Programs & Services
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Earth Day: How about no trash in Seattle?
It’s Earth Day again! Break out the recycled-paper banners and … well, what does one do to honor Earth Day? This year I would like to highlight the work of one Seattle-based website that’s doing its part towards sustainability by offering an event called No Trash Week. The goal of this event is not to… Continue reading
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The Making of a Museum
With the opening of the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) on March 8, 2008, Seattle’s cultural map expands to include one more unique and interesting destination. Through interactive exhibits, programs and events the museum promises to “document the unique historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.” NAAM is, clearly,… Continue reading
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Science On Tap – Brains and Brew in Seattle
Brains and Brew – a perfect combination in this city of microbrewers and techies. I am a huge fan of science writing in the vein of Stephen J. Gould, Carl Sagan and E. O. Wilson. The only drawback I’ve ever found to science books is the lack of immediacy. It takes years for a scientist… Continue reading
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The Wine Is Fine
Wine is happening in Washington in a big way! And this coming weekend is a primo opportunity to check out brand new wineries and varietals or old favorites. The Washington Wine Commission is sponsoring Taste Washington, including a Grand Wine Tasting at Qwest Field Event Center on Sunday, April 6 from 4-8 p.m. Who knew there… Continue reading
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Frances Moore Lappé and Local Food Policy
My local eating adventures have led me to think about issues such as who has access to local food, how housing developments are eclipsing nearby farmland and if another flood like the one in Lewis County is apt to destroy more farms and dairy herds anytime soon. I’m certainly not the only one. For decades Francis Moore Lappé… Continue reading
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Poetry Rules!
April is National Poetry Month, and it’s rhyme time in Seattle. The sponsoring Academy of American Poets suggests 30 Ways to Celebrate the month. And whether you’re in to writing or reading or listening to poetry, there’s lots going on locally to help you do just that. The Seattle Public Library sponsors many poetry events… Continue reading
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Free Books @ the library!
In what some have called a daring and radical departure from the successful business models of Barnes & Noble, Netflix and iTunes, The Seattle Public Library is loaning books, DVDs and music free of charge to anyone with a library card. In a scheme well-calculated to take advantage of the current thrift craze (or cheap… Continue reading
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Gentrification and the Arts
If you have picked up this year’s Seattle Reads novel, The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu you’ve had a chance to get one novelist’s take on some of the issues and pressures that can fracture a community changing in the face of gentrification and immigration. Facing similar issues, particularly those of gentrification… Continue reading
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A conversation with Daniel Schorr
It’s been more than a week since he came to Town Hall, but our conversation with Daniel Schorr is still on my mind. Mr. Schorr shuffled out on fragile limbs but, at nearly 92, his wit and mental clarity are razor sharp and “the voice”- – pure gravitas. His relationship with us seemed almost intimate. We offered a standing ovation when… Continue reading
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Calling all Parents! Homework Help to the Rescue
Is your kid’s homework getting YOU down? How’s that “new math” working out at your house? Fortunately for you and your children, The Seattle Public Library offers free homework help in-person on-line. Trained volunteers at some of our Branch Libraries are on hand to assist your children and teens with their homework. Student who work with our Homework Help volunteers consistently report getting… Continue reading
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Got Back Pain?
Many people suffer from back pain. According to MedlinePlus, a free service offered by the National Library of Medicine, “Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting eight out of 10 people at some point during their lives.” It is also the second leading reason that people visit their physicians. A lot of time and… Continue reading