Communications
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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
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Seattle Public Library Resources for a Great School Year
Whether or not you or someone in your family is starting school this fall, there’s something about September that promises a fresh start. It’s a great time to grab some school supplies and write a new script for yourself. Your local library can help! Here are some of our favorite library resources for channeling back-to-school… Continue reading
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27 Libraries, 27 Postcards
Want an excuse to get to know your neighborhood libraries better? Or perhaps you need a cool library-themed bookmark as you sink into fall reading? In honor of Library Card Sign-Up Month (September), The Seattle Public Library is inviting Seattle residents to learn about their neighborhood libraries and how they’re here for you through a… Continue reading
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The Library’s 2024 Impact, in Numbers and Stories
In 2024, The Seattle Public Library received more than 2.9 million visits to its 27 locations; 300,000 patrons used their Library card, either online or in person; 10.8 million materials were checked out, with digital materials again proving more popular. These are just a few highlights of the Library’s 2024 Impact Report, an annual accounting… Continue reading
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The Seattle Public Library Wants to Hear from You!
How do you feel about The Seattle Public Library’s spaces, collections, programs, and services? Take our brief survey and let us know! Not a Library user? We want to hear from you, too! The Seattle Public Library is conducting a survey from Monday, August 25 through Wednesday, Sept. 24 to hear from the community, including… Continue reading
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Why Old Trees Matter: A Conversation with Lynda Mapes
As August draws to a close, our summer book club series with KUOW is wrapping up with a topic relevant to any northwesterner: the connections between trees, salmon, and Indigenous knowledge. On Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m., Lynda Mapes will be at the Central Library auditorium to talk about her recent book, “The Trees… Continue reading
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Q&A with Vaquero Azul, SPL Artist in Residence | Preguntas y respuestas con Vaquero Azul, artista en residencia de SPL
Shelf Talk recently caught up with SPL Artist in Residence, Vaquero Azul – read on to learn about their art practice, inspiration, and an upcoming public workshop at the Library! [Para leer en español, consulte a continuación.] SPL: How would you describe the work you create? VQ: I would describe it as the years of… Continue reading
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U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal Gets an Inside Look at University Branch Renovations
In our blog post last May, we announced that construction had begun at The Seattle Public Library’s University Branch, which is undergoing major renovations to improve the safety, accessibility and usability of the branch while reducing our carbon footprint. On August 11, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) joined Chief Librarian Tom Fay; The Seattle Public… Continue reading
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“Rooted & Rising” Explores the Stories of the African American Collection
A new exhibit at The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library’s Level 8 gallery features artwork inspired by archival materials from the Douglass-Truth Branch’s African American collection. “Rooted & Rising: Stories from the African American Archive” is curated by local interdisciplinary artist Imani Sims of Vivid Matter Collective. Sims brings a personal and innovative lens to the… Continue reading
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The Young Adult Resource Fair (YARF) Brought All the Things
Books, bánh mì, banking, pet care, health care, haircuts, job resources, legal resources, ID cards, tarot cards, clothes, compassion, community. All of these resources and more were in abundance at The Seattle Public Library’s second annual Young Adult Resource Fair (aka YARF) on Wednesday, July 30, at the Central Library. Between 150 and 200 young… Continue reading
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‘My One Happy Place’: The Library That Saved a Life
When Elsa Sjunneson was a teenager, she regularly visited the Central Library. She picked up holds, browsed the stacks, and talked about books with Reader Services librarians David Wright and Misha Stone. In some ways, these were fairly normal interactions between a librarian and patron. After all, helping patrons find books they love is part… Continue reading
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Silent Reading Party, a New Exhibit, and More August 2025 Arts Events
Is a silent reading party the ideal event for an introvert? Find out this Saturday, Aug. 9, at a fun program at the Seattle Center, which includes book swap opps and Book Bingo tips. Other not-to-miss late summer events include the final program in our KUOW Book Club series, an exhibit celebrating the African American… Continue reading
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Magic, Music, Movies: Late-Summer Library Programs for Kids
Looking for things to do with the kids in August? Our libraries are hosting dozens of Summer of Learning and other programs for kids and families, from magic shows to music and dance workshops to end-of-summer celebrations. All Library events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required unless noted. Find information… Continue reading
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You Can Do It! Book Bingo Tips and Recs for the Final Stretch
It’s almost August – how’s your Book Bingo card coming along? If you need inspiration and recommendations for filling up those final (or first!) squares, we’ve got you. We asked a few veteran Book Bingo players for their favorite reads, and how they keep Book Bingo motivation strong through August. Tips included poetry, sticky notes,… Continue reading
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Museum Pass Expands, Adding Two Sites
The Library’s Museum Pass program is expanding! Museum Pass offers Library cardholders free admission to participating museums and cultural organizations. As of last week, Seattle Parks and Recreation has joined Museum Pass to provide free admission to the Seattle Japanese Garden, located in the Washington Park Arboretum, and the Volunteer Park Conservatory. The passes are… Continue reading