Like all of the Emerald City, The Seattle Public Library has been reveling in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win — but in a very library-like way.
Late last week, we placed a bookish bet with Boston Public Library: The library with the winning team would get to create a booklist for the other to host. After Sunday’s victory, our librarians created a fun (and very pointed) list: Called “Seattle Picks for Patriots Fans,” the 35 titles celebrate Seattle’s cultural and natural riches, sports history and, of course, the joy of winning.
Books include “Inflation,” by political economists Mark Blyth and Nicolö Fraccaroli; “Broken Horses,” by Seattle music superstar Brandi Carlile; “Things That Make White People Uncomfortable,” by former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett; “Comeuppance Served Cold,” a Seattle noir fantasy by Marion Deeds; and “Loser,” by Clark Humphrey.
Of course, our Seattle patrons are welcome to read any of these books as well to keep the celebration going.
Boston Public Library was a good sport, congratulating Seattle on its win, sharing the booklist link in its Instagram bio, and noting that “though we are divided by football, we are always on the same team in supporting the freedom to read!”
The Seattle Public Library and Boston Public Library are both part of Books Unbanned, providing free e-cards to young people across the country so they can read what they like from the libraries’ respective digital collections. In October, the Books Unbanned coalition announced it had collectively provided over 51,000 digital library cards and that more than 1 million e-books have been checked out through the programs.
A library seat at the Super Bowl parade
Speaking of keeping the celebration going, yesterday was an especially fun day to work at the Central Library (once you made it there — shout-out to King County Metro and Sound Transit).
Starting in the early hours of the morning, the excited crowd waiting along Fourth Avenue in front the of the Library grew and grew and grew.
Once the Library opened its doors at 10 a.m., some parade goers began to explore some of the choicest observation spots from the highest levels of the building. “It’s my go-to spot for parades,” one patron shared. (Sshhhh ….)
Our staff — who had their own choice spots — kindly shared some of their snaps from the day, in between showing people to restrooms, the cafe stand on Level 3, and other amenities.
And well after the last float trundled down Fourth Avenue, the chanting floated up through all 11 levels of the library. “Sea … hawks … Sea … hawks … Sea … HAWKS!”
Congratulations, Seahawks and Seattle! We needed this.
Now, you’ve got some reading to do!
– Elisa M., Communications