News & Stories
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Fiction to Celebrate Trans Voices
Trans people have always existed. Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20th, a day to mark trans lives lost to violence, observed after Transgender Awareness Week. Here are some recent adult fiction books that capture the history, complexity, and dynamism of the trans experience. Mad Eden, the debut novel by Morgan Thomas, author of the… Continue reading
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Check Out the 2026-27 Global Reading Challenge Books
The 2026-27 Global Reading Challenge has launched! Last week, the Library revealed this year’s book selection for this school-based program, and 72 schools across Seattle are receiving the books and making them available to fourth and fifth graders. Global Reading Challenge, now in its 31st year, is an annual reading incentive program for fourth and… Continue reading
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Impact Story: Library Patrons Bring Branch Meeting Rooms to Life
In 2024, hula students in northwest Seattle were looking for a place to learn the culture and dance of hula together. They found their answer at The Seattle Public Library’s Broadview Branch. “I was at the branch one day and noticed that they had a meeting room and asked if it was OK to reserve… 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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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 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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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“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
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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