The Seattle Public Library - Programs & Events

Walter Mosley is the author of 28 critically acclaimed books, and his work has been translated into 21 languages. His popular mysteries featuring Easy Rawlins began with "Devil in a Blue Dress" (1990). He spoke at the Central Library on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Award-winning author and educator Jonathan Kozol discussed his latest book, "Letters to a Young Teacher," Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Central Library.

Award-winning author Ursula Hegi discussed her latest novel, "The Worst Thing I've Done," Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the Central Library.

South African novelist, Zakes Mda read from "Cion," his sixth novel and the first to be set in the United States, Monday, Oct. 1 at the Central Library. Toloki, the professional mourner and hero of Mda's "Ways of Dying," settles down with a family in Middle America and uncovers the story of the runaway slaves who were their ancestors.

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.

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. Mortenson showed slides and discussed his work of the past decade, building more than 50 schools and bringing education to the children (especially girls) of remote Pakistan and Afghanistan. About The September Project: On Dec. 18, 2001, Congress designated Sept. 11 as Patriot Day, which citizens are urged to mark by attending "appropriate ceremonies and activities." The September Project, a global grassroots effort, is designed to inspire intelligent, creative, and public conversations about democracy, citizenship, activism, war, globalism, and media literacy. The Seattle Public Library believes that public libraries - the largest, most accessible, and most democratic institutions in the country - are a natural location to discuss these issues.

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.

Gail Tsukiyama read from her latest novel, "The Street of a Thousand Blossoms," on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Central Library.

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.

Indian author Thrity Umrigar read from her latest novel, "If Today Be Sweet," on Sunday, July 8 at the Central Library.

Marc Freedman discussed "Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life" on Monday, June 25 at the Central Library.

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.

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.

Anosh Irani read from his latest work, "The Song of Kahunsha" on Thursday, June 21 at the Central Library.

As part of the 2007 Adult Summer Reading Program, KUOW Public Radio's Marcie Sillman talked with award-winning Northwest writers about the influence of the West in their work in a "Writing the West" program held on Wednesday, June 13 at the Central Library.