May 2024 Author and Community Events Feature Amy Tan, Zoe Schlanger, Satsuki Ina and more
release date: April 30, 2024
May at the Library brings events with authors Amy Tan and Zoe Schlanger, an event with Satsuki Ina about her memoir about Japanese American incarceration and resistance, a BIPOC Book Fair, and events celebrating Seattle Reads selection "Parable of the Sower."
All Library events are free and open to the public. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar.
The Library offers many other free events and workshops in May, including story times, Homework Help, one-on-one business help and special and civic and community programs.
AUTHOR AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Seattle Reads Launch Party and Panel Discussion. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 1. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Join The Seattle Public Library Foundation in kicking off Seattle Reads with a panel discussion about why Octavia Butler's classic sci-fi novel "Parable of the Sower" still resonates in 2024 and a preview of community-led programs to come. Panelists include Jazmyn Scott, executive director of ARTE NOIR; Brooke Bosley, design researcher in education technology; and Kristina Clark, owner and curator of LOVING ROOM: diaspora books + salon. Registration is required.
- Interview with Newbery Award-Winning Author Tae Keller. From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 3. Online. Join Newbery Award-winning author Tae Keller for a conversation and Q&A with librarian Erika Miller about Keller's book "Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone," which won a 2023 Washington State Book Award. Registration is required.
- "The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest." From 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Saturday, May 11. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Satsuki Ina, who was born in the Tule Lake Concentration Camp, will present her moving new memoir, "The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment and Protest" in conversation with Tom Ikeda, founding executive director of Densho. In "The Poet and the Silk Girl," Ina recovers the story of how her parents survived and resisted their incarceration in U.S. concentration camps, drawing from diary entries, heart-wrenching haiku, censored letters, government documents, and clandestine messages. Thanks to partners Densho, Heyday Books, and Elliott Bay Book Company, and sponsors The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, 4Culture and the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. Registration is required.
- Zoe Schlanger discusses "The Light Eaters." From 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 14. The Wyncote NW Forum 1119 8th Ave., Seattle. Atlantic writer Zoe Schlanger will discuss her groundbreaking new book "The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth," which reveals the astonishing capabilities of the plant world. Thanks to partners Town Hall Seattle and Elliott Bay Books. Registration is required.
- Central Library photographer Lara Swimmer presents "Reading Room." From 7 p.m. to 8:10 p.m., Wednesday, May 15. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Architectural photographer Lara Swimmer, who published a book on the Central Library's construction in 2005, will share her acclaimed new book "Reading Room: New and Reimagined Libraries of the American West." Thanks to sponsors The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation. Registration is required.
- BIPOC Book Fair. From noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way. As part of guest curator Nisi Shawl's spring series, the Library's Douglass-Truth Branch will host a BIPOC book fair featuring a wide selection of books for children of all ages; youth attendees will receive a free book of their choice, while supplies last. All books for purchase are by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) authors and feature BIPOC characters. Local BIPOC authors will appear to meet youth and sign books. Presented with the Carl Brandon Society and Mam's Books. Registration not required.
- Seattle Reads: "The Uterine Files." From May 25 to June 2. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Written by Jourdan Amani Keith and directed by Sadiqa Iman, this Afrofuturist trilogy follows three Black women through living, learning, and a remembering the war against their wombs. Tickets required; there are paid and a limited number of free community tickets available.
- Amy Tan Discusses "The Backyard Bird Chronicles." From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 29. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Renowned author Amy Tan shares stories and images from her new book, "The Backyard Bird Chronicles," a witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us that hides in plain sight. Thanks to partner Elliott Bay Book Company and sponsor The Seattle Public Library Foundation. Registration is required.
WRITING EVENTS AND BOOK CLUBS
- Seattle Reads Book Group of "Parable of the Sower." From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 2. Douglass-Truth Branch. Join a discussions of the Seattle Reads selection "Parable of the Sower," moderated by librarian Taylor Brooks. Registration requested but not required.
- Seattle Reads Book Group of "Parable of the Sower." From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7. Northgate Branch. Join a discussions of the Seattle Reads selection "Parable of the Sower," moderated by librarians Eric Grob and Misha Stone. Registration not required.
- Virtual Write With Hugo House. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 8. Online. Join us for an online writing circle for all ages and genres of writing. Facilitated by poet Jeanine Walker, this circle will focus on generative writing through poetry prompts, but it’s designed for all writers. Registration is required.
- It’s About Time Writers Reading Series. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9. Ballard Branch meeting room. Featuring readings by Mary Ellen Talley and Bethany Reid, new and experienced writers of all genres have been reading together since 1990 in this series. Registration not required.
- Low Vision Book Group. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 14. Central Library, Level 1, Room 165. Join our Low Vision Book Group for a discussion of the Seattle Reads selection Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower." Registration not required.
- Write with Hugo House: Seattle Writes. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14. Fremont Branch meeting room. A drop-in writing circle for adults of all experience levels. All genres of writing welcome. Registration not required.
- Write with Hugo House: Seattle Writes. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 16. Douglass-Truth Branch meeting room. Facilitated by Miz Portiontè Floes, this group provides a dedicated space to write and connect with fellow writers.
- El Club Latino. From 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Central Library, Level 8 meeting room. Únase al Club de Lectura de la Biblioteca Central. El libro de este mes es "Los genios" de Jaime Bayly. No se requiere inscripción. Join the Spanish book club at the Central Library; the book for this month is "Los Genios," by James Bayly. Registration not required.
- Seattle Reads Book Group of "Parable of the Sower." From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. Broadview Branch meeting room. Join a discussion of the Seattle Reads selection "Parable of the Sower," moderated by librarian Jane Singer.
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.