South End Scoop: Books & More From KCLS — February 2025
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.
Celebrate Black History Month with KCLS! Read on for a selection of materials that feature love in all forms. Find additional titles in our Black History Month book list.
With tax season upon us, remember to stop by KCLS if you need help preparing your taxes. Pick up or print tax forms, and get free one-on-one help filing your taxes at KCLS libraries through April.
LIBRARIAN PICKS
Kids (Ages 3–7)
Mama's Sleeping Scarf by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, writing as Nwa Grace-James and illustrated by Joelle Avelino
Chino is sad to see Mama leave for work, but Mama has an idea that might make Chino feel just a little better. Mama gives Chino her green sleeping scarf to play with while she is away. Chino spends the entire day going on adventures with the scarf. She looks at its patterns, uses it as a blanket for her stuffed bunny, and plays peekaboo with Papa and her grandparents. This is a beautiful story about a young girl's love for her mother.
Kids and Tweens (Ages 8–13)
The Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolo
Abena and Faiza meet and become fast friends in one of Ghana's busiest markets. Abena is the daughter of a wealthy doctor. Faiza is a Muslim porter from the north of the country. Though they come from vastly different walks of life and do not speak the same language, the two develop a bond that transcends their differences. When Faiza is accused of a crime she didn't commit, their friendship is put to the test. If you like books set abroad and stories about unlikely friends, this one is for you.
Teens (Ages 14–17)
Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass
Seventeen-year-old Reyna lives in Tobago and helps run her late mother's luxury resort. She mourns the loss of her mother and feels trapped by her responsibilities. When her first love, Aiden, returns to the island, things get even more complicated. When he left, he was a boy with dreams of becoming a music star. Now he is part of a Grammy-nominated band and Reyna doesn't know where she stands with him. What she does know is that the heat between them hasn't gone cold in his absence, and judging by his actions, he still feels it too.
Adults (Ages 18 and older)
Coming Home by Leon Bridges
In his debut album, Leon Bridges transports us back in time with the sounds of a bygone era. You may feel like you're sipping sweet tea in a rocker at sunset in 1962 while listening to him croon. The songs represent love in its many forms. The majority are romantic love songs, but there's also a song about his mother and her life growing up poor in New Orleans. When I lived in Louisiana, this was my album of choice driving down lonely country roads.
Recommendations courtesy of Sandra Rosa, a KCLS teen services librarian. Her favorite books are middle-grade fantasies where the characters go on sweeping adventures. Bonus points if they travel long distances and encounter people and places that are entirely foreign to them.
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.
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Bellevue Library
Business owners and residents may get help applying for a disaster loan at the Bellevue Library through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is hosting Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to assist businesses and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damages from the bomb cyclone that occurred Nov. 17–25, 2024. Community members may drop in or make an appointment in advance.
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Bellevue Library
Join us for the opening reception of "Emerging Radiance," a new art installation that honors Japanese American farmers who lived in Bellevue between 1920 and World War II. Artists Michelle Kumata and Tani Ikeda will speak at the event, along with Bellevue City Councilmember Dave Hamilton, KCLS deputy director Angie Miraflor, and other dignitaries. Visitors may explore the interactive art, attend an artist breakout session, and watch the Emerging Radiance documentary.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center
Join us for a captivating conversation with local award-winning authors Kathya Alexander, Chardonnay Beaver, and Luther Hughes to celebrate Black History Month. The authors have captivated audiences through poetry, fiction, and nonfiction storytelling and will share their journey in the literary world. Hear about their latest projects, how their work offers personal and cultural healing, and how it can give rise to social transformation. The event will be moderated by Emmy Award-winning media professional TraeAnna Holiday of Converge Media. Community members may attend in person or online. Register in advance to reserve your spot or receive a livestream link.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Tukwila Library
Travel through our solar system and beyond with the Pacific Science Center. This interactive program explores constellations, gravity, and planetary science.
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Renton Highlands Library
Learn songs, chords, and music skills in a relaxed setting with professional musicians from The Rhapsody Project. Whether you are just starting out, or have a few years of experience with your instrument, join us to deepen your knowledge and discover new techniques for ukulele and guitar. Please register if you need an instrument.
Saturday, March 1, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Bellevue Library
Join the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program for an intro to 3D-printed assistive technology tools. These tools support daily living for people of all abilities. Learn about the basics of assistive technology, and leave with practical insights and resources to empower yourself or others.
Saturday, March 8, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Renton Library
Join the Environmental Science Center at the Renton Library for a guided birding walk along the Cedar River. Beginning and avid birders alike can learn how to properly use binoculars, identify birds by both sight and sound, and provide native habitats.
Wednesday, March 12, 3:00–4:45 p.m.
Online
Join Solid Ground tenant counselors to discuss tenants' rights and procedures from the Residential Landlord Tenant Act of Washington State. Learn how you can break a lease without liability after an incident of abuse, how to make a report of an incident to a qualified third party, how to try getting an eviction off your tenant screening report, and how to get a security deposit back.
Saturday, March 15, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Online event
Learn about the core foundations of computer science, and gain an understanding of the Java computer coding language at this weekly class.
Sunday, March 16, 3:00pm–5:00 p.m.
Burien Library
Create a pinch pot with us! Attach two pots together, then add details to make simple sculptures. Your finished pieces will be ready for pickup at the Burien Library 2–3 weeks following the class.
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. 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.
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