Each year the Library hosts readings, lectures, and discussions by authors and other public figures. You may watch video recordings of recent programs on our YouTube channel. Our archive of audio recordings goes back more than 10 years and includes thousands of memorable Library events.
Maria Dahvana Headley With Nicola Griffith
Maria Dahvana Headley presents her retelling of Beowulf, set in American suburbia as two mothers―a housewife and a battle-hardened veteran―fight to protect those they love. Headley talks with Nicola Griffith.
Listen to Audio
(01:00:12)
| View transcription (pdf)
Patrick DeWitt With Maria Semple
The Prices and their cat (or is he the spirit of Frances’ late husband?) try to escape their dire straits by heading to Paris. French Exit is a send-up of high society and a moving mother/son caper.
Listen to Audio
(01:05:20)
| View transcription (pdf)
Roots & Routes: Decolonizing Immigration
Join us for an arts and social justice dialog about immigration during our changing political times with an array of different community members including artists, community organizers and more. Recorded on Aug. 30, 2018.
Listen to Audio
(01:48:13)
| View transcription (pdf)
Salmon and The Salish Sea: Stories and Sovereignty
This panel merges storytelling with a discussion of current issues to examine the role of salmon in the lives of Coast Salish peoples.
Listen to Audio
(01:20:31)
| View transcription (pdf)
Clarion West Presents Karen Joy Fowler
Join previous Seattle Reads author Karen Joy Fowler as she reads from and discusses recent work while teaching for Clarion West's Writer's Workshop.
Listen to Audio
(00:59:49)
| View transcription (pdf)
Clarion West Presents Karen Lord
Join Barbadian fantasy author and research consultant Karen Lord as she reads from and discusses recent work while teaching for Clarion West's Writer's Workshop.
Listen to Audio
(01:05:44)
| View transcription (pdf)
Dr. Robin DiAngelo Discusses 'White Fragility'
Antiracist educator, Dr. Robin DiAngelo will be reading from "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism."
Listen to Audio
(01:11:22)
| View transcription (pdf)
Ben Rhodes Discusses 'The World As It Is'
From one of Barack Obama’s closest aides comes a revelatory behind-the-scenes account of his presidency—and how idealism can confront harsh reality and still survive.
Listen to Audio
(00:49:27)
| View transcription (pdf)
The Key To Change: A Special Classical Music Concert
Enjoy a special morning youth concert of classical music by The Key to Change.
Listen to Audio
(00:51:59)
| View transcription (pdf)
Evening the Score: Renee C. Baker (Avant Garde Film Composer)
Check out a unique music program featuring film scores by award-winning African American composer Renee C. Baker.
Listen to Audio
(00:27:41)
| View transcription (pdf)