September 2026
-
Holocaust Center for Humanity Joins Museum Pass Program
We are delighted to share that the Holocaust Center for Humanity in downtown Seattle (2045 2nd Ave.) has joined the Library’s Museum Pass program to provide free access to Library patrons. You can now reserve a pass to the Holocaust Center that is good for Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and accommodate up… Continue reading
-
Forever – is composed of Nows
Emily Dickinson’s life and her body of work have long fascinated me. Known for rarely leaving her house starting in her 30s, her poetry and letters reflect a life intensely lived and felt. She wrote constantly, but it was only after her death, when her sister discovered nearly 1,800 of her poems hidden away in… Continue reading
-
A Peek at Peak Picks – late September/October 2026
We’re back, with NINETEEN new Peak Picks coming your way over the next few weeks! In fiction, YA novelist Ríoghnach Robinson’s magnetic, undeniably clever debut for adults— perfect for fans of Sally Rooney and Emily Henry—captures the tender ache of two people caught between criticism and connection in Bad Words; Emily St. John Mandel (Station… Continue reading
-
6 Great Books to Read in Translation This Fall
There are many lofty reasons to read translated literature: understanding other cultures, seeking out diversity, bragging to your bookish friends. But at the end of the day, there’s only one reason you really need: These books are good! Read on to discover suggestions from a former bookseller at Third Place Books and a librarian at… Continue reading
-
Adult Fiction for Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, celebrating the achievements, contributions, and perspectives of folks from Hispanic and Latina/o/e backgrounds. There are so many incredible recent books by Hispanic authors, including some in translation, and here we offer a small selection for your enjoyment. We Are Green and Trembling by Argentinian author… Continue reading
-
Ahead of her Seattle Reads Events, Author Sara Nović Talks “True Biz”
Sara Nović is the author of “True Biz,” a New York Times bestselling novel about a seismic year at the River Valley School for the Deaf. “True Biz” is also the 2026 selection for Seattle Reads, The Seattle Public Library’s “one book, one city” program that started in 1998 and has since been replicated around the world. Nović… Continue reading
-
Washington State Book Award Winners
The Washington Center for the Book just announced the winners of the 2026 Washington State Book Awards for works published in 2025 by writers from our wonderful state. Across genre, form, and audience, these winners represent outstanding titles by authors who currently live in Washington, as judged by other local authors, librarians, and booksellers. Creative… Continue reading
-
Hot Awards News About SPL-Connected Authors
Over the last three days, the National Book Foundation announced its longlist for the five categories of the National Book Awards — a slow drip of literary celebration. It was super cool, and not surprising, to see some Library-adjacent authors among those selected. First up is Sara Nović, the author of this year’s Seattle Reads… Continue reading
-
Fiction for National Translation Month
September is National Translation Month, a time to highlight the works and contributions of authors from around the world, and the translators who make their work available to more readers. Check out this taste of recent fiction in translation. Delicious Hunger by Singaporean author Hai Fan uses the author’s background as a guerilla fighter in… Continue reading
-
“Words of Courage,” Featuring 20 Brilliant Young Poets, to Visit 7 Library Locations
Alive with saturated color and a ferocity of emotion, “Over the Meadows, Under the Sun,” opened this month at the Beacon Hill Branch. This year’s “Words of Courage” exhibition features 20 vibrant prints that capture the joy and creativity of 20 brilliant young poets — all pediatric patients at Seattle Children’s hospital. “Words of Courage”… Continue reading
-
Teen Books for When You Need a Good Cry
Sometimes you don’t need to be enticed with romance, fantasy, or current events. Sometimes you just need a reason to feel and let tears flow. For when you feel that you need an excuse, or need to blame the book for your tears, check out these titles: To start us off, try out The Leaving… Continue reading
-
Happy 20th Birthday, South Park Branch!
Twenty years ago, on Sept. 9, 2006, South Park neighbors streamed into their new library branch at the corner of Eighth Ave. S., and South Cloverdale. As a mariachi band played, more than 100 people signed up for a library card within the first hour, and community members marveled that the branch – after decades… Continue reading
-
Book Bingo NW 2026: Soothing
Book Bingo is a great time to be intentional about reading books you may have been putting off or exploring new titles that may become new favorites. If you are at the point in your Book Bingo journey where you have been reading many exciting and interesting books yet need a moment to catch your… Continue reading
-
Read Your Way to Jaipur Literature Festival Seattle 2026
What should you read before JLF Seattle? From the mysteries of the human brain and the legacies of empire to modern India, the Iranian Revolution, artificial intelligence and imaginative new fiction, the books featured at this year’s Jaipur Literature Festival Seattle (JLF Seattle) invite readers to explore some of the most compelling questions of our time. JLF Seattle: A… Continue reading
-
Book Bingo NW 2026: Horror
Summer beach reads don’t always have to be light. Sometimes, a horror novel can be just as fun. Horror novels have the power to pull you in and make your heart race; they can make you laugh, grimace, see the world in a new way, or all of the above. If you’re still working on… Continue reading
-
A Century of Discoveries: Genealogy at The Seattle Public Library
Every day, visitors ride the elevators to Level 9 of Seattle’s Central Library looking for family stories. Some are tracing immigrant ancestors. Others are searching for military records, newspaper clippings, or clues to a long-standing family mystery. In 2026, The Seattle Public Library’s genealogy collection marks 100 years of helping people uncover their family stories.… Continue reading
-
Four Simple Steps to Prepare for Library Service Disruptions this September
As recently announced, the Library is upgrading a major IT system this September. Several of our services will be offline from 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 until Wednesday, Sept. 16. During this period, you will not be able to access your account or place holds on physical materials. Physical book checkouts will require staff assistance.… Continue reading
-
Bands, Beats, and Books
Sunburns, poor acoustics, craning to see around someone’s too high lawn chair – outdoor concert season in the PNW is a unique slice of summer. With our place in music history secured thanks to early grunge, various venues across Seattle offering live music year-round, and with summer concerts taking our musical enjoyment to an 11, it’s hard not to have bands on… Continue reading