December 2024 Author Readings and Community Events with The Seattle Public Library
release date: December 2, 2024
The Seattle Public Library’s December arts and author events calendar include a thought-provoking history lecture on the continued relevance of Reconstruction, a program curated by writer Angela Garbes about orca whales and female middle age, and an after-hours horror event on Friday, Dec. 13.
All Library events are free and open to the public. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar. Many of these events are supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation.
AUTHOR AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Artist in Residence Exhibit - "Central Interface" by Chi Moscou-Jackson. Through January 2025. Central Library, Level 8 Gallery. "Central Interface" is a collection of site-specific artworks that embody Chi Moscou-Jackson’s expansion of his artistic practice and new experimentation with digital and analog works created during his time as our Artist in Residence in 2023-2024. Registration is not required.
- The Bullitt Lecture in American History presents Dr. Manisha Sinha, author of "The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic.” Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Acclaimed historian Manisha Sinha expands our view of Reconstruction and the rise and fall of what she calls the "Second American Republic." Ultimately, her book shows how the great contest of that age is also the great contest of our age ― and serves as a necessary reminder of how young and fragile our democracy truly is. For a preview of Sinha’s talk, see our Q&A with the historian. Registration is required.
- Bruce Fulton discusses “The Penguin Book of Korean Short Stories.” Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library, Auditorium. This eclectic, moving collection is the essential introduction to Korean literature, curated and translated by Bruce Fulton, a local editor/translator. Registration is required.
- Ladies Musical Club Concert. Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 12 to 1 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Join us for a Ladies Musical Club concert featuring music for the holidays. Registration is not required.
- “Midlife: Private Parts In Public” with Dr. Deborah Giles, Putsata Reang, and Laura Da’ Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Guest curator Angela Garbes’s series about female middle age continues with a conversation about what we might learn from orca whales about perimenopausal and postmenopausal sexuality. Registration is not required.
- Our New Horror Section . . . It's Alive! Friday, Dec. 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 3 - Living Room. Celebrate the launch of our new horror section at the Central Library with readings, displays, crafts and conversation featuring Sadie “Mother Horror” Hartmann and Tara Campbell. Registration is required.
- Holiday Harps at the Broadview Branch. Saturday, Dec. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Broadview Branch. All ages are welcome to join us for ten harps playing all of your holiday favorites! Registration is not required.
- Artist in Residence Open Studio Hours: Vaquero Azul. Dec. 16, 17, 18 and 19, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 8 – Gallery. Engage with the Library’s artist in residence, and ask questions about his design process, and about LGBTQ2IA+ design choices in the folklorico garment. Registration is required.
WRITING EVENTS AND BOOK CLUBS
- Writers Read. Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Columbia Branch meeting room. Join us for a monthly reading series with the African American Writers’ Alliance featuring an open mic and selected author readings from local writers. Registration is required.
- It's About Time Writers Reading Series. Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ballard Branch Meeting Room. It's About Time Writers Reading Series features author readings and open mics. Registration is not required.
- El Club Latino. Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library Level 8 - Meeting Únase al Club de Lectura de la Biblioteca Central. El libro de este mes es: "Esperanza renace" de Pam Muñoz Ryan. No se requiere inscripción.
- Poetry Potluck @ Ballard Branch. Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ballard Branch Meeting Room. Join our informal gathering to read aloud and listen to poems by writers throughout the world and across time. 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. Find more events at www.spl.org/Calendar.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.