Communications
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Power of Community: Celebrating 50 Years of “Douglass-Truth”
A half-century ago, the Central District came together to rename its library to reflect its community. On Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 5 p.m., all of Seattle is invited to celebrate this milestone at the Douglass-Truth Branch, and honor its rich community histories. The branch library opened in 1914, but it didn’t become the… Continue reading
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Mossback’s Northwest: Early Roots of Seattle’s Libraries
How did Seattle become a literary city? The roots to that accomplishment began “in the muck and mire of the frontier city,” says Cascade PBS host of Mossback’s Northwest, Knute Berger (aka Mossback). Mossback recently aired a fascinating episode on the city’s literary roots, and its connection to Skid Road. It was filmed partly in… Continue reading
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Book Buzz: 2026 Global Reading Challenge Books
Across Seattle, fourth and fifth graders are getting excited about books — specifically, eight books that range from a story about a 10-year-old sock detective to a graphic novel about an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team. This year’s Global Reading Challenge books have been selected! The Global Reading Challenge is a 31-year-old reading incentive program that’s… Continue reading
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Eve L. Ewing, Author of “Original Sins,” Presents the Bullitt Lecture on December 4
If you’ve wondered about the roots of inequality in our educational system, Eve L. Ewing has answers for you. Ewing — bestselling author, cultural organizer and Marvel comics writer – will visit Seattle on Thursday, Dec. 4 to present the 2025 Bullitt Lecture in American History about her new book “Original Sins: The (Mis)education of… Continue reading
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‘The Secret Lives of Library Books’ — Seattle Times Follows the Journey of a Hold
Every wonder how your library holds “magically” appear at your branch? Seattle Times reporter Sara Jean Green and photographer Karen Ducey explored this question by diving into a behind-the-scenes story of how millions of books travel around our region each year to serve the needs of our region’s Library users. Sara and Karen joined SPL… Continue reading
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Attention, Libby Users: You May Need to Take This Step
If you use Libby or OverDrive to check out e-books or e-audiobooks, you may need to take a simple step next week. After planned maintenance on OverDrive/Libby occurs on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7 a.m., users may need to re-verify their accounts. Here’s how to re-verify your library card in Libby Continue reading
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Major Progress on the University Branch Seismic Retrofit
In our August University Branch update, we highlighted U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal’s visit to the branch and the significant progress made over the summer on the renovations there, which include a seismic retrofit, the installation of an electric HVAC system and elevator, new ADA-accessible paths and entryways, and additional study rooms and other amenities. The… Continue reading
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‘Nuestra Euforia’: New Exhibit Celebrates the Work of Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Artists
Artist in residence Vaquero Azul says his new exhibit at the Central Library is “a love letter to our transcestors and queer ancestors who have been here since time immemorial.” “Nuestra Euforia / Our Euphoria” opened Oct. 18 at the Central Library’s Level 8 gallery. Curated by Azul, it showcases artwork by Azul and other… Continue reading
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Day of the Dead – Día de los Muertos at the Library
It’s almost Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 in Mexico and Latin America. Join us as we explore the history of Día de los Muertos and explore the variety of ways this holiday remembers and honors deceased loved ones. Join us to learn and honor your… Continue reading
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Books Unbanned: 1 Million Checkouts
In 2022, Brooklyn Public Library launched Books Unbanned to provide access to digital books for young people impacted by censorship. The Seattle Public Library joined in 2023, with our foundation generously funding the program. Three and a half years after Brooklyn’s big idea, The Books Unbanned coalition has grown to six libraries. For Banned Books… Continue reading
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“Beautiful New Worlds”: Biggest Book Bingo Yet
Summer might seem like forever ago, but we’re briefly revisiting the season of blackberries and beach reads for an official wrap-up of Summer Book Bingo 2025, which ended just over a month ago. We’ve done the numbers. We’ve tallied the boards, the books and the blackouts. And we have news. In the 11th year of… Continue reading
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Celebrating Banned Books Week and More October 2025 Events
Grab your favorite banned or challenge book and help us celebrate the freedom during Banned Books Week, which takes place from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11 this year. We’ll have a read-in, programs highlighting the impact of censorship and displays. Plus, you can stop by your favorite neighborhood library and pick up a “Read What… Continue reading
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Nourishing Minds Toolkit Equips Libraries to Support Teen Mental Health
“Library workers are highly skilled at reaching teenagers through many kinds of programming, but many library staff find it a challenge to talk about mental health,” said Luis Gonsalez, The Seattle Public Library’s Digital Media & Learning Program Manager. To address this gap, Luis and other SPL staff have been working with libraries across the… Continue reading
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4 Dark Academia Novels to Read This Fall
As daylight hours wane, the transition to fall is the perfect time to get absorbed in a novel that matches the energy of an eerie evening walk. The literary subgenre of dark academia explores themes of power and deceit, using the shadow of the ivory tower to set the tone for murders, hauntings and speculative… Continue reading
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The Power of Play: New Fall Series Curated by Amy Hirayama
Need a little more comedy, connection and collaboration in your life? This fall, Amy Hirayama, new guest curator for the Library, has created a series of programs, “Serious Play,” which invite us to consider the role of play in collaboration. “Play is such a powerful force for helping us stay curious and keep our imaginations… Continue reading
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Why Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Tessa Hulls Loves the Library
“I am an artist, writer and adventurer, and the library is one of my favorite places in the world,” said Tessa Hulls while at the International District-Chinatown Branch recently. You might know Tessa as the (sometimes) Seattle-based author and illustrator of the graphic memoir, “Feeding Ghosts,” which was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Memoir/Autobiography earlier… Continue reading
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A Commitment to Expand Access and Empower Immigrants and Refugees
There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.” – Andrew Carnegie Libraries are essential to an educated, democratic society. Andrew Carnegie recognized that fact in the early 20th century. He funded the establishment… Continue reading
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Fall 2025 Author and Arts Events at the Library
When is the Library a comedy club? On Wednesday, Sept. 24, when guest curator Amy Hirayama kicks off a series of programs titled “Serious Play,” with a night of comedy gold from local comedians. This fall you can also explore the myth of bringing your authentic self to work with viral Ted Talk speaker Jodi-Ann… Continue reading