Enrichment through joy and connections
The library is one of the few places where people from all walks of life come together for shared experiences. At a time when people report high levels of loneliness, isolation, and social division, libraries offer collective joy.
The Seattle Public Library provides enriching programs that connect patrons with art, music, literature, and each other — all for free. From meeting a favorite author to learning a traditional craft, there is always a reason to come together at the library.
Reflecting communities through art
The library plays an essential role in the local arts ecosystem. It supports artists while offering unique and resonant cultural experiences for patrons. Last year’s Artist in Residence program demonstrated the value of engaging people through art at the library.
The program supported 10 artists in 2024. The artists curated experiences from a photography exhibition to live cello concerts in branches. One artist, Vaquero Azul, emphasized how art can help more communities feel welcomed and seen at the library.
Azul created a Trans Pride Ofrenda (or altar) to mark both Día de los Muertos as well as Transgender Day of Remembrance. Installed at the Central Library, the ofrenda honored trans lives taken by violence in Mexico and the U.S. Azul also engaged the folklórico dance group Danza Monarcas to perform at an author event celebrating LGBTQ+ and Hispanic/Latino stories.
Maria, a librarian at the Lake City Branch, noticed that not enough artist programs reflected the local Hispanic/Latino community. The library worked with Azul and another artist, Teresa Martinez, to create workshops on building dioramas, sugar skulls for Día de los Muertos, piñatas for Christmas, and more. More than 225 children and adults attended.
Sharing the reading experience
As everyone who belongs to a book club knows, the reading experience is elevated when shared. Seattle Reads, the library’s “citywide book club” program, provides the joy of reading together with thousands of neighbors.
The 2024 selection was “Parable of the Sower” by the late Octavia Butler. It marked the first time the program featured a work of science fiction or a deceased author. Written in 1993 but set in 2024, the prescient novel explores many contemporary themes ripe for discussion.
To provide additional ways for the community to engage, the library greatly expanded Seattle Reads programming. Twenty events were held at branches and partner locations with more than 9,000 people getting involved through reading and program participation. Programs such as an immersive art exhibit and a panel discussion on Afrofuturism complemented traditionally Seattle Reads activities.
“The community’s reverence for Octavia and their depth of involvement in creating the programs meant that this year’s Seattle Reads felt particularly special,” said Stesha Brandon, who oversees Seattle Reads at SPL. The library’s partners included Langston Seattle, the African-American Writers’ Alliance, Wa Na Wari, and many more.
Bringing teens together
The library is always listening to what the community needs. Donors help support teen and young adult listening sessions to infuse youth voices into programming decisions. Sessions with teenagers at the Douglass-Truth Branch last year provided a popular suggestion: video games.
In response to this interest, library staff collaborated with high school students to develop a summer gaming program. The goal was to create a safe space for youth of color to enjoy gaming while building positive relationships.
The program started as a pilot but proved to be a big hit. Library staff quickly expanded it to twice a week and offered refreshments. Teen gaming programs were also held at the Broadview, Rainier Beach, and South Park branches. Across the system, the programs engaged 332 teenagers in shared gameplay and connection.
Importantly, it also facilitated new dialogue between participants and with library staff. One session at Douglass-Truth was held the same day as a dangerous incident at nearby Garfield High School. Staff reported that the gathering provided time and space for teens to discuss and grieve together.
Your gift to the Foundation supports enriching experiences for people from all backgrounds at the library. Please give today to invite more families to read and discover at the library, and read the rest of our 2024 Annual Report on Donor Impact here.