Each year the Library hosts readings, lectures, and discussions by authors and other public figures. You may watch video recordings of recent programs on our YouTube channel. Our archive of audio recordings goes back more than 10 years and includes thousands of memorable Library events.
John Freeman and Natalie Diaz
Join us to hear literary editor and poet John Freeman (Maps) and Mojave poet and former professional athlete Natalie Diaz (When My Brother Was an Aztec) read poetry and discuss inequality and invisibility.
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(01:23:30)
| View transcription (pdf)
Artist Talk with Juan Alonso-Rodriguez
Join a special artist talk with Seattle-based Cuban artist Juan Alonso-Rodríguez.
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(01:30:58)
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2017 Jack Straw Writers Program
Enjoy an afternoon of readings from the writers who were selected for this year's prestigious Jack Straw Writers Program, hosted by curator Jourdan Imani Keith.
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Run time unavailable
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Richard Rothstein discusses "The Color of the Law"
Join us to hear National Book Award finalist Rothstein discuss the laws and policies that promoted racial segregation in the past, and the discriminatory patterns that continue even today.
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(01:13:47)
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Claire Messud discusses "The Burning Girl"
New York Times best-selling author Claire Messud will discuss her new novel, a coming-of-age story about best friends Julia and Cassie.
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(00:58:08)
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A Panel on "Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name"
Join us for a discussion of Chief Seattle and his times. Panelists include Duwamish Tribal Chairperson Cecile Hansen, historian David Buerge, linguist Nile Thompson, and moderator David Brewster. Recorded on Nov. 8, 2017.
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(01:03:36)
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Artist Talk: Ira Block & Cuban Baseball
A special artist talk with renowned photojournalist Ira Block.
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(00:57:22)
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Mayoral Forum
The Mayoral Candidates answer questions about current issues and challenges facing our city, including those related to The Seattle Public Library.
Listen to Audio
(01:24:42)
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Sasha Polakow-Suransky with Cyrus Habib
Join us to hear Sasha Polakow-Suransky and Lt. Governor Habib discuss how once marginal views on immigration have flourished to reshape the political landscape.
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(01:04:06)
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Calvin Gimpelevich and Friends: 'Trans Writers'
Join us for a reading of original work by Genesis Ellis, Susan Brittain, and Calvin Gimpelevich; three trans/genderqueer authors who are immigrants or first-generation Americans.
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(00:51:16)
| View transcription (pdf)