South End Scoop: Books & More From KCLS — December 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.

King County Library System's (KCLS) highly anticipated Best Books list has arrived! Get recommendations from those who know books best: your local library staff. Best Books is a collection of books that moved us. Deep dives that sparked new insights. Books that opened our eyes and changed our minds. Find your Best Book and get insights into the most-read books of 2024!

LIBRARIAN PICKS

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai 

"I didn't expect a small book to pack such a punch, but it did."
Emily, Service Center

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell 

"Hilarious oddball horror! Hands down, this was my most unusual fave of 2024."
Jenna, Covington Library

Legacy by Uché Blackstock 

"A thought-provoking look at the deep inequities of U.S. health care."
Danielle, Shoreline Library

Why We Read by Shannon Reed 

"As a lifelong reader, discovering this book felt like making a new friend."
Ben, Kenmore Library 

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty 

"A flight of passengers discover how and when they're going to die from a mysterious woman on the plane. Sensational."
Kerry, Sammamish Library 

Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry 

"Made me cry, in the best way. This sweet story will inspire you to look for moments of happiness in the world."
Rachel, Valley View Library 

Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada 

"Anthony Nerada's emotional prose dares to let gay teen boys be 'all the things.'"
Chad, Boulevard Park Library  

Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell

"Four teens band together to solve a murder on the Blackfeet Reservation. A gripping page-turner."
Brenna, Service Center

The Table by Winsome Bingham 

"Readers follow two families through one table. A beautiful reminder about how we're more alike than different." 
Rachel, Valley View Library 

The Midnight Panther by Poonam Mistry

"An immersive fable about finding your place in the world. Stunning illustrations."
Sharon, Maple Valley Library

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.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2–3 p.m.
Bellevue Library

Hear classic, baroque, folk, and new holiday music honoring diverse traditions across time and borders. The Seattle Mandolin Orchestra features the entire mandolin family of instruments, including mandolin, mandola, mandocello, and mandobass. The orchestra is dedicated to revitalizing the mandolin ensemble and expanding its repertoire.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2:30–4 p.m.
Federal Way Library

Create seasonal cards and gift tags using festive paper, ribbon, rubber stamps, stickers, and more. All supplies will be provided.

Friday, Dec. 20, 3–4:30 p.m.
Boulevard Park Library

We're turning the library into a giant Candy Land board game. Drop in for some life-sized fun. Free snacks will be provided.

Saturday, Dec. 21, 4–5 p.m.
Federal Way Library

Join us for bingo and disco music. Prizes for winners include gift cards and candy. Free pizza will be provided. Created and hosted by teen volunteers from the Teen Advisory Board.

Monday, Dec. 30, 12–2 p.m.
Renton Highlands Library

Join the Southeast Youth & Family Services organization for a day of stories and crafts. The Early Learning team works closely with caregivers of children, newborn to age 3. Connect with BIPOC community members, enjoy a story together, and work on a craft project designed for both parents and children to complete. Activities for older children will also be provided.

Monday, Dec. 30, 2–3 p.m.
Renton Highlands Library

Enjoy a family-friendly concert of blues, jazz, and roots music. Teaching artists Briar, Joe Seamons, and Martell Brooks will perform a range of American music that celebrates the history, heritage, and stories of our country.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1–2:30 p.m.
Fairwood Library

Join your senior peers for coffee and conversation. This event will provide an opportunity to reflect on last year and plan for the next one.

Sunday, Jan. 5, 3–4 p.m.
Burien Library

Create a vision board for the new year. Make your vision board using assorted materials, including magazines, pictures, and motivational quotes. Bring your own supplies to customize your board.

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 1:30–3 p.m.
Renton Highlands Library

Join us for a discussion with University of Washington's Dr. Maya Smith, co-author of the memoir Reclaiming Venus. Learn about the incredible life and work of Alvenia Bridges. From segregated Kansas to the heights of fashion and rock 'n' roll, hear how she broke barriers and rubbed shoulders with legends along the way.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 1–2:30 p.m.
Renton Library

What group of birds can plan strategies, invent and use tools, hold funerals, dream, have long memories, and differentiate friendly humans from enemy humans? Crows, ravens, jays, and magpies! Join Ed Dominguez from the Seward Park Audubon Center as we explore the lives of these intelligent, playful, and sometimes aggravating smarty-pants birds.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 3:30–6 p.m.
Renton Library

Liliana Medina from Sistema Escolar USA and her staff will help you get started or complete the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at this bilingual event.

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. Seattle residents may sign up for 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.