Women’s History Through Film

Every so often, we like to remind folks about the incredible wealth of content available through the Library’s streaming databases, such as Kanopy. And what better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than watching a series of documentaries about inspiring women?

For those wanting to learn more about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to U.S. Congress who launched an unprecedented campaign for president in 1972, check out Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed. This trailblazing hero is still an inspiration for leaders from marginalized communities who are fighting for a seat at the table.

Another trailblazer who has been in the entertainment industry for over 70 years and counting is Rita Moreno, renowned EGOT (a winner of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, AND Tony awards) who has graced the stage and screen (big and small), and served as a role model for countless Puerto Rican and Latinx artists. Learn more about Moreno’s life and contributions in Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It.

We always love to honor and highlight writers here at the Library, and Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to learn more about women’s contributions to literature. Among Kanopy’s offerings is Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin, a documentary about the groundbreaking Sci-Fi/Fantasy writer and creator of worlds. Another writer to celebrate is Amy Tan, whose work in fiction and non-fiction reflects her parents’ challenges and resilience as Chinese immigrants in the United States. Learn more by watching Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir.

Check out the numerous additional offerings from Kanopy related to women’s history this month to learn more about the women who have helped define American history and culture!

 

~ Posted by Emily G.

Theater, Music and Film: February 2023 Events at The Seattle Public Library

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We’ve got some amazing author programs and community events planned for February, from Lambda Award-winning novelist Annalee Newitz to Bonnie Garmus, author of the bestselling novel “Lessons in Chemistry”. The Fifth Avenue Theatre is also back with a Sondheim show talk and the South Park Branch is hosting a movie screening with former Washington State poet Claudia Castro Luna.

Many events require registration, but all Library events are free and open to the public. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Show Talks With the 5th Avenue Theatre – The Genius of Sondheim: From 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11. Central Library, Level 1 – Microsoft Auditorium. In this special musical tribute to one of “the most revered and influential composer-lyricists” in Broadway history, artistic director Emeritus of the Fifth Avenue Theatre David Armstrong will share fascinating insights into Sondheim’s life, times, and career. This event will also include musical performances by guest artists.

Library Finds: Cozy Up With These Family-Friendly Streaming Movies

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When it comes to raising children, the years might be short, but the days and nights can be long, especially in the dark days of a Seattle winter.

Streaming entertainment to the rescue! Through your Library card, you can access hundreds of family-friendly films, TV shows and programs, for free, through services such as Hoopla and Kanopy Kids.

It can be overwhelming to sort through the offerings, so we asked Library staff to share some of their favorite family-friendly streaming picks. (Pro tip: You do not have to be a kid to enjoy these.)

In general order of age recommendation, here they are. And if you need to get a Library card, go to spl.org/card or your closest Library branch, or call 206-386-4636 to get started.

Ernest & Celestine: Based on the classic Belgian book series, this cozy movie takes you deep below snowy, cobblestone streets, where a civilization of hardworking mice live. Celestine the mouse is an artist and a dreamer, and when she nearly ends up as breakfast for a bear named Ernest, the two form an unlikely bond. On Kanopy. Ages 3 and older

Molly of Denali: This animated series features Molly Mabray, a curious Alaska Native girl who helps her parents run the Denali Trading Post in the fictional village of Qyah. On Kanopy. Ages 4 and older

Anastasia: The award-winning 1997 animated film about the Russian royals features the evil wizard Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd), who puts a hex on the royal Romanovs. Young Anastasia (Meg Ryan) disappears when their palace is overrun. Will she make it back? With Angela Lansbury, John Cusack and Kelsey Grammer. On Hoopla. Rated G; ages 3 and older

PNB’s Stowell-Sendak ‘Nutcracker’: The beloved Seattle classic “Nutcracker” from Pacific Northwest Ballet – which “scared a generation of Seattle children,” as one of our staff remembered – is brought to the big screen, with sets by Maurice Sendak. On Hoopla. Ages 4 and older

Pee-Wee’s Playhouse: Pee-Wee Herman and his friends have wacky, imaginative fun in his unique playhouse. On Hoopla. Ages 6 and older

The Point: Released in 1970 by American songwriter and musician Harry Nilsson, this beloved story follows round-headed Oblio, who is banished from the fantastical kingdom of pointed heads and things for having no point. Read by Ringo Starr. On Hoopla.

The Secret of Kells: Steeped in Irish folklore, this Oscar-nominated animated movie is about a boy who lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. A new life of adventure beckons when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. On Kanopy. Ages 8 and older

Winter Break Fun: 8 Ways to Entertain Kids Through The Seattle Public Library

The Beacon Hill Branch children’s area. Photo by Anthony Martinez

Winter break is coming up – what’s your plan? If you need help keeping your children entertained and maybe even learning while they’re on break from school, The Seattle Public Library has many solutions, from new Read-Along books to streaming stories, TV and movies.

Find more programs and services at www.spl.org or at any of the Library’s 27 locations (www.spl.org/Hours), and find more ideas on our list of 50-plus things to do through the Library at www.spl.org/50things.

For young kids (ages 1-6)

Read-Along book kits at the Northeast Branch

Check out a Read-Along book: Families can now borrow from the Library’s new collection of Read-Along picture books, which come with an attached MP3 player on the inside front cover that reads the book aloud – no internet access needed. The collection includes over 50 titles and 500 copies, and has books in Spanish as well. Just go to your nearest branch and ask where the Read-Along books are.

Stream books and animated stories. You can also use your Library card to access services such as TumbleBooks, virtual books that let your kids read along, and BookFlix, a service with animated stories in both Spanish and English – just click on a category such as animals, adventure, music and rhyme and celebrations. Let these services do the reading for you!

December 2022 Events: Authors, Art, Holly, a Concert and More

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Brrr! Get cozy with The Seattle Public Library in December with engaging author programs, an art exhibit, a concert, fun events at the South Park Branch, a monthly movie and more.

Many of these events require registration. Find information and registration at event links or spl.org/Calendar. All Library events are free and open to the public.

Year of Wonder art by Kellie Kawahara-Niimi

Artist Exhibition 2022: First Thursday Artist Reception, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, Central Library (Level 8 Gallery). Join us today for a reception celebrating the opening of an exhibition of local artists who collaborated with the Library in 2022 to highlight programs such as the Year of Wonder and Summer of Learning. The exhibition is on view until Jan. 15, 2023.

Megan Asaka Discusses “Seattle from the Margins.” from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, Central Library (Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium). Seattle Times columnist Naomi Ishisaka will lead a discussion of Megan Asaka’s new book “Seattle from the Margins: Exclusion, Erasure, and the Making of a Pacific Coast City,” which recognizes the marginalized communities who made Seattle what it is today.

 

Holly Days: Creating holiday décor out of invasive plants. From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6, South Park Branch. Join community naturalist Nicolasa Hernandez in creating beautiful wreaths, garlands, and sprays using invasive plants. Basic materials provided. Please bring any special items to add a personal touch. For teens and adults, this workshop will be offered in English and Spanish.