October 2026
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A Peek at Peak Picks – November & December 2026
We’re adding twelve new titles to Peak Picks in November and December! In fiction, Ian Rankin returns with The Heights, a razor-sharp, twisty standalone thriller that exposes the lives of the 1% in London’s most exclusive high rise; Jon Scalzi’s latest, Monsters of Ohio, is a heartfelt exploration of a tentacular solution to the struggles… Continue reading
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Another Win for Library Access, 7 Years after Eliminating Overdue Fines
We have good news to share about expanded access to The Seattle Public Library. During the Library’s recent technology upgrade, we had the opportunity to make a change that should decrease the number of patrons whose accounts are suspended because of overdue items. Previously, if you didn’t return a book or other physical item on… Continue reading
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Revised Reopening Timelines at the Fremont, West Seattle, and University Branches
The Seattle Public Library is currently managing major construction projects at the Fremont, West Seattle, and University branches, which are all historically landmarked, Carnegie-era buildings that have been in service for well over a century. These branches have been closed while work is underway. Until recently, we anticipated that these three branches would reopen by… Continue reading
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November 2026 Author and Community Events at the Library
Join us this fall at the Library for concerts, author readings, a talk by comic artists, cello concerts, and more. 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… Continue reading
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6 Books That Speak to the Enduring Appeal of Monsters
For Halloween season, these books explore our enduring fascination with monsters in new and surprising ways, from fresh takes on vampire tales to a bestiary that spans time and worlds. Monsters come in many forms and illuminate deeper truths about our fears and even our hopes. Portland author Keith Rosson infuses his horror novels with… Continue reading
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Let’s Talk About Books!
We have good news for library patrons who want to chat with others about what they’re reading — Let’s Talk About Books is happening at branches around the city! Let’s Talk About Books (LTAB) is a no-pressure book group where folks can share what they’re reading and get ideas for their next read. All are… Continue reading
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Book Groups: What to Read Next, Part Two
Welcome back to part two of a semi-regular series that answers the question: what should my book group read next? The titles below were chosen for their complexity and ability to sustain a discussion; and for their copy count, having enough copies at the Seattle Public Library as of this writing for a book group… Continue reading
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Book Bingo 2026: A Record Summer of Reading Far and Wide
Summer might be in the rearview mirror, but we’re taking one more moment to celebrate a season of great reads, new discoveries, new connections, and a little friendly Book Bingo competition! It’s time to wrap up Summer Book Bingo 2026. For the second year, The Seattle Public Library (SPL) and Seattle Arts and Lectures (SAL)… Continue reading
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Library Story: Mamata Das, Passionate Educator and Library Champion
We’re celebrating the many ways that libraries connect us with the story of a special West Seattle patron who has used and championed library services for 30 years. Thanks to Mamata for sharing her story!For almost 30 years, Mamata Das – educator, advocate, student, and mother – has used Library services to not only pursue… Continue reading
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New Exhibit Examines Puerto Rico as a “Battle for Paradise”
A new exhibit at The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library examines the tension between Puerto Rico as a marketed paradise and lived reality. Installed this week at the Level 8 Gallery, “Battle for Paradise: Puerto Rico, restrictions apply*” is a photo essay by Library Artist in Residence Jo Cosme. Originally from Borikén, Puerto Rico, Cosme… Continue reading
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5 Fresh & Creepy YA Horror Novels
The famous horror director Wes Craven once said, “Horror films don’t create fear, they release it.” Similarly, horror fiction at its core helps to shed light on the fears we already hold, whether that’s a fear of not belonging, of betrayal, of losing someone close, or even the fear of losing ourselves. These 5 brand-new… Continue reading
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Learn to Read: Decodable Books
Is your child learning to read? You can practice together with decodable books! The school year is well underway, and many elementary school students are learning to read. It’s an exciting – and challenging – time! There’s a growing understanding that reading does not come naturally to humans in the same way as learning to… Continue reading
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3 Ways to Celebrate the Freedom to Read, and a Milestone!
It’s always the right time to celebrate books and reading, but October brings new opportunities. Not only is it National Book Month, but next week (Oct. 4 through 10) is Banned Books Week, which the American Library Association started in 1982 to highlight the value of free and open access to information. Here are three… Continue reading
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Show Your Library Love with 2 New Library Card Designs!
Seattle residents now have two colorful new ways to check out books and show their love for libraries. For the first time in eight years, The Seattle Public Library has launched two new Library card designs, by local artists Diego Fidelis and Ning Wan. The theme for the cards is how the Library fosters different… Continue reading