The Seattle Public Library

Our 2026 Seattle Reads book is "True Biz" by Sara Nović, who will visit Seattle on Sept. 25-26!

She recently discussed "True Biz" and Seattle Reads with The Seattle Times. Read the full Q&A (reprinted on our blog with permission) at https://blog.spl.org/2026/09/21/ahead-of-her-seattle-reads-events-author-sara-novic-talks-true-biz/. Also, congrats to Sara for being named a finalist for the National Book Award for her latest book "Mother Tongue", a current Peak Pick!

Thanks to our Seattle Reads partner Deaf Spotlight. Sponsored by donors of The Seattle Public Library Foundation and The Wallace Foundation. Additional media support provided by The Seattle Times.

Free and reduced access is supported by 4Culture.

Our system upgrade was successful, and most services are now available!

📲 Use the SPL Mobile App to place physical holds, search the catalog, check out items, and manage your account
🤳Borrow e-books and e-audiobooks on Libby
💁‍♂️💁‍♀️ Staff can also assist with holds, searches, checkouts, and accounts

We will continue to update you at www.spl.org/Update until all services are restored in early October.

📑 Join us for an end-of-life planning workshop with consultants from Known Wishes

In "The Secrets of Dying Well," you'll learn tips that empower you to make informed decisions, reduce stress for caregivers, and ensure your values are honored with dignity and compassion.

📆 Tuesday, September 22, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
📍In-person at the Central Library or online

Learn more about the workshop, and register if you'd like to attend online, at https://www.spl.org/event-calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D206415435

🧬Two all-day genealogy seminars 🔍 With CeCe Moore - Genetic Genealogist Oct. 3

We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of our Genealogy Collection with two day-long seminars featuring genealogy experts! Learn more and register at https://www.spl.org/event-calendar?trumbaEmbed=calendar%3Dkalendaro%26search%3D100th%20anniversary%20of%20the%20genealogy%20collection

🪾Roots, Routes & Revolution: Discovering the Stories of Our Ancestors
📆 Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join us for a special all-day seminar exploring the past, present, and future of family history. Genealogy experts will share insights into the evolving practice of genealogy, the experiences of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War, the journeys of Irish immigrants and their families across America, and much more.

🕵️‍♀️ The DNA Detective: A Day with CeCe Moore
📆 Saturday, Oct. 3, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join genetic genealogy expert CeCe Moore, from PBS's "Finding Your Roots" with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., to explore the many ways DNA and genealogy can uncover answers once thought impossible to find. Moore will share stories of solving family mysteries, adoption cases, and cold cases — including some with Pacific Northwest ties.

Both events at the Central Library, 1000 4th Ave.

These events celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Genealogy Collection, honoring a century of helping generations of researchers discover, preserve, and share the stories of the people who came before us.

The Seattle edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF International) kicks off at the Central Library! Yann Martel, bestselling author of “Life of Pi,” will give the keynote address on “Why Stories and Imagination Matter more in Uncertain Times.”

📆 Friday, September 18, 7 p.m.
📍Central Library, 1000 4th Ave.

Registration is required. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jlf-seattle-2026-at-the-seattle-public-library-tickets-1993913223125?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thanks to our sponsors The Seattle Public Library Foundation and The Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and media sponsor The Seattle Times

Free and reduced access supported by 4Culture

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 12 as award-winning author Evelyn Iritani and writer Mayumi Tsutakawa discuss "Safe Passage: The Untold Story of Diplomatic Intrigue, Betrayal, and the Exchange of American and Japanese Civilians in WWII."

The book details the secret negotiations between the U.S. and Japan during WWII to rescue civilians caught in enemy territory, and the hidden cost of wartime mercy with disturbing parallels to the present.

📆Saturday, September 12 at 2 p.m.
📍Central Library, 1000 4th Ave.

Learn more: https://www.spl.org/event-calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D206606454

✅ Your to-do list before planned service disruptions start Sept. 6 ✅

We are doing a major IT system upgrade in September! Several of our services will be offline from 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 through Wednesday, Sept. 16. During this period, you will not be able to access your account or place holds on physical materials. Physical book checkouts will require staff assistance.

Here are four easy things you can do now to get ready.
🪪 Bring your library card to borrow physical books from Sept. 8 through Sept. 15
📚 Hold on to your returns until October. We've extended due dates!
🤳 Download and log into the SPL mobile app, Libby, and other digital services by Sept. 6 (use the app to save your library card to your phone's digital wallet too!)
🔖 Bookmark www.spl.org/Update to see updates about service availability until all our services are back to normal

Thanks for your patience and understanding during this major system upgrade! We hope to see you in person at any of our locations, where you will find books and programs, computers and Wi-Fi, and our staff ready to help you.

Do you know these books by heart (or could you write one on your own)? We’re looking for a Content Strategist to join our team. This is a temporary role. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. Learn more about the role and apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/jobs/5459013/content-strategist