The King County Library System (KCLS) and the South Seattle Emerald are teaming up to bring you the "South End Scoop." Dig into this community-centered column each month for great book, music, movie, and event recommendations from your local librarians.
If you set new reading goals for yourself this year and need some recommendations to get started, here are a few of KCLS' Best Books from 2023, chosen by staff from across the Library System. Find the full list and your Best Book at KCLS.org/BestBooks.
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin and Kate Messner
Staff: Angie, Interim Executive Director
Celebrate the joy of reading and the power of imagination in this inviting and enchanting collaboration between award-winning authors Grace Lin and Kate Messner. Readers follow Alice as she is swept away to an immersive world of wonder and adventure in the pages of her favorite book.
Woo Hoo! You're Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton
Staff: Nancy, Collection Development Manager
The overenthusiastic chicken in this charming and amusing book about self-esteem will cheer you on through life's ups and downs. Children and adults alike can learn to celebrate themselves and find joy in trying their best.
Darkhearts by James L. Sutter
Staff: Chad, Public Services Assistant
David quit his high school rock band — then they became famous. After a former bandmate dies, David reconnects with one of the remaining bandmates. As the two frenemies work through their loss and old wounds, they realize they have feelings for each other. Kudos to local author and former KCLS library page James L. Sutter for this hilarious enemies-to-lovers rom-com with lots of "boy" humor.
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
Staff: Janet (JJ), Librarian
This graphic memoir delves into author and illustrator Dan Santat's childhood and a life-changing class trip he took to Europe during middle school. A First Time for Everything is a funny, sweet, and relatable coming-of-age story that will stick with you for a long time.
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende
Staff: Dominica, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Isabel Allende's novel crosses generations, cultures, and the globe to tell the harrowing stories of people displaced from their homelands. With underlying themes of courage, perseverance, and kindness, this is a thoughtful critique of historical and modern-day fascism wrapped in riveting storytelling.
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
Staff: Jenna, Adult Services Librarian
Michiko Aoyama's gentle, contemplative, and hopeful read follows a group of interconnected characters and a unique librarian who gives each person a reading recommendation and the gift of new perspective. Patrons use her good advice to find the strength within themselves to move forward and realize their full potential.
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
Staff: Heather, Assistant Operations Manager
This thought-provoking and informative look at poverty in America asks why one of the richest countries in the world has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and sociologist Matthew Desmond offers answers and solutions, and calls for all of us to become "poverty abolitionists."
Our Migrant Souls by Hctor Tobar
Staff: James, Library Page
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hctor Tobar presents an impactful compilation of stories from Latino voices on migration, trauma, homecoming, resilience, and joy. This is a thorough reflection on the Latino experience in living with the pain of war and politics, of conquests, and of dictators and revolutions.
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes
Staff: Tracey, Director of Collection Management Services
This fiendishly funny book is read by actors Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Vance. It takes the act of homicide and elevates it to an academic art form. Let's just say that failure at The McMasters Conservatory has dire consequences.
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
Staff: Teresa, Division Administrative Assistant
The Lost Library is a charming middle-grade adventure starring a variety of fantastical characters, like Mortimer, a polydactyl orange cat, Al, a ghost librarian, and Evan, a very inquisitive fifth grader. Evan stumbles upon a Little Free Library that appears overnight in his small town and selects two books, not at all aware of the escapades they will send him on. The audiobook has a cast of narrators that rotate throughout the story, making this a fun and easy-to-follow tale for the whole family!
KCLS offers a variety of in-person and online events and activities for all ages! All events are free. Find one that interests you at KCLS.org/Events.
Find Money for College: The Money Maze
Tuesday, Jan. 16,6—7 p.m.
Auburn Library
Learn about the different types of financial aid for college, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loan programs. We'll also talk about key financial aid forms and how to negotiate offers of aid.
Support, Learn and Share: How to Show Up for the LGBTQIA+ People in Your Life
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6—7 p.m.
Online
Find local resources and support networks for the LGBTQIA+ people in your lives. This is a safe space to learn, share, and grow together, hosted by Renton PFLAG representatives. PFLAG is the nation's first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, their families, and their allies.
Aging Well Learning Community
Saturday, Jan. 20,11:15 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
Online
New members are always welcome to drop into this open-learning community for older adults dedicated to aging well with consciousness, courage, and contribution. Come talk about books, films, art, or simply enjoy the company!
Five Signs of a Scam
Saturday, Jan. 20,1—2:30 p.m.
Skyway Library
Email, phone, and text scams are on the rise, and they are getting sneakier. Learn how to spot the signs of a scam from the Consumer Protection Division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office at this helpful event.
Hopelink Transportation Resources
Sunday, Jan. 21,1—4 p.m.
Burien Library
Get transportation resources from Hopelink Mobility Management to learn about trip planning, reduced fares, and how to use the vast transit system in South King County.
Art of Listening
Tuesday, Jan. 23,6—8 p.m.
Bellevue Library
Learn how to focus and be present while another person is talking, address poor listening habits, and practice ways to validate, understand, and connect with others during this four-week workshop.
Pegasus Presents: Teen Open Mic Night
Tuesday, Jan. 23,6—7:30 p.m.
Mercer Island Library
Calling all teens! Share a short story, essay, poem, or song in a safe, supportive environment. Or come to listen and support your peers.Hosted by Mercer Island High School's Pegasus Creative Arts Magazine.
Author Voices with Charles Wolfe: Envisioning the Post-Pandemic City and Town
Saturday, Jan. 27,1 p.m.—2:30 p.m.
Mercer Island Library
Join authorand urbanistCharles Wolfe as he explores post-pandemic challenges andopportunities for cities and towns.
African Americans in Cinema
Sunday, Jan. 28,2 p.m.—3:30 p.m.
Issaquah Library
Film historian Lance Rhoades takes a look at the long history of Black cinema in America, both on screen and behind the scenes. He'll discuss mainstream Hollywood and independent films, from the silent era to the present.
Washington Health Outreach: Veterinary Care
Sunday, Feb. 4,11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Renton Library (Parking Lot)
Washington Health Outreach will provide free and low-cost veterinary care for community members in need.Visit thewebsitefor a full schedule and list of services.
More Dumplings, Please!
Tuesday, Feb. 6,6:30—7:30 p.m.
Issaquah Library
Make shui mai dumplings, a dim sum (Chinese tapas), with Olive Huang from Cooking Dolls, and celebrate the Chinese New Year. All supplies and ingredients will be provided — just bring your appetite!
Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the City of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a physical card to access our full collection, or a digital eCard to access our digital collection. Visit KCLS.org/Library-Cards to get started. Contact Ask KCLS at KCLS.org/Ask if you need assistance with your account, or call 425-462-9600 or 800-462-9600.
Featured Image: South Seattle Emerald and the King County Library System (KCLS) are teaming up to give you book, media, and event recommendations each month via the South End Scoop.
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