In recognition of Black History Month, Spokane Public Library is hosting a variety of events throughout the month of February. A range of topics will be discussed from the cultures of Nigeria and Malawi, to movies, art, food demonstrations, and more.
View the calendar for Black History Month at the library here.
Can you believe it’s the end of the year? And an end to a decade? 2020 is right around the corner, but we want to share our recommended reads of 2019 before we move on.
The Other Americans by Laila Lalami
“Beautifully written from the perspective of a number of different characters, it tells the modern story of the immigrant experience,” Riva D.
“I loved the format of it with each chapter from a different character’s point of view. Also, many of the characters were not native to America and seeing their perceptions of being ‘American’ was really interesting and put a spotlight on the feelings of immigrants and how they are treated. It was a well-written, character driven book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND,” Eva S.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
“Another beautifully written book by Ann Patchett. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family and the role of their house over generations,” Riva D.
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
“This is a phenomenally written book that covers a variety of women’s topics from sexism and ageism to finding where you belong in your own community, and it somehow still manages to throw in a mystery to be solved. Exciting and endearing,” Amanda M.
The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater by Alanna Okun
Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
“This series starts with All Systems Red and is five books long. It is also wonderful. Read them all,” Becky M.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
“This is the story of a cotton plantation slave, Cora, and her incredibly painful attempt to run with Caesar, another slave, to escape their bondage. This is an important and necessary read on the historic treatment of Africans and our shared history. The lyrical writing is at once mesmerizing and terrifying,” Sarah B.
Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari
“Amazing portrait of the failing drug war, the roots behind it and the people it affects,” Rae-Lynn B.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
“A beautiful, unique, adventure story. If you enjoy books like The Name of the Wind by Patrick Ruthfuss, you will like Strange the Dreamer,” Gina F.
The Broken Earth Trilogy by NK Jemisin
“NK Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy (The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky) features fantastic world-building, a fascinating protagonist, and a narrative twist that will make you want to re-read the series. It’s no wonder all three volumes won the Hugo Award three years in a row,” Dana D.
Has the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture’s summer exhibit, Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures, sparked your curiosity? We’ve created these reading lists, by age group for further reading on the topic.
Mythical Creatures – Children
Mythical Creatures – Young Adults
Mythical Creatures – Adults
1993: Alene Moris
1994: Linda Ellerbee
1995: Anna Quindlen
1996: Cicely Tyson
1997: Carrie Fisher
1998: Judge Glenda Hatchett
1999: Gloria Steinem
2000: Cokie Roberts
2001: Kerry Kennedy Cuomo
2002: Madame Sadat
2003: Ellen Goodman
2004: Deloris Jordan
2005: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
2006: Lisa Ling
2007: Soledad O’Brien
2008: Jeannette Walls
2009: Jean Chatzky
2010: Liz Murrary
2011: Naomi Judd
2012: Elizabeth Smart
2013: Bonnie St. John
2014: Christopher Gardner
2015: Amanda Lindhout
2016: Sheryl WuDunn
2017: Glennon Doyle Melton
2018: Dr. Tererai Trent
2019: Victor Rivas Rivers
We are honored to share that Spokane Public Library was named a finalist for the 2019 National Medal award.
The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries by the Institute of Museum and Library Services in recognition of exceptional service to the community and for making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
This year’s finalists include public libraries and library systems; a statewide digital library; art, science, and children’s museums; and many other types of institutions that exemplify the great diversity of libraries and museums across the country.
This honor recognizes how our programs Library Cards for Spokane Public Schools, Books for Babies, Lilac City Live, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital Outreach Program and more impact Spokane and everyone who lives here.
We are grateful for your continued support and are honored to be recognized as a 2019 finalist. National Medal winners will be announced this spring.
Help us celebrate!
We invite you to share your own story about how Spokane Public Library has impacted your life.
Staff Picks: Kids
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Staff Picks: Fiction
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Staff Picks: Non-Fiction
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Almost Everything by Anne Lamott
The Diabetes Code by Jason Fung
Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg
Staff Picks: Mystery and Thriller
Staff Picks: Science Fiction and Fantasy
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
Staff Picks: Comics and Graphic Novels
What are banned or challenged books and why do we celebrate Banned Books Week every September? According to American Library Association, a challenged book is “an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group,” while banned books are removed altogether. This is an issue commonly noticed in public libraries, schools and other facets of communities. Celebrating Banned Books Week means we celebrate the freedom to read and the freedom to share ideas without the threat of censorship. Below is a list of the Top 10 Banned Books of 2017, all available at the library.
While Hispanic Heritage Month only lasts four weeks, it’s always a good time to read from authors you may not have before. We have a variety of books written by Hispanic authors at the library. Go beyond your favorite genre and read something new. Below is a short list of books with a diverse range of perspectives. Check them out!
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on how Hispanic culture shapes our country. This is especially expressed in the form of children’s books. Below is a list of powerful stories to read to kids about Hispanic culture and the impact it has in our communities.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Islandborn by Junot Diaz
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina
The Poet Upstairs by Judith Ortiz Cofer
Too many Tamales by Gary Soto
Day of the Dead by Linda Lowery
Mama Provi and the Pot of Rice by Sylvia Rosa-Casanova
Join us for the next Lilac City Live! on September 20th. A “late night” talk show featuring local Spokane talent at the Downtown Library — Drinks! Music! Authors! Artists! Comedians! It’s guaranteed to be a fun time. And it’s a great opportunity to see some awesome Spokane talent for free.
September 20th
7 PM, no-host bar featuring Little Spokane Brewing Company (all proceeds benefit Spokane Public Library Foundation)
8 PM, late night talk show-style show
Hosted by Ryan Dean Tucker
Guests
Ginger Ewing and Luke Baumgarten
Ginger and Luke are the co-founders of Terrain. The annual Terrain show will be held October 4 (preview night) and 5 at Terrain. Learn more about the show and how Terrain supports emerging Spokane artists.
Lavoy
Alaska band, Lavoy, will take the stage as the musical guest.
Power 2 the Poetry
Power 2 the Poetry specializes in the art of spoken word. They host a poetry slam at the Downtown Library each month.
Hannah Tilley
Hannah is the featured comedian.
Join us for the next Lilac City Live! at Pig out in the Park on August 30. A “late night” talk show featuring local Spokane talent, this time at the Ribbon Stage — Music! Authors! Artists! Comedians! It’s guaranteed to be a fun time. And it’s a great opportunity to see some awesome Spokane talent for free.
August 30, 2018
Bring your favorite Pig Out treats and pig out at the show!
8 PM, late night talk show-style show hosted by Ryan Dean Tucker
Guests
Bill Burke
Burke is the organizer of Pig Out in the Park. For the past 39 years, he has overseen all the bands and vendors, and watched as the festival grew. It is now one of the largest food festivals in Spokane (if not the largest).
Atari Ferrari
Musical guest Atari Ferrari features Matthew Hughes (vocals, guitar, songwriter), Robert Shugert (drums), Eric Woodard (guitar, vocals, songwriter), Scott Schultz (bass, vocals). (Source: Facebook & atariferrari.com)
Nathan Weinbender
Weinbender is The Inlander’s Film and Music Editor and is often a Film Critic for Spokane Public Radio.
Midnight Goats
Spokane-based The Midnight Goats are a musical-comedy duo. They’ve performed at major music festivals such as Seattle’s Bumbershoot and the Seattle Festival of Improvised Theater. (Source: Facebook)
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