Head to the Library in December for stirring author talks, artist tours, a special community celebration at the Douglass-Truth Branch, a screening of “The Librarians” and more!
All Library events are free and open to the public. Find information and registration through the event links below or at www.spl.org/Calendar. Registration is not required unless noted.
Eve L. Ewing, author of “Original Sins,” presents the 2025 Bullitt Lecture in American History
Thursday, Dec. 4, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Microsoft Auditorium. Eve L. Ewing – bestselling author, cultural organizer, and Marvel comics writer – will present the 2025 Bullitt Lecture in American History about her new book “Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism.” Ewing argues that from the country’s founding, our schools were designed as an institution that would fortify the country’s racial hierarchy. Registration is required.
Classical Guitar: Concert with Reyes González
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Library, Level 3 – Living Room. Join us for an afternoon concert of classical guitar presented by guitarist Reyes González, with classical works and transcriptions for guitar by J.S. Bach, Luigi Legnani, Tárrega, Albéniz, Schubert, Villa-Lobos, Agustín Barrios, and Andrew York.
George M. Johnson & Leah Johnson discuss “There’s Always Next Year”
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Microsoft Auditorium. Join us for an afternoon of new beginnings, second chances, and the magic of love with George M. Johnson (“All Boys Aren’t Blue”) and Leah Johnson (“You Should See Me In a Crown”). In their new book, journalism student Andy and her influencer cousin Dominique, who is on the verge of securing a major deal, navigate their respective love stories over the New Year. With Charlie’s Queer Books. Registration is required.
Ladies Musical Club Concert. Wednesday, Dec. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Microsoft Auditorium. A program titled “Songs From a Midwinter’s Heart” features pieces by Handel, Holst, Mendelssohn, Blake, Bach, and Schubert, with performances by Melet Whinston on cello and Michael Housley on piano.
Art Walk through the Central Library. Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Library, Level 8 – Gallery. Join artist in residence Nina Vichayapai for this guided walk through each of the Library’s public floors, with art activities intended to deepen your connection to the Library’s spaces and collection. Come with your curiosity and be prepared to find joyful surprises on each level.
Screening and Discussion of the “The Librarians”
Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Learn about the unprecedented wave of book banning and the librarians brave enough to stand up to it at a screening of the award-winning documentary “The Librarians.” In states such as Texas and Florida, librarians are under siege, defending intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with director/producer Kim A. Snyder and The Seattle Public Library’s Chief Librarian, Tom Fay. With Washington State Library and Washington Center for the Book. Registration is required.
Douglass-Truth Branch 50th Anniversary of Renaming Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 5 p.m. Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way. Help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the renaming of the Douglass-Truth Branch after Black abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth, chosen by the Central District community in 1975. Activities include a Garfield Jazz Quartet performance, branch history tours, and a presentation about the branch’s African American collection. The event is presented with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Delta Upsilon Omega Chapter in Seattle (AKA-DUO) and the Black Heritage Society of Washington State.
Nuestra Euforia/Our Euphoria: Exhibit Tour & Talk with Vaquero Azul
Sunday, Dec. 14, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Central Library, Level 8 – Gallery. “Nuestra Euforia” showcases artwork by local trans and gender non-conforming artists and photographs of local cultural bearers and icons, including a Trans Pride Ofrenda. At this special event, curator and artist Vaquero Azul will lead a tour, spotlighting the art pieces on display, as well as their art process and sewing techniques.
Book Club: Gays Reading Books at the Library
Thursday, Dec. 18, from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Central Library, Level 3 – Living Room. Queer folks and allies: join us for silent reading and bookish chit-chat with Queer Silent Book Club Seattle! We’ll meet on Level 4 of the Central Library for quick intros and then we’ll disperse throughout the Library for an hour of reading (we recommend the Reading Room on Level 10). With Queer Silent Book Club Seattle. Registration is required.
Many of these events are supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation.