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Mini Free Libraries Around Seattle

With neighborhoods spilling over with books, Seattle aims to raise its literary profile

0314littlelibrary

This article originally appeared in the March 2014 issue of Seattle magazine.

!–paging_filter–pMarch may be National Reading Month, but in hyper-literary Seattle that’s the case every month. We boast outstanding bookstores img src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/0314_library_2.jpg” style=”float: left; margin: 10px;” height=”266″ width=”400″(Elliott Bay), niche shops for poetry (Open Books), math/science (Ada’s Books) and mysteries (Mystery Bookshop), several publishers, packed reading series and one of the largest and busiest library systems in the country. And still, this city of ravenous bookworms isn’t sated! Over the last couple years, little free libraries have been popping up on side streets in increasing numbers, thanks to neighbors eager to share their favorite tomes (often leaving notes explaining why books are “must-reads”). Novelist Ryan Boudinot, one of the sea of prominent local writers, is working to make our predilection for reading official—as a UNESCO City of Literature, joining seven cities worldwide, including Dublin, Melbourne and Reykjavic. Having gathered support and application assistance from Seattle literary organizations, and a City Council resolution in favor of the effort, this month Boudinot submits the official bid. In November, we hope to receive the global stamp of approval on what locals already know to be true. a href=”http://www.seattlecityofliterature.wordpress.com” target=”_blank”seattlecityofliterature.wordpress.com /aem(Photo: Little library in Wallingford)/embrbrimg src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/0314_library3.jpg” style=”vertical-align: middle; margin: 10px;” height=”266″ width=”400″/p
pWest Seattle/p
pimg src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/0314_library7.jpg” style=”vertical-align: middle; margin: 10px;” height=”266″ width=”400″/p
pGreenwood/p
pimg src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/0314_library8.jpg” style=”vertical-align: middle; margin: 10px;” height=”266″ width=”400″/p
pMadrona/p
pimg src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/0314_library9.jpg” style=”vertical-align: middle; margin: 10px;” height=”600″ width=”400″/p
pMagnolia/p

 

Rearview Mirror: Wedding Bells, A Furniture Launch, and the Symphony’s New Look 

Rearview Mirror: Wedding Bells, A Furniture Launch, and the Symphony’s New Look 

Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).

WEDDING BELLS I’ve been a bit absent from this column lately, but I think I have a pretty good excuse: I got married! It’s already been three weeks since my September 19 wedding, but I’m still reflecting on the magic of the day. My fiancé, well husband now (I can’t get used to saying it!),…

Get Blown Away: Seattle’s Glass Art Scene Takes Center Stage

Get Blown Away: Seattle’s Glass Art Scene Takes Center Stage

Now in its 8th year, Refract Seattle is the region’s premier celebration of glassblowing—arguably the most famous visual art genre in the Pacific Northwest. Pioneered by names like Dale Chihuly, Ginny Ruffner, Lino Tagliapietra, and Preston Singletary, glassblowing has remained among the area’s most prolific creative outputs, with contemporary talents such as John Hogan, Julie…

Kishi Bashi Is Ready to Feel Everything

Kishi Bashi Is Ready to Feel Everything

Ten years after Sonderlust pushed his music in a new direction, he’s bringing the pivotal album to The Crocodile—and playing it in full for the first time.

Back in March of 2012, I snagged a last-minute ticket to see Of Montreal at the Showbox. As amazing as Kevin Barnes and company were, along with tourmates Deerhoof, the biggest impression made on me was the opener, Kishi Bashi. Armed with little more than a violin, a loop pedal, and a pristine voice, Kishi…

Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo Offers an Inside Look at the Creative Life

Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo Offers an Inside Look at the Creative Life

The October 9-11 gathering features live art-making and hands-on workshops, with Seattle artist Damon Brown delivering the keynote.

More than 100 artists participate each year in Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo & Symposium (ACES), which brings exhibitions, artist talks, live art-making, and workshops under one roof. Visitors can learn a technique from an artist or hear how a childhood memory became the starting point for a piece. This year’s event takes place October…