January 2023 Author Readings and Community Events With The Seattle Public Library
release date: December 21, 2022
Need something to look forward to after the holidays? The Seattle Public Library’s author programs and community events in January 2023 include a Lunar New Year celebration, the Seattle Times’ annual Pictures of the Year event, and author events highlighting Lynda Mapes’ award-winning book about orcas and a picture book about Pacific Science Center architect Minoru Yamasaki.
We’re also closing out 2022 with a hands-on event about owls at the South Park Branch and a movie at the Central Library.
Many of these events require registration. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar. All Library events are free and open to the public.
Important note: Today, Dec. 21, Library hours have been impacted by inclement weather. Check www.spl.org/Today for information on adjusted schedules. Also, all locations of The Seattle Public Library will be closed on closed on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24 and Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25.
EVENTS SCHEDULE
- Animal Introduction: Owls / Introducción a los animales: Búhos. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28. South Park Branch. Join Seattle community naturalist Nicolasa Hernandez to learn about owls — be ready to dissect owl pellets and find out what’s in an owl’s diet! For families and children ages 5 and older, this event will be offered in English and Spanish.
- Monthly Movie at the Central Library: Jingle Bell Rocks! From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, Central Library, Howard S. Wright Family & Janet W. Ketcham Meeting Room. This monthly afternoon film series features compelling and entertaining documentaries from diverse American and global perspectives.
- Ladies' Musical Club Concert. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 8, West Seattle Branch. Join us for the monthly Ladies Musical Club Concert featuring Trios by Piazzola de Falla and Turina.
- Ladies' Musical Club Concert. From noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Join us for the monthly Ladies Musical Club Concert featuring “The Human Voice,” a one-act opera by Poulenc.
- Lynda V. Mapes Discusses “Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home.” 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Lynda Mapes, Seattle Times reporter and author of the 2022 Washington State Book Award-winning book “Orca,” will share the history and future of southern resident orcas in Puget Sound. This event is part of a series celebrating the winners of the 2022 Washington State Book Awards. The book awards are presented by The Seattle Public Library in partnership with the Washington Center for the Book.
- Lunar New Year Celebration Show | 年农历春节联欢会. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, Central Library. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with Chinese dance, music, and a variety of performing arts, including a costume showcase, an accordion duet, martial arts demonstration and ensemble choir presentation. Co-presented by Seattle Sunshine Performing Arts Group and Huayin Performing Arts Group, registration is not required for this event.
- Gabrielle Bates discusses "Judas Goat." 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21. The Royal Room, Seattle. This evening will showcase an abundant range of Seattle-area poets and culminating with a reading by Bates, award-winning author of the debut collection “Judas Goat.” Co-sponsored with Open Books: A Poem Emporium and Tin House Books. Registration is required and tickets are available for $0 to $15.
- The Seattle Times Presents: Pictures of the Year 2022. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, online. In an annual event presented by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the award-winning staff from The Seattle Times will present photographs and videos from 2022 and discuss the stories and techniques behind them. Thanks to the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation and The Seattle Times for supporting the Library's Authors and Events series.
- Katie Yamasaki Discusses "Shapes, Lines and Light: My Grandfather’s American Journey." 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Katie Yamasaki, muralist and picture book author, wrote “Shapes, Lines and Light” to celebrate the life of her grandfather, the acclaimed Japanese American architect Minoru Yamasaki, who designed Pacific Science Center. The event is presented in partnership with Densho and Elliott Bay Book Company, and is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation and author series sponsors the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Mask use is strongly encouraged and additional safety precautions are in place: Library staff are fully vaccinated, the Library offers free masks and hand sanitizer to patrons at sanitation stations, and all Library locations have high-quality ventilation and air filtration.
MORE INFORMATION
Find more events at www.spl.org/Calendar, and more ideas on what to do with the Library in our article on “50 Free Things to Do Through The Seattle Public Library,” at www.spl.org/50things.
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.
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.