Seattle Public Library
From a discussion with Abraham Verghese about his long-awaited novel “The Covenant of Water” to an event with Cheon Myeong-Kwan about the English translation of his debut novel “Whale,” The Seattle Public Library’s June schedule has opportunities to learn, listen, laugh and read.
Most events require registration unless noted otherwise; all library events are free and open to the public. Find information and registration at spl.org/Calendar.
The library offers a range of other free events and workshops in June, including story times, Homework Help sessions and business workshops and consults.
AUTHOR EVENTS
• Luis Alberto Urrea discusses “Goodnight, Irene.” From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.Monday, June 5. Central Library, Level 1 – Microsoft Auditorium. Mexican-American author Luis Alberto Urrea will be in conversation with Seattle Times art critic Moira Macdonald about his new novel, a personal story of women’s friendship and valor set at the front lines of World War II. Inspired by his mother’s own Red Cross service, Urrea has delivered an overlooked story of women’s heroism in World War II. Thanks to partner Elliott Bay Book Company.
• Cheon Myeong-Kwan presents “Whale” in conversation with Heekyoung Cho. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 7. Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. Originally published in 2004, “Whale” is the English-language debut of a beloved and bestselling South Korean author. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize, it’s a sweeping, multi-generational tale that blends fable, farce, and fantasy — a masterpiece perfect for fans of “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” Thanks to partner Third Place Books.
• Abraham Verghese discusses “The Covenant of Water.” From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 13. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Verghese’s long-awaited new novel is set in Kerala, on South India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning — and in Kerala, water is everywhere. Thanks to partners Elliott Bay Book Company, The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and The Seattle Times.
• Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 20. Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. This unique field guide blends art and science to celebrate this diverse yet interconnected region through natural and cultural histories, poetry, and illustrations. Entries range from cryptobiotic soil and the western thatching ant to the giant Pacific octopus and Sitka spruce. This project was supported, in part, by a grant from 4Culture. Thanks to partners Mountaineers Books, The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and The Seattle Times.
• Matt Baume discusses “Hi Honey, I'm Homo! Sitcoms, Specials, and the Queering of American Culture.” From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 29. Central Library, Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium. Using clips from classic TV shows, vintage news broadcasts, and excerpts from the new book “Hi Honey, I’m Homo!,” we’ll explore a surprising evolution across decades of iconic primetime sitcoms, and reveal the behind-the-scenes struggles to put queer people on the air with humor and humanity. Thanks to partners Third Place Books, the Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, The Seattle Public Library Foundation, and The Seattle Times.
WRITING EVENTS, BOOK CLUBS
• Virtual It's About Time Writers’ Reading Series. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 8. Online. The Ballard Branch welcomes the 403rd meeting of the It's About Time Writers’ Reading Series with C. Lill Ahrens on “The Writer’s Craft: The Tool of Theme,” and readings by Yvonne Leach, Jed Myers & Kathryn Thurber-Smith.
• Virtual Writers Read. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 11. Online. Join us for a monthly reading series 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, June 13. Central Library, Level 4 - Room 6. Join our Low Vision Book Group for a discussion of the book “The Grand Biocentric Design: How Life Creates Reality” by R.P. Lanza. Registration is not required.
• Write with Hugo House: Seattle Writes @ Fremont Branch. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 13. Fremont Branch. A drop-in writing circle for adults of all experience levels. All genres of writing welcome. Registration is not required.
• El Club Latino. From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 18. Central Library, Level 4 - Room 6. Únase al Club de Lectura de la Biblioteca Central. El libro de este mes es: “De cómo las muchachas García perdieron el acento” de Julia Alvarez. Evento en español. No se requiere inscripción.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask.