Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 1d

Books Unbanned was created in response to a record number of attempts to censor books, especially books for young people.

Our Books Unbanned program is made possible by @supportspl.bsky.social donors. Learn more about our program and how you can support it at www.spl.org/BooksUnbanned

2 8

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 1d

During #BannedBooksWeek, we're proud to share the collective impact of Books Unbanned.

Alongside five other library systems, we've provided free e-cards to teens across the country so they can read what they like from our digital collection.

1 9 30

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 23d

Tessa Hulls is a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novelist and patron of the International District-Chinatown Branch!

For Library Card Sign-up Month, Tessa shares how trips to the library helped her write "Feeding Ghosts," and why she's proud to call IDC one of her "home" branches.

2 12

Reposted by Seattle Public Library

Clarion West @clarionwest.bsky.social · 23d

On October 16: Hole in the Sky: A Deep Dives Conversation with @danielhwilsonpdx.bsky.social and @nisishawl.bsky.social to discuss science-fiction author and roboticist Daniel H. Wilson’s new novel Hole in the Sky.

At @spl.org: Free tickets are supported by the 4Culture Public Access Grant!

Abstract background with photos of authors Daniel H. Wilson and Nisi Shawl and moderator Alan Boyle.

Text reads: Hole In The Sky, A Conversation with Daniel H. Wilson and Nisi Shawl, Moderated by Alan Boyle. October 16, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Seattle Central Library.

1 3 3

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 27d

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and you don't have to get a tattoo of the Central Library to celebrate.

(Though we ❤️ this ink by SPL patrons Alex H. and Jazmine S.!)

Just sign up for a Library card, or encourage your friends and family to get one!

Two SPL patrons show off tattoos on their arms. The tattoos depict the exterior of the Seattle Central Library.

3 7 34

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Sep 2

Whether you need a good book, a place to hang out, help with your resume, or a way to get involved in your community, the Library is here for you.

Happy Library Card Sign-up Month!

www.spl.org/HereForYou

3 21

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Sep 2

Way to go! You've earned your Self-Indulgence Sept!

1 1

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Aug 26

How do you feel about The Seattle Public Library’s spaces, collections, programs, and services? Take our brief survey and let us know: www.spl.org/CommunitySurvey

The survey closes at 5 p.m. on September 24. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous.

Image: Take our brief survey and let us know: www.spl.org/CommunitySurvey

8 10

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Aug 18

We're obsessed with you too! See ya tomorrow

1 1

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Aug 14

🎉 Join us to celebrate the opening of Rooted & Rising!

📅 Sunday, August 17, 2 - 4 p.m.
📍 The Central Library, in the Auditorium on Level 1

Learn more: www.spl.org/event-calend...

3

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Aug 14

Rooted & Rising is the new exhibit at the Central Library.

In The Seattle Medium, curator Imani Sims says it is "a retrospective of the African American [Collection] ... in conversation with Afrofuturist Tarot through the lens of Seattle-based Black artists.”

seattlemedium.com/african-amer...

New Library Exhibit Connects Seattle’s Black History With The Voices Of Today

Discover the rich Black history of Seattle through the 'Rooted & Rising' exhibit at the Seattle Public Library. Explore art, storytelling, and a unique archive.

seattlemedium.com

1 2 9

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Aug 7

@isabelcanas.bsky.social discusses "The Possession of Alba Díaz" (level 3 spice level) at the Central Library on Aug. 19: www.spl.org/event-calend...

Katie Campbell, KUOW @katiecampbell.bsky.social · Aug 6

I talked to Seattle horror author Isabel Cañas for @kuow.org's Meet Me Here, and she shared this advice for new horror readers: Don't start with the scariest stuff out there (like @sgj.bsky.social, who gets a level 5 from me)! Here's a menu of books with varying degrees of spooky spice 👻

The five spice levels of horror, according to KUOW's Katie Campbell

Horror fan and KUOW Book Club curator Katie Campbell recommends horror novels at five levels of spooky spice.

www.kuow.org

1 5

Reposted by Seattle Public Library

Katie Campbell, KUOW @katiecampbell.bsky.social · Aug 5

The @kuow.org Book Club and @spl.org summer series concludes this month with Lynda Mapes' new book “The Trees are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forests” 🌲 Get the reading schedule + RSVP for our live conversation at the Seattle Central Library on August 27 👇

Summer book club concludes with reflection on irreplaceable old-growth forests

The KUOW Book Club and Seattle Public Library are continuing our summer reading series this month with Lynda V. Mapes' latest work, "The Trees Are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forests."

www.kuow.org

1 4

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Aug 5

🐺 @sadiehartmann.bsky.social shares dark fiction picks in “Feral and Hysterical: Mother Horror’s Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women.”

📅 Tuesday, August 26, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 The Central Library
🧟‍♀️ With @izzyvonghoul.bsky.social

Register: www.spl.org/event-calend...

Photos of Sadie "Mother Horror" Hartmann and Isabella Von Ghoul bookend the cover of “Feral and Hysterical: Mother Horror’s Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women."

2 6

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Aug 5

👻 Join us for two haunting author talks celebrating women in horror

👺 @isabelcanas.bsky.social discusses her new book, "The Possession of Alba Díaz."
📅 Tuesday, August 19, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 The Central Library
🧛‍♀️ With @sadiehartmann.bsky.social

Learn more and register: www.spl.org/event-calend...

Photos of Isabel Cañas and Sadie "Mother Horror" Hartmann bookend the cover for Cañas's new book, "The Possession of Alba Díaz"

1 3 10

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Jul 28

Thinking of catching the Ai Weiwei exhibit before it leaves @seattleartmuseum.bsky.social on Sept. 7? Here are some books to read and a film watch before, after or during a visit to see his iconic works.

blog.spl.org/2025/07/25/a...

Ai, Rebel The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei at Seattle Art Museum

Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei is on display at the Seattle Art Museum until September 7, 2025. As an artist, Ai Weiwei uses humor and provocation across artistic mediums, prompting v…

blog.spl.org

2 7

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Jul 23

Head to the Central Library on Wednesday, July 30 for an amazing conversation between @kuow.org's @katiecampbell.bsky.social and author Kim Fu, whose book of short stories "Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century" is KUOW's July Book Club pick!

Find out more here: www.spl.org/event-calend...

1 10

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Jul 16

Our Shelf Talk blog has started a new chapter! We’ve redesigned the blog to be more accessible and easier to explore.

Check out the blog for book recommendations from our librarians, stories about our patrons and programs, and updates on all things SPL. Visit blog.spl.org.

Text reads: Check out our redesigned Shelf Talk Blog
blog.spl.org

6

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Jul 11

Thanks for adding us! Great list!

3

Reposted by Seattle Public Library

Katie Campbell, KUOW @katiecampbell.bsky.social · Jul 3

The @kuow.org Book Club and @spl.org summer series continues this month with Kim Fu's "Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century" 🎉 Check out the reading schedule and sign up for the Book Club newsletter 👇

Summer book club continues with an imaginative collection of speculative fiction

The KUOW Book Club and Seattle Public Library are continuing our summer reading series this month with "Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century" by Kim Fu.

www.kuow.org

1 5

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Jul 7

The Circle Up! Listen to the Moment exhibit features oral histories from Black Restorative Justice practitioners and Circle-keepers in Seattle—leaders who have fought to create healing-centered schools.

📍 The Central Library
🗓️ Through July 31
🎧 Bring headphones!

Learn more at www.spl.org/Exhibits

1 2 6

Reposted by Seattle Public Library

Clarion West @clarionwest.bsky.social · Jun 10

We're excited to join in two upcoming events celebrating Octavia E. Butler!

June 22 we're joining Langston Seattle and @spl.org for a Birthday Bash Celebration

June 23 at Third Place Commons for a special panel discussion with @nisishawl.bsky.social, Kathleen Alcala, and Caren Gussof!

Photo of Octavia Butler wearing glasses and a brightly colored jacket with leaves in the background. Text over image: Sun. Jun. 22nd at 12PM Octavia E. Butler Birthday Bash Presented with Seattle Public Library. ft. Hip hop artist Gabriel Teodros, writer JusMoni, and youth rapper Zaina the Phenom. Langston 104 1th Avenue S. Seattle, WA 98144

2 12 27

Reposted by Seattle Public Library

The Seattle Public Library Foundation @supportspl.bsky.social · Jun 10

We are grateful for @carnegiecorp.bsky.social's commitment of a new major grant to expand @spl.org's programs that empower immigrants and refugees. Carnegie's return to funding public libraries is vital for our community and people across the country.

Read more: www.spl.org/about-us/new...

The Seattle Public Library to Receive $450K Carnegie Grant to Expand English Language Learning Programs

www.spl.org

3 13

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Jun 9

SO MANY great #BookBingoNW2025 suggestions from @thestranger.com!

Summer Book Bingo truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

www.thestranger.com/books/2025/0...

The Stranger's Summer Book Bingo Guide

The Seattle Public Library’s Summer Book Bingo, which runs from May to September, is my Super Bowl. Each year, the library announces a new bingo card with different reading prompts on the squares, and...

www.thestranger.com

1 6

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · Jun 6

🏳‍🌈 Happy Pride, Seattle!

This Pride Month, check out our collections and resources for LGBTQ+ patrons and allies.

👩‍🎨 And download our coloring sheets for a fun Pride activity

Learn more at www.spl.org/Pride

Text reads: Happy Pride. The image shows two coloring sheets that are themed for Pride Month.

2 14