Library Podcasts
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.
Quick search for podcasts
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Christopher Finan: 'From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act'
Historian and activist Christopher Finan discussed his latest book, "From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act: A History of the Fight for Free Speech in America," on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Central Library. "From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act" is an insightful history of the long struggle for free speech in America.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 40 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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The September Project 2007 featuring Greg Mortenson
Mountain climber turned humanitarian Greg Mortenson discussed his work in remote Pakistan and Afghanistan at several Seattle Public Library programs Sept. 23 - 25 as part of the Library's 2007 September Project. Mortenson's book "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time" was recently awarded the 2007 Kiriyama Prize for Nonfiction.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 72 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Lucia Perillo: 'I've Heard the Vultures Singing'
Award-winning poet Lucia Perillo read from her memoir, "I've Heard the Vultures Singing: Field Notes on Poetry, Illness, and Nature," on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Central Library. In her latest work, Perillo observes the world from her wheelchair after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in her 30s forced her to navigate the world without the use of her legs.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 43 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Gail Tsukiyama: 'The Street of a Thousand Blossoms'
Gail Tsukiyama read from her latest novel, "The Street of a Thousand Blossoms," on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Central Library. Set in Japan before, during and after World War II, "The Street of a Thousand Blossoms" tells the story of two brothers: Hiroshi, a famous sumo wrestler, and Kenji, creator of hand-carved masks used in Noh theater.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 38 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Thomas Ricks: 'Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq'
Thomas Ricks, senior Pentagon correspondent for the Washington Post, discussed "Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq," on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at the Central Library. Ricks has covered the U.S. military for the Washington Post since 2000, reporting on activities in Somalia, Haiti, Korea, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Kuwait, Turkey, Afghanistan and Iraq.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 43 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Seattle Poet Populist 'Candidates Read-Off'
The Library, City Council President Nick Licata, and Bumbershoot presented a "Candidates Read-Off" on Sunday, July 15 at the Central Library. This free event featured readings by Seattle poets who were nominated for the post of 2007-2008 Seattle Poet Populist.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 53 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Potterpalooza: All Ages Rock Roll Concert with Harry and the Potters
Harry and the Potters came to the Central Library to "Rock the Library DOWN!" The Library presented "Potterpalooza: All Ages Rock and Roll Concert with Harry and the Potters" on Friday, July 13 at the Central Library. Brothers Paul and Joe DeGeorge, of Harry and the Potters, brought their wizard-rock to the Library.
Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 71 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Thrity Umrigar: 'If Today Be Sweet'
Indian author Thrity Umrigar read from her latest novel, "If Today Be Sweet," on Sunday, July 8 at the Central Library. "If Today Be Sweet" tells the story of a widow who must decide if she should go back to India, where her fondest memories were born, or remain in Ohio with her only son and his American wife.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 33 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Marc Freedman: 'Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life'
Marc Freedman discussed "Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life" on Monday, June 25 at the Central Library. In his latest work, Freedman tells stories of members of the baby boom generation leaving careers and inventing a new phase of work.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 23 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]
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Anosh Irani: 'The Song of Kahunsha'
Anosh Irani read from his latest work, "The Song of Kahunsha" on Thursday, June 21 at the Central Library. Rich in the sights and sounds of Bombay, the book tells the story of 10-year-old Chamdi's struggle for survival on the city's dangerous streets.Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 20 MB] [Play time: 0 hr 00 min]