In its 5th year of participating in the September Project, the Seattle Public Library is organizing a suite of events that are provocative, diverse, and worth attending. The Seattle Library–especially my old neighborhood branches of Ballard and Capitol Hill–holds a dear place in my heart. If you’re in town, please attend at least ONE of their events!
“All the King’s Men”: Front Porch Theatre
7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10
Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium
The Seattle Public Library and Intiman Theatre present the first in a series of county-wide, informal dramatic readings from Robert Penn Warren’s “All the King’s Men,” adapted for the stage by Adrian Hall. A dialogue about how the story resonates in this historic presidential election year will follow the readings. Join Seattle luminaries and community members and bring family and friends to create a storytelling circle; read a 40-minute excerpt from the play aloud and bring the characters of this monumental tale of politics, power and history to life. For more information: www.intiman.org
Eric Liu and Nick Hanauer: “The True Patriot”
7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11
Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25
Capitol Hill Branch6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8
Green Lake BranchWho gets to call themselves a patriot? In this presidential election year, the true meaning of patriotism will be widely contested. Join authors Nick Hanauer and Eric Liu for a lively civic discussion of their new book and what it means to love America and be a patriotic citizen. For more information: http://www.truepat.org
“The Corporal’s Diary”: Film screening and discussion
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23
Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium“The Corporal’s Diary” tells a timely and timeless soldier’s story. Jonathan Santos, 22, documents his 37 days in Iraq on video and in writing, never knowing that day 38 would be his last. From high explosives to clandestine home brew, his video footage and witty narrative tie together personal musings on life, death, and the future he imagined but would never see. His best friend Matthew, who barely survives, brings the war back home. For more information: http://thecorporalsdiary.com
Filmmakers Patricia Boiko and Laurel Spellman and members of the Santos family will attend the screening.
Robert Fisk, “Age of the Warrior: Selected Essays”
7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26
Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium
The veteran British war correspondent best known for his insightful writing on the contemporary Middle East reads from essays collected from his articles in the Independent. Topics include terrorism, the sinking of the Titanic, Iraq and Israel, Ireland and Fisk family history.
This program is presented in cooperation with The Elliott Bay Book Co. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
All events are free and open to the public. Tickets and reservations are not required. Limited parking in the Central Library garage is available for a $5 special event rate. Limited parking at branches is free. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins.
