Apply to Be a Writers’ Room Resident at the Central Library by Dec. 22
release date: December 5, 2023
Ever dream of working on your writing project in the stacks of The Seattle Public Library’s iconic Central Library? Make it a a reality through the Library’s Eulalie and Carlo Scandiuzzi Writers' Room Residency program.
Each year, the Library chooses writers to become residents of the Writers’ Room, offering a space for writers on Level 9 of the Central Library to work on their projects and to access Library resources. Apply by Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 to become a resident next year.
The residency is intended to help individual writers with their projects while fostering a supportive writing community. In 2023, the program hosted 31 residents writing in a variety of fields and genres. The 2023 residents have noted many benefits of using the Writers’ Room, from having a dedicated writing space in a beautiful setting overlooking downtown Seattle to the proximity to reference librarians, Special Collections and other Library resources.
Resident Morgan Richter reported using “the Writers’ Room to power my way through a long and ridiculously messy first draft of my second book” as part of a two-book deal she secured with Knopf Doubleday.
Resident Amontaine Aurore wrote, “The vast resources of the Library have been a boon for my research needs. … It has been a wonderfully productive year for my novel.”
You can hear Aurore, Richter and other residents read at a special Writers’ Room Showcase on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Central Library; more information is below.
HOW TO APPLY TO BE A WRITERS’ ROOM RESIDENT
Applications for the 2024 Writers’ Room cohort will close December 22, 2023. Apply by filling out an online form on our website. There is no fee to apply. Those accepted into the program in 2024 will have access to the room during the Library’s open hours through December 20, 2024. Residents commit to using the space several days per month.
The Library looks for applicants who:
- are currently pursuing a defined writing project;
- plan to use collections, reference and research assistance, and/or other resources available at the Central Library in support of their work;
- connect with the goals of the residency to build a supportive writing community;
- and can benefit from access to the Writers’ Room specifically with any challenges they face with working on their writing project.
ABOUT THE WRITERS’ ROOM
The Eulalie and Carlo Scandiuzzi Writers’ Room is a beautiful, contemporary, light-filled space on Level 9 of the Central Library, with large windows looking southwest. There are six writing desks, each with an adjustable chair, light and outlet. Writers are free to use any open desk during a visit, and they can use the Writers’ Room during the Library’s open hours. Access to the room is via key code, and is available only to the residents selected.
WRITERS IN RESIDENCE SHOWCASE
Join us for a showcase of this year’s Writers in Residence, whose term is just ending, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Central Library’s Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. Several writers will read brief selections of work they created while using the Eulalie and Carlo Scandiuzzi Writers' Room, including Amontaine Aurore, Kitty Caveat, Frances James Dinger, Diane Easley, Danielle Hayden, Greg Jensen, Matthew Kangas, Kelley J. Leigh, David Lewis, Arendse Lund, Rebecca F. Reuter, Morgan Richter and Miriam Tobin. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is not required.
MORE INFORMATION
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.