Staff Favorites

  • Staff Faves 2021: Teen Books

    Here are ten books for teens that our staff loved in 2021! Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley “Daunis, who is part Ojibwe, defers attending the University of Michigan to care for her mother and reluctantly becomes involved in the investigation of a series of drug-related deaths.” — NoveList Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi “Ji-young Baek,… Continue reading

  • Seattle Staff Faves 2021: Fiction

    We asked staff across the system to tell us their favorite novels published in 2021, and what a list we made together! Here are 10 of the 53 books recommended by your library staff, along with a link to the full list for your reading pleasure. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers “Hugo… Continue reading

  • Seattle Staff Faves 2021: Books for Kids

    We asked our staff across the system for their favorite picture books and chapter books published this past year — and what a tremendous response we had! Here is a sampling of staff faves, with a link at the end to 38 books for the  young readers in  your life. Book descriptions provided either by… Continue reading

  • Seattle Staff Faves 2021: Nonfiction

    We asked our staff across the city for their favorite nonfiction books published in 2021 — and what a great list we created together! Here’s a tease of some excellent nonfiction for adults, with a link at the end to the full list of 29 recommendations from your library staff. A Little Devil in America:… Continue reading

  • What We’re Reading: Staff Suggestions

    As you might guess, many library staff are big readers. Here is a selection of what some of us are reading and enjoying these days, and why. Find a longer list of staff favorites in our catalog. Continue reading

  • Anticipation: New books in 2015

      by Andrea G. We’re a month into the new year and SPL staff are getting excited about new books slated to come out in 2015. Here are a few we’re particularly looking forward to: Foxglove Summer by Ben Aaronovitch An intrepid hero, clever mysteries, entertaining villains, and some wizardry – this fifth book in the… Continue reading

  • Seattle Public Library’s Favorite Picture Books of 2014

    Posted by Erin M. Can we all take a moment to celebrate the magic of a picture book? I am constantly amazed by the artistic and literary talent brought out in what is perhaps my favorite book format. The interplay between illustrations and prose found in a great picture book creates a special impact found… Continue reading

  • Staff favorites: books with attitude

    Posted by Jen B. The 2014 Spring/Summer edition of Staff Favorites is now available! Here, in their own words, Library staff members talk about why they love books with attitude. The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey Ever wonder where the colloquial term “monkey wrench” comes from? Abbey’s zany characters show us how to sabotage… Continue reading

  • Staff favorites: fantasy

    Posted by Jen B. The 2014 Spring/Summer edition of Staff Favorites is now available! Here, in their own words, Library staff members share some great fantasy fiction for your summer reading list. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker A doctoral candidate on the verge of ditching her thesis takes a… Continue reading

  • Staff favorites: literary fiction

    Posted by Jen B. The 2014 Summer edition of Staff Favorites is now available at our favorite branch! Here, in their own words, Library staff members share some great literary fiction for your summer reading list. The Plague by Albert Camus The plague is quiet. Is there misguided hope that there is some civility in… Continue reading

  • Staff favorites: Mysteries

    Posted by Jen B. The 2014 spring/summer edition of Staff Favorites is now available in library branches near you! We’ve included a few tantalizing titles to whet your appetite for more. Here, in their own words, Library staff members share some great mysteries to add to your summer reading list. The Sweetness at the Bottom… Continue reading

  • Mystery: Thanks to Dick Francis’s son, Sid Halley keeps going

    Dick Francis’s Refusal by Felix Francis Francis takes one of his father’s best characters and sets him against a man who is determined to undermine British horse racing. Sid Halley is able to turn the tables on his adversary and come out the winner. Francis writes a fast-paced novel in his dad’s footsteps and leads… Continue reading

  • Science Fiction Friday: Staff Favorites

    Here are a few science fiction (and one fantasy) book recommendations from our staff: In the Garden of Iden by Kage Baker In the dystopian future, biodiversity and cultural treasures have been lost through human folly… or would be, if a shadowy entity called “The Company” was not working behind the scenes, sending immortal misfits through… Continue reading

  • Staff Favorites: 5 nonfiction books we love

    Turn Around Bright Eyes: The Rituals of Love & Karaoke by Rob Sheffield Rolling Stone editor Rob Sheffield oozes popular culture and arcane rock music trivia from every pore. But in a good way. In this memoir (his third!), he explains his addiction to singing karaoke, even though he can’t sing. He also tells endearing… Continue reading

  • Columbia Branch Staff’s Favorites

    The Columbia Branch staff put up a popular Staff Picks display throughout July to celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Program. Here are some of the books the Columbia Branch staff loved: Blankets by Craig Thompson This graphic novel tells a story of coming of age, first love and early adulthood. Thompson captures those timeless themes perfectly… Continue reading

  • Go-to read-aloud picture books

    One thing I have learned as a parent is that every family has its own sense of humor. I have also learned that some children’s books you looked forward to reading to your own children aren’t always as awesome as you remembered them. Continue reading

  • Staff favorites: Three Novels our Librarians Love

    Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks Based on the true story of Caleb Cheeshahteaumauck, who in 1665 was the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College, this luminous novel explores the intersecting lives of white settlers and Native Americans in the early years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Bethia, the outspoken daughter of a Puritan… Continue reading

  • In honor of Joanna Russ

    In honor of the recent passing of author and critic Joanna Russ, I thought I would put together a short list of just a few of my favorite feminist science fiction and fantasy stories. For those of you who are not familiar with her work, Joanna Russ was one of the most ferocious and fearless… Continue reading