November 2023 Author Readings and Community Events With The Seattle Public Library
release date: November 1, 2023
Cozy up with a new fall read, then head to The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library to see the author discuss their book in person. Highlights include Bryan Washington, author of “Family Meal;” Seattle author Jonathan Evison, who will be in conversation with Seattle Times art critic Moira Macdonald; and the final program in a guest-curated series celebrating the centennial of “No-No Boy” author John Okada’s birth.
All Library events are free and open to the public; events requiring registration are noted below. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar.
The Library offers a range of other free events and workshops in November, including story times, business workshops and consults and civic and community programs.
AUTHOR OR COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Bullitt Lecture in American History: Timothy Egan: “A Fever in the Heartland.” From 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2.Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. In “A Fever in the Heartland,” award-winning journalist and author Egan shares the riveting story of the Klan’s rise to power in the 1920s, the cunning con man who drove that rise, and the woman who stopped them. Registration is required. Event partners include Elliott Bay Book Company and the event is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and media sponsor The Seattle Times. Note: This event is currently full.
- Jack Straw Writers Showcase. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4.Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. Come hear new work from the members of this year’s Jack Straw cohort of writers, curated by Priscilla Long. The Jack Straw Writers Program has included more than 250 Pacific Northwest writers representing a diverse range of literary genres. Registration is required. The event is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and media sponsor The Seattle Times.
- The Fruit Salad Show and Workshop. From 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5. Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. The Fruit Salad show is a comedy/variety show and community event that includes sketch, drag, puppetry, circus, music, and dance combined with civic engagement and community activities. This is not a kid's show but this space is intentionally "intergenerational" and features performers and writers from ages 10 to 70. A workshop on shadow puppets will follow the show.
- Ladies Musical Club Concert. From noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8. Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. This monthly concert features music for piano and cello, from Bach to the Beatles and beyond. Registration is not required.
- Bryan Washington discusses “Family Meal” With Kim Fu. From 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9.Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. Bestselling author Bryan Washington discusses his new novel, an intimate portrait of two men whose lives collide again after a loss, with Kim Fu, author of “Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century.” Washington is the winner of a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Award, among many other honors. Registration is required. Event partners include Elliott Bay Book Company, and the event is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and media sponsor The Seattle Times.
- “Finding Your Story: How to Write a Life.” From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 12. Central Library, Level 4, Room 1. You’ve got a life story to tell, but how can you turn “history” into a “story"? Come spend a couple of hours digging into your life and finding out! Writer and professor Susan V. Meyers will provide samples and exercises to help you launch your own storytelling project. Registration is not required. Event partners include 4Culture.
- Jonathan Evison discusses “Again and Again” With Moira Macdonald. From 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Monday, Nov. 13.Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. Beloved local author Jonathan Evison (“Lawn Boy” and “Small World”) will talk about his newest book, a poignant and endlessly surprising story about love lost, found and redeemed, with Seattle Times art critic Moira Macdonald. Registration is required. Event partners include Elliott Bay Book Company, and the event is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and media sponsor The Seattle Times.
- Poetry Potluck. From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15. Ballard Branch meeting room. Join our informal gathering to read aloud and listen to poems by writers throughout the world and across time. Registration is not required.
- The Postwar Seattle Chinatown of John Okada.From 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 19. Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. The final program in the John Okada centennial series, curated by Frank Abe, explores the sense of place in postwar Seattle Chinatown that imbues the pages of “No-No Boy.” Speakers include family historian Shox Tokita, former Seattle City Councilmember Dolores Sibonga, and Dr. Marie Rose Wong, author of “Building Tradition: Pan-Asian Seattle and Life in the Residential Hotels.” Registration is required. Event partners include Chin Music Press, the North American Post and the University of Washington Press, and the event is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and media sponsor The Seattle Times.
WRITING EVENTS AND BOOK CLUBS
- Virtual Writers Read. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 4. Online. Join us for a monthly reading series with the African American Writers’ Alliance featuring an open mic and selected author readings from local writers. Registration is required.
- Low Vision Book Group @ Central Library. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14. Central Library, Level 4 - Room 6. Join our Low Vision Book Group for a discussion of the book "The Lincoln Highway,” by Amor Towles. Registration is not required.
MORE INFORMATION
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. Find more events at www.spl.org/Calendar.
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.