News & Stories
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Nightstand Reads with Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times Critic and Author of ‘Storybook Ending’
Ready for some super summer reading recs? We asked Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times arts critic and author of the debut novel “Storybook Ending,” to share some of the books currently crowding her nightstand (virtual and physical). Come celebrate the release of “Storybook Ending” with Moira on Wednesday, May 28 at the Central Library! Registration is… Continue reading
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University Branch Construction Underway
Construction is underway at The Seattle Public Library’s historically landmarked University Branch, which temporarily closed in January for major renovations, including a seismic retrofit and the installation of an electric HVAC system, which will provide air conditioning and improved ventilation to the branch while reducing carbon emissions. The scope of these renovations will be extensive,… Continue reading
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Eight Stories From Two Years of Books Unbanned
Almost exactly two years ago, on April 27, 2023, The Seattle Public Library took action against censorship and for the freedom to read. We joined Brooklyn Public Library in launching a Books Unbanned program that offers a free card to our digital collection of e-books and e-audiobooks to young people ages 13 to 26 from… Continue reading
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May 2025 Author Events: Ada Limón, “Empire of AI,” and More
We have some amazing events at the Library in May, from a talk with New Yorker editor Michael Lo about his fascinating history of Chinese immigration to a just-added event with author Karen Hao about “Empire of AI,” her behind-the-scenes story of what went wrong at OpenAI. All Library events are free and open to… Continue reading
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With Wheels Instead of Walls, Mobile Services Delivers Books and Connection
On a rainy morning, residents of Council House, a low-income senior living facility on Capitol Hill, are getting their monthly library fix. Every third Tuesday of the month, The Seattle Public Library’s Mobile Services team unloads the Bookmobile and sets up a pop-up library in the community access room of the building. Residents trickle in… Continue reading
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Celebrate National Poetry Month and Seattle Reads 2025 With These Books
For only the second time in the history of Seattle Reads, the library’s citywide book club, a book of poetry has been selected. “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” an anthology edited and introduced by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, features 50 American poets observing and reflecting on their place in the natural world,… Continue reading
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Libraries, Our Anchors to Civic Life, Are Under Threat
If you’re concerned about how federal funding cuts will affect Washington state’s libraries and the communities we serve, recent media stories shed light on what’s happening. On Sunday, April 12, the Seattle Times published an op-ed by The Seattle Public Library’s Chief Librarian Tom Fay that detailed how the loss of the Institute of Museum… Continue reading
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Branches in Bloom: Photos of Spring at the Library
We usually associate libraries with the indoors — buildings, books, computers, programs and classes. But a lot of thought and care goes into the landscapes surrounding our buildings as well. Mathew Roland, senior gardener, is a member of the Library’s Facilities team, which works hard around the year to keep our spaces clean, safe, well-functioning,… Continue reading
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Meet Me at the Library: Q&A with Author Shamichael Hallman
Shamichael Hallman, author of “Meet Me at the Library: A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy,” will speak on Monday, April 14 at Town Hall Seattle. His topic couldn’t be more timely — why the public library may be our best hope for bridging current societal divides and creating strong, inclusive communities. Please… Continue reading
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Food Waste Prevention Week 2025
Food Waste Prevention Week 2025 is April 7 to 13. Sheryl Anayas and Liz Fikejs from Seattle Public (SPU) Utilities join us for an interview about the work they do to help prevent food waste, and how individuals can take action. What is Food Waste Prevention Week, and why is reducing food waste important? Food… Continue reading
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Building Literacy and Reading Joy for 30 years: the Global Reading Challenge
On Wednesday, April 2, after 60 tense minutes of competition in front of a cheering crowd in the Central Library auditorium, The Library Lynx team from Queen Anne Elementary won the title of 2025 Global Reading Challenge city champion. Wearing orange headbands and purple T-shirts, the seven fourth and fifth graders competed against 10 other… Continue reading
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Women’s Health Resources: Menopause
With government health care information becoming spotty at best, or altogether missing at worst, especially as it relates to women’s health and individuals who are LGBTQIA+, it can feel overwhelming to try to find accurate medical information without making an appointment with your doctor, just to ask questions. Though staff are not medical professionals and… Continue reading
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10 Not-to-Miss Author and Community Events for Spring 2025
The Library’s spring calendar is blooming with inspiring events, from an April 14 talk with Shamichael Hallman, author of “Meet Me at the Library,” to a May 7 discussion with Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of “The Sympathizer,” about his much-anticipated new book. All Library events are free and open to the public, but… Continue reading
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IMLS provides invaluable support to libraries in Washington state and throughout the U.S.
Statement by The Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System On the evening of Friday, March 14, a White House Executive Order was issued to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), among other federal agencies. IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. Its mission is to… Continue reading
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U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to Visit Seattle and More Seattle Reads News
Ready, set, mark your calendars! Beginning next week, Seattle Reads, the Library’s citywide book group, is planning more than two months of community programming for our 2025 selection “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” edited by the 24th U.S. Poetry Laureate Ada Limón. There is literally a program for everyone in our city.… Continue reading
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Kick Off with Women’s Soccer Part 2 – Fiction
The National Women’s Soccer League season is off to a thrilling start! You may have seen my last post about the NWSL with library resources to get you prepped and excited for the season. Ready for women’s soccer to take over more of your brain space? Here are some novels and movies so you can… Continue reading
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For Women’s History Month, 4 Bewitching Pageturners
For centuries, women who claimed their power through medicine and magic, curiosity and intelligence, and a refusal to submit and abide, were persecuted as witches. In honor of Women’s History Month, we offer four fictional titles in several genres — crime, thriller, fantasy, historical Western — that honor witches and their stories of strength and… Continue reading
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March 2025 Author and Community Events at the Library
The Library has many programs that will get you reading, talking and connecting this month, including a silent reading event, an evening with Torrey Peters and a celebration of community stories and Black memory at ARTE NOIR during the First Friday Art Walk. Find more events on our arts and author events calendars. All Library events… Continue reading