, but that may turn to love/hate when they’re not, as disappointment and frustrations swell during losses. The ups and downs of a good romance novel can be just as emotionally fraught as an MLB season: the initial swell of attraction/love (winning streaks!), the pitfalls of actually… Continue reading
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Celebrating Banned Books Week and More October 2025 Events
Grab your favorite banned or challenge book and help us celebrate the freedom during Banned Books Week, which takes place from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11 this year. We’ll have a read-in, programs highlighting the impact of censorship and displays. Plus, you can stop by your favorite neighborhood library and pick up a “Read What… Continue reading