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.
2017 Seattle Reads - Main Event with Angela Flournoy
Listen in to our 2017 Seattle Reads - Main Event as Angela Flournoy reads from "The Turner House" and takes audience questions. Northwest Tap Connection and the African-American Writers Alliance perform dance and poetry inspired by the novel. -- Love, sacrifice, pride, and unlikely inheritances; "The Turner House" is a compelling consideration of the price we pay for our dreams, and the ways in which our families bring us home. Recorded on May 11, 2017.
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(01:01:16)
| View transcription (pdf)
2017 Seattle Reads: Meet Angela Flournoy at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
Join the conversation about this year's Seattle Reads selection, "The Turner House," at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Author Angela Flournoy will be in conversation with visual artist Inye Wokoma that is moderated by Vivian Phillips. Recorded on May 10, 2017.
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(00:55:44)
| View transcription (pdf)
Annie Proulx reads from 'Barkskins'
Pulitzer-prize winning writer Annie Proulx will be presented the 2016 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award and read from her latest novel, "Barkskins." Recorded on May 5, 2017.
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(00:43:18)
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Christopher de Bellaigue discusses The Islamic Enlightenment
Christopher de Bellaigue presents a ground-breaking history of the political and social reformations of Islam across the Muslim world, told through the forgotten and inspiring stories of philosophers, journalists, and feminists. Recorded on May 3, 2017.
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(01:08:05)
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Nicholas Reynolds and Feliks Banel discuss Writer, Sailor, Soldier, Spy
Reynolds's deeply researched and captivating narrative, "Writer, Sailor, Soldier, Spy," reveals his discoveries of Ernest Hemingway's involvement in twentieth-century spycraft and the links between his work as an operative and an author, bringing to light the whole story of this hidden side of Hemingway's life. Recorded on May 2, 2017.
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(00:59:25)
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Residential Architecture in Seattle and Environs, 1880-2000 - Part 2
Professor & architectural historian Jeffrey Karl Ochsner gives an overview of Seattle's single-family residential architecture from the early years of the city to the 21st century. This is part 2 of 2 podcasts. Recorded on April 29, 2017.
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(01:01:10)
| View transcription (pdf)
Residential Architecture in Seattle and Environs, 1880-2000 - Part 1
Professor & architectural historian Jeffrey Karl Ochsner gives an overview of Seattle's single-family residential architecture from the early years of the city to the 21st century. This is part 1 of 2 podcasts. Recorded on April 29, 2017.
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(00:52:33)
| View transcription (pdf)
Vaddey Ratner discusses Music of the Ghosts
Vaddey Ratner discusses her novel, "Music of the Ghosts," the story of one woman's return to Cambodia as she confronts her past. Recorded on April 24, 2017.
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(01:02:14)
| View transcription (pdf)
Jessamyn Stanley and Nicole Tsong discuss Every Body Yoga
Listen to internationally recognized yoga teacher and Instagram star Jessamyn Stanley discuss her body-positive approach to yoga with local writer and yoga teacher Nicole Tsong. Recorded on April 21, 2017.
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(00:50:11)
| View transcription (pdf)
Ava DuVernay's 13th Film Screening
Listen to an exciting panel discussion on criminal justice reform and over-incarceration that followed the screening of the film. Panelists include: Dominique Davis, co-founder and CEO of Community Passageways and Jerrell Davis, educator, artist, and community activist from South Seattle. Recorded on April 13, 2017.
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(00:37:15)
| View transcription (pdf)