South End Scoop: Books & More from KCLS — August 2024

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.

We hope you are enjoying your summer and discovering great books through KCLS' annual Summer Reading Program. You have until Aug. 31 to track time spent reading to get prizes. Visit KCLS' Summer Reading Program webpage to join our community of readers, pop into a fun event or two, and track your minutes.

Read on for space-related reading recommendations that are out of this world!

LIBRARIAN PICKS

Kids (Ages 3 to 7)

The Keeper of Stars by Jennifer Harris

Milo sneaks out of bed every night after his mom reads him three stories. She doesn't know he catches a ride on a comet to help the Keeper of Stars clean up the night sky. Jennifer Harris' whimsical picture book uses its imaginative illustrations to share stories about the constellations in unique ways. This is the perfect bedtime story for adventurous little ones who like to look to the skies.

Kids and Tweens (Ages 8 to 13)

The Problem with Gravity by Michelle Mohrweis

This sweet coming-of-age story covers first crushes and the struggles of growing up. Maggie, an autistic seventh grader, loves spacecraft and enters an engineering contest with her crush Tatum. Tatum is focused on outshining her genius twin brother, but feels drawn to Maggie as well. Will they manage to share their feelings for each other before Maggie moves away forever?

Teens (Ages 14 to 17)

Shooting for Stars by Christine Webb

Shooting for Stars is full of heart, quirkiness, and personal growth. Skyler, a shy girl, is determined to finish her late mother's research on neutron stars. She believes a NASA internship is her ticket to success, but she must submit a stellar video application to get in. Skyler enlists the help of an aspiring filmmaker who begins to coax her out of her shell. Readers root for Skyler as she juggles her STEM dreams, a budding romance, and tough family dynamics in this charming pick.

Adult (Ages 18 and Older)

Space: The Longest Goodbye, directed by Ido Mizrahy

NASA will be sending astronauts on a three-year journey to Mars in the next decade. This fascinating documentary follows NASA psychologists as they prepare the astronauts for one of the most difficult aspects of the trip — extreme isolation. This harrowing concept is familiar to people all over the world, but is a large concern for the astronauts who will be separated from their loved ones with very little access to communication back home. Director Ido Mizrahy explores this concept with beautiful soundscapes and dramatic visuals in this deeply relatable film.

Recommendations courtesy of KCLS Librarian Shel Grinstead. Shel is a teen services librarian at the Tukwila Library. When not at the library, Shel enjoys going to concerts, playing cozy games, and trying out new handicrafts. Drop by "Game On" on Wednesdays after school or check out one of their art programs throughout the year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

Build a Balloon-Powered Car
Sunday, Aug. 18,1:30—3:30 p.m.
Bellevue Library

Make a balloon-powered car at the Bellevue Library Makerspace during this funengineering challenge for children and teens. Race to see who is the fastest after you're done!

SilverKite Community Arts: Mindful Drawing with Patterns
Monday, Aug. 19,1:30—2:30 p.m.
Online

Make mindfulness accordion paper fans at this fun workshop for older adults. Join us to fold paper, draw patterns, and play with colors as we interpret our feelings and surroundings. The class will be facilitated by artist and arts educatorAshaAung Helmstetter.

Rent Smart: General Information — Learning the Basics
Wednesday, Aug. 28,5—6:30 p.m.
Online

Discuss tenants' rights and procedures from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of Washington State. Learn how to make a formal repair request, when you can break your lease, and how to move out of your unit. A visiting attorney from the Tenant Law Center will also be on hand to answer questions.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) Naturalization Information Session
Wednesday, Aug. 28,6—7 p.m.
Online

Do you want to be a U.S. citizen? Learn about U.S. naturalization, costs, requirements, tests, and interviews, and get free resources to prepare for the process.

Writing and Integrated Arts for Tweens and Teens
Tuesday, Aug. 20,2—3:30 p.m.
Federal Way Library

Learn about journaling to music at this fun and educational class presented by foundry10. Get a free journal and enjoy complimentary snacks!

Startup and Small Business Co-Working Day
Thursday, Aug. 22,1—4 p.m.
Renton Highlands Library

Join us for a dynamic day featuring a pitch workshop and co-working opportunities for entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners. Hosted by the City of Renton and Startup 425, this event aims to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide valuable resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Sharing Stories, Sharing Trust / Chia Sẻ S Tin Cậy
Tuesday, Aug. 27,5:15—7:15 p.m.
Renton Highlands Library
(Tiếng việt)

What do you do when your friend or family member shares a questionable social media post? Discuss experienceswith problematic misinformation and gain media literacy skills in a safe workshop for our Vietnamese community.Presented in partnership with the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public.

Tech Help
Tuesday, Sept. 3,3—5 p.m.
Skyway Library

Have computer or software questions? A tech-savvy volunteer canprovide one-on-one help for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.Bring your smartphone, iPad, or laptop and your questions.

Money Habits: Understanding Debt and Credit
Friday, Sept. 6,2:00—3:30 p.m.
Federal Way Library

Learn how to manage and improve your credit score and debt with PIM Savvy. Whether you're looking to build or repair your credit, this workshop will help you take control of your financial future.

Repair Event
Saturday, Sept. 7,1:30—4:30 p.m.
Bellevue Library

Don't toss your broken household items or clothing in need of mending! Bring them to the library instead, where skilled "fixers" will try to repair them at these popular events. Co-sponsored by King County EcoConsumer's repair project.

Talking about Death for Teens
Saturday, Sept. 7,1—2 p.m.
Online

This is an honest and collaborative space for youth who have experienced grief or who have questions about death and grief. Mx. Summer will guide participants through conversations and activities while providing accurate information about death and various models of grief.

Community Transportation Navigator
Sunday, Sept. 8,1—4 p.m.
Tukwila Library

Hopelink's Community Transportation Navigatorwill share information about the region's transportation options and affordable ways to get around.Get a free ORCA card for participating in a brief survey. If you already have an ORCA card, bring it to get the free reward load.

Stop Motion Workshop Series
Tuesday, Sept. 10,3—5:30 p.m.
Tukwila Library

Join usfor a four-part series to produce your own stop-motion animation. The first class on Sept. 10 will cover the basics of stop motion and how to create a story.

Welcome to Medicare Workshop
Tuesday, Sept. 10,6:30—7:45 p.m.
Burien Library

Learn about different Medicare options so you can make an informed decision when the time comes. We'll discuss Medicare A, B, C, and D, enrollment, benefits and options, Medigaps and Medicare Advantage, and more.

Author Voices with Sabrina Strings
Thursday, Sept. 12, 7:30—8:30 p.m.
Online

Author Sabrina Strings will discuss her booksFearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat PhobiaandThe End of Love: Racism, Sexism and the Death of Romance at this engaging event.

Recital: Black Excellence in Music
Saturday, Sept. 14, 1—2 p.m.
Federal Way Library

Enjoy a performance of spirituals, jazz, musical theater, and opera! Cast members of Seattle Opera's Jubilee and the 5th Avenue Theater production of After Midnight will perform at Federal Way Library. This collaboration will feature the dazzling talents of Sarah Joyce Cooper, Darren Drone, Yusef Seevers, and Porscha Shaw. Presented in partnership with Seattle Opera.

Controlling the Cost of College
Saturday, Sept. 14, 3—4 p.m.
Online

Is your family trying to navigate the financial aid system for college? Join Jamison McAndie, a Certified Financial Planner professional, to get college planning guidance. Participants will learn how the financial aid system works and how to maximize your aid.

NEED A LIBRARY CARD?

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.